Air conditioning system and operation control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an air conditioning system and an operation control method thereof, and relates to the technical field of air conditioning systems, in particular to an air conditioning system and an operation control method thereof. The air conditioning system comprises a refrigeration cycle circuit, the refrigeration cycle circuit comprises an adjusting section, the adjusting section comprises a first end and a second end which are arranged in sequence along a refrigerant flow direction, and a first communication valve is arranged between the first end and the second end; a cold storage circuit is connected in parallel with the adjusting section; wherein the cold storage circuit comprises a cold storage module and a second communication valve, one end of the second communication valve is connected with a refrigerant input end of the cold storage module, the other end of the second communication valve is connected with the first end, and a refrigerant output end of the cold storage module is connected with the second end. According to the air conditioning system and the operation control method thereof, the refrigeration cycle circuit and the cold storage circuit are arranged, the first communication valve and the second communication valve are used for controlling the opening and closing of the cold storage, the air conditioning system can release cold in the power peak period, the refrigeration capacity of the air conditioning system can be supplemented, the problem of unstable refrigeration capacity of the air conditioning system in the power peak period is solved, and the power consumption cost of the air conditioning system is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning, and in particular to an air conditioning system and its operation control method. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioning systems in special locations such as computer rooms and equipment rooms generally require 24 / 7 operation due to the specific nature of their environment. This means the systems need to provide uninterrupted cooling. However, during peak electricity demand periods, the grid load can be excessive, potentially leading to power line congestion or overload, resulting in power shortages or unstable power supply. Consequently, the air conditioning systems cannot provide stable cooling capacity. Furthermore, many regions now have peak-valley electricity pricing policies to accommodate varying electricity demand at different times of day, with prices being relatively higher during peak hours. This results in higher electricity costs for air conditioning systems during peak periods. Therefore, how to avoid unstable cooling capacity of air conditioning systems during peak hours and how to reduce their electricity costs are technical problems that those skilled in the art need to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides an air conditioning system and its operation control method, which aims to solve the problem of unstable cooling capacity of the air conditioning system during peak electricity consumption periods and reduce the electricity cost of the air conditioning system.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an air conditioning system, comprising:

[0005] A refrigeration cycle circuit, the refrigeration cycle circuit including a regulating section, the regulating section including a first end and a second end arranged sequentially along the refrigerant flow direction, and a first connecting valve arranged between the first end and the second end;

[0006] The cold storage circuit is connected in parallel with the regulating section;

[0007] The cold storage circuit includes a cold storage module and a second connecting valve. One end of the second connecting valve is connected to the refrigerant input end of the cold storage module, and the other end of the second connecting valve is connected to the first end. The refrigerant output end of the cold storage module is connected to the second end.

[0008] Preferably, the cold storage circuit further includes a one-way valve, the input end of which is connected to the refrigerant output end of the cold storage module, and the output end of which is connected to the second end.

[0009] Preferably, the refrigeration cycle loop further includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a compressor, and the refrigeration cycle loop is formed by passing through the compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and finally returning to the compressor. The cold storage loop is arranged in parallel between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0010] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide an operation control method for an air conditioning system, the method comprising:

[0011] During the operation of the air conditioning system, detect the current electricity price range;

[0012] If the current electricity price range is in the low price range, then the system enters the cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and use the cold storage circuit for cold storage.

[0013] If the current electricity price range is in the high price range, the system will enter the cooling release mode, reduce the cooling output of the air conditioning system, and release the cooling using the cold storage circuit.

[0014] Preferably, if the current electricity price range is a low-price range, then the system enters a cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizes the cold storage circuit for cold storage, including:

[0015] Get the time remaining from the end of the low-price range to the current time point, and compare it with the cold storage duration threshold;

[0016] If the duration is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold, the system enters the cold storage mode; if the duration is greater than the cold storage duration threshold, the duration is acquired again after a preset interval and compared with the cold storage duration threshold until the duration is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold, and then the system enters the cold storage mode.

[0017] Preferably, if the current electricity price range is a low-price range, then the system enters a cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizes the cold storage circuit for cold storage, including:

[0018] In cold storage mode, the temperature at the refrigerant input terminal and the temperature at the refrigerant output terminal are detected and compared.

[0019] If the temperature difference between the refrigerant input terminal and the refrigerant output terminal is less than or equal to a preset difference, the cold storage mode will be exited.

[0020] Preferably, if the current electricity price range is a low-price range, then the system enters a cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizes the cold storage circuit for cold storage, including:

[0021] In cold storage mode, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system is detected and compared with the set temperature of the air conditioner;

[0022] If the indoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the air conditioner's set temperature, then the air conditioner's set temperature should be lowered.

[0023] Preferably, if the current electricity price range is a low-price range, then the system enters a cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizes the cold storage circuit for cold storage, including:

[0024] In cold storage mode, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system is detected and compared with the preset upper limit temperature of the indoor environment;

[0025] If the indoor ambient temperature is higher than the upper limit of the indoor ambient temperature, the operating parameters of the air conditioning system are adjusted to lower the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system.

[0026] Preferably, if the current electricity price range is a high-price range, then the system enters a cooling release mode to reduce the cooling output of the air conditioning system and utilizes the cold storage circuit for cooling release, including:

[0027] In the cooling release mode, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system is detected and compared with the preset upper limit temperature of the indoor ambient temperature; if the indoor ambient temperature is greater than the upper limit temperature of the indoor ambient temperature, the reduction of the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system is stopped.

[0028] Preferred options also include:

[0029] If the current time period is a normal range, then obtain the electricity price range for the next time period;

[0030] If the electricity price range for the next period is a low price range, then increase the air conditioner's set temperature.

[0031] If the electricity price range for the next period is a high price range, then obtain the time elapsed between the current time point and the end time of the normal range, and compare it with the cold storage duration threshold.

[0032] If the duration is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold, the air conditioner setting temperature will be lowered.

[0033] This invention discloses an air conditioning system and its operation control method. The air conditioning system includes: a refrigeration cycle loop, the refrigeration cycle loop including a regulating section, the regulating section including a first end and a second end arranged sequentially along the refrigerant flow direction, and a first connecting valve arranged between the first end and the second end; and a cold storage loop connected in parallel with the regulating section; wherein, the cold storage loop includes a cold storage module and a second connecting valve, one end of the second connecting valve being connected to the refrigerant input end of the cold storage module, the other end of the second connecting valve being connected to the first end, and the refrigerant output end of the cold storage module being connected to the second end. This invention, through the setting of a refrigeration cycle loop and a cold storage loop, and the parallel connection of the cold storage loop with the regulating section in the refrigeration cycle loop, and the control of the opening and closing of the cold storage in the air conditioning system using a first connecting valve and a second connecting valve, utilizes the cold storage module to store cold in the cold storage mode. This allows the air conditioning system to supplement its cooling capacity during peak electricity consumption periods by releasing cold through the cold storage module. This solves the problem of unstable cooling capacity caused by unstable power supply during peak electricity consumption periods. Furthermore, by storing cold during off-peak periods when electricity prices are low and releasing cold during peak periods when electricity prices are high, the energy consumption and electricity costs of the air conditioning system are reduced, thereby lowering electricity costs. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 An example diagram illustrating an operation control method for an air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 Another example diagram of an air conditioning system operation control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0040] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0042] Please see below. Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system specifically includes:

[0043] A refrigeration cycle circuit, the refrigeration cycle circuit including a regulating section, the regulating section including a first end 110 and a second end 120 arranged sequentially along the refrigerant flow direction, and a first connecting valve 130 arranged between the first end 110 and the second end 120.

[0044] The cold storage circuit is connected in parallel with the regulating section;

[0045] The cold storage circuit includes a cold storage module 210 and a second connecting valve 220. One end of the second connecting valve 220 is connected to the refrigerant input end of the cold storage module 210, and the other end of the second connecting valve 220 is connected to the first end 110. The refrigerant output end of the cold storage module 210 is connected to the second end 120.

[0046] In this embodiment, the air conditioning system is provided with a refrigeration cycle loop for the circulation of air conditioning refrigerant and a cold storage loop for cold storage and release. The cold storage loop is connected in parallel with the regulating section in the refrigeration cycle loop. By controlling the opening and closing of the first connecting valve 130 and the second connecting valve 220, the cold storage and release of the air conditioning system is realized in conjunction with the cold storage module 210.

[0047] When the air conditioning system is in normal cooling mode, the second connecting valve 220 is closed, i.e., the cold storage circuit is closed, and the first connecting valve 130 is open. The refrigerant flows sequentially through the first end 110, the first connecting valve 130, and the second end 120. When the air conditioning system is storing cold, the first connecting valve 130 is closed, and the second connecting valve 220 is opened. The refrigerant flows sequentially through the first end 110, the second connecting valve 220, and the refrigerant input end into the cold storage module 210, then exits from the cold storage module 210 through the refrigerant output end, and finally flows through the second end 120 to complete the circulation within the cold storage circuit. During this process, the cold storage module 210 absorbs some of the cold energy in the refrigerant for cold storage. When the air conditioning system is in peak electricity consumption period, the first connecting valve 130 is closed, and the second connecting valve 220 is opened. The refrigerant flows through the cold storage module 210 and takes away the cold energy stored in the cold storage module 210, supplementing the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system, thereby solving the problem of unstable cooling capacity of the air conditioning system caused by unstable power supply during peak electricity consumption periods.

[0048] In a specific embodiment, the first connecting valve 130 and the second connecting valve 220 can be shut-off valves without opening adjustment function, or they can be regulating valves with opening adjustment function. When the first connecting valve 130 and the second connecting valve 220 are shut-off valves, the switching between conventional cooling and cold storage in the air conditioning system is achieved by opening and closing the shut-off valves. When the first connecting valve 130 and the second connecting valve 220 are regulating valves, the cold storage of the air conditioning system can be regulated by controlling the opening of the regulating valves. For example, when the air conditioning system is storing cold, the first connecting valve 130 and the second connecting valve 220 can be opened simultaneously, and the amount of refrigerant passing through the refrigeration cycle loop and the cold storage loop can be controlled by adjusting the opening, so that the air conditioning system can store cold while taking into account the current cooling effect.

[0049] In one embodiment, the cold storage circuit further includes a one-way valve 230, the input end of which is connected to the refrigerant output end of the cold storage module 210, and the output end of which is connected to the second end 120.

[0050] In this embodiment, by setting a one-way valve 230 in the cold storage circuit and connecting the input and output ends of the one-way valve 230 to the refrigerant output end and the second end 120 respectively, the backflow phenomenon of refrigerant after being output from the cold storage module 210 is avoided, thereby improving the safety and stability of the air conditioning system.

[0051] In one embodiment, the refrigeration cycle loop further includes a first heat exchanger 310, a second heat exchanger 320, and a compressor 330. The refrigeration cycle loop is formed by passing through the compressor 330, the first heat exchanger 310, the second heat exchanger 320, and finally returning to the compressor 330. The cold storage loop is arranged in parallel between the first heat exchanger 310 and the second heat exchanger 320.

[0052] In this embodiment, the refrigeration cycle loop is further provided with a first heat exchanger 310, a second heat exchanger 320, and a compressor 330. After being compressed in the compressor 330, the refrigerant is output and sequentially passes through the first heat exchanger 310 and the second heat exchanger 320 for heat exchange, and finally returns to the compressor 330, thus forming a refrigeration cycle loop. A cold storage loop is set in parallel between the first heat exchanger 310 and the second heat exchanger 320. When the air conditioning system performs cold storage, the refrigerant output from the first heat exchanger 310 passes through the cold storage loop, and a portion of the cold energy is absorbed by the cold storage module 210 in the cold storage loop, and then output from the cold storage module 210 to the second heat exchanger 320.

[0053] It should be noted that the names "first heat exchanger 310" and "second heat exchanger 320" in this embodiment are merely for distinction and do not imply a primary or secondary position, nor do they imply that the refrigerant always passes through either the first or second heat exchanger 320 first. Their specific positions and operating order are determined by the specific application scenario. In other embodiments, "first heat exchanger 310" and "second heat exchanger 320" can be replaced with other names. For example, in one specific embodiment, the first heat exchanger 310 is a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 320 is an evaporator. When the air conditioning system is cooling, the refrigerant passes through the condenser first and then the evaporator; while when the air conditioning system is heating, the refrigerant passes through the evaporator first and then the condenser.

[0054] The refrigerant, after being condensed in the condenser, is cooled again until its temperature is below its saturation temperature at its condensing pressure. This process is called subcooling, and the temperature difference before and after subcooling is called the degree of subcooling. Subcooling can increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system. In the air conditioning system's cold release mode, the cold storage module 210 functions to increase the degree of subcooling of the refrigerant.

[0055] In addition, when the second heat exchanger 320 is an evaporator, a throttling capillary tube can be installed in the evaporator to throttle and regulate the refrigerant.

[0056] In another specific embodiment, the air conditioning system further includes a four-way valve 340, a gas-liquid separator 350, and an electronic expansion valve 360. The four-way valve 340 is used to switch the refrigerant flow direction; the gas-liquid separator 350 is used to separate gas and liquid in the refrigerant, thereby protecting the safe operation of the air conditioning system; and the electronic expansion valve 360 ​​is used to realize functions such as flow regulation.

[0057] Combination Figure 2 As shown, embodiments of the present invention also provide an operation control method for an air conditioning system as described in any of the preceding claims, the operation control method comprising:

[0058] During the operation of the air conditioning system, detect the current electricity price range;

[0059] If the current electricity price range is in the low price range, then the system enters the cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and use the cold storage circuit for cold storage.

[0060] If the current electricity price range is in the high price range, the system will enter the cooling release mode, reduce the cooling output of the air conditioning system, and release the cooling using the cold storage circuit.

[0061] In this embodiment, the electricity price range during which the air conditioning system is running is first detected, and then different operating modes are selected according to different electricity price ranges to adjust the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system, and the cold storage circuit is used for cold storage or cold release.

[0062] Specifically, in the low-price range, the first connecting valve 130 is closed and the second connecting valve 220 is opened, and the air conditioning system enters the cold storage mode. The refrigerant enters the cold storage circuit through the second connecting valve 220, and the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system increases, which increases the amount of cold in the refrigerant entering the cold storage circuit. The cold storage circuit is then used to absorb the increased amount of cold in the refrigerant for cold storage.

[0063] In the high price range, it is also necessary to close the first connecting valve 130 and open the second connecting valve 220. After the air conditioning system enters the cold release mode, the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system decreases, which reduces the amount of cold contained in the refrigerant entering the cold storage circuit. When the refrigerant passes through the cold storage circuit, it takes away the amount of cold absorbed by the cold storage circuit, thereby completing the cold release of the cold storage circuit.

[0064] In specific application scenarios, when the electricity price range for each time period is fixed, the corresponding electricity price range for each time period can be pre-installed in the air conditioning system. When the air conditioning system is running, it can directly obtain the electricity price range for the current time period. However, when the electricity price range for each time period is not fixed, the air conditioning system can obtain the electricity price range for the current time period by connecting to the Internet via Wi-Fi, or by obtaining the electricity price through the remote control, or by detecting the electricity price through a host computer.

[0065] In a specific embodiment, the operating frequency of the air conditioning system can be gradually increased by a certain margin to increase cooling capacity, or the operating frequency of the air conditioning system can be gradually decreased by a certain margin to decrease cooling capacity. For example, the operating frequency of the air conditioning system can be increased or decreased by 1Hz every 15 minutes. A threshold for increasing the operating frequency of the air conditioning system can also be set, for example, setting the maximum increase or decrease of the operating frequency of the air conditioning system to 5Hz.

[0066] In one embodiment, if the current electricity price range is a low-price range, then entering the cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizing the cold storage circuit for cold storage includes:

[0067] Get the time remaining from the end of the low-price range to the current time point, and compare it with the cold storage duration threshold;

[0068] If the duration is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold, the system enters the cold storage mode; if the duration is greater than the cold storage duration threshold, the duration is acquired again after a preset interval and compared with the cold storage duration threshold until the duration is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold, and then the system enters the cold storage mode.

[0069] In this embodiment, by detecting the electricity price range, the duration of the current time point from the end time of the low-price range is obtained and compared with the cold storage duration threshold. If the duration of the current time point from the end time of the low-price range is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold, the cold storage mode is entered. If the duration of the current time point from the end time of the low-price range is greater than the cold storage duration threshold, the data is obtained and compared again after a preset interval, until the duration is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold and the cold storage mode is entered.

[0070] If the air conditioning system enters the cold storage mode too early, the stored cold energy in the cold storage circuit will gradually dissipate over time, resulting in wasted cold energy. If the air conditioning system enters the cold storage mode too late, there will be insufficient time for cold storage, leading to insufficient stored cold energy in the cold storage circuit and affecting the cold release effect. This embodiment of the invention determines the timing of the air conditioning system entering the cold storage mode based on the time remaining before the end of the low-price period, thus avoiding the system entering the cold storage mode too early or too late. In specific implementations, the cold storage duration threshold can be set according to actual needs; for example, it can preferably be set to 3 hours.

[0071] In one embodiment, if the current electricity price range is a low-price range, then entering the cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizing the cold storage circuit for cold storage includes:

[0072] In cold storage mode, the temperature at the refrigerant input terminal and the temperature at the refrigerant output terminal are detected and compared.

[0073] If the temperature difference between the refrigerant input terminal and the refrigerant output terminal is less than or equal to a preset difference, the cold storage mode will be exited.

[0074] In this embodiment, the temperatures at the refrigerant input and output terminals are detected and compared in cold storage mode. When the difference between the refrigerant input and output temperatures is less than or equal to a preset difference, it indicates that the cold storage capacity of the cold storage module 210 has reached or is close to its upper limit. The cold storage module 210 no longer absorbs cold energy from the refrigerant, so the first connecting valve 130 is opened, the second connecting valve 220 is closed, and the increase in the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system is stopped, exiting the cold storage mode. If the difference between the refrigerant input and output temperatures is greater than the preset difference, it indicates that the cold storage capacity of the cold storage module 210 has not approached its upper limit, and cold storage continues.

[0075] Combination Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, if the current electricity price range is a low-price range, then entering the cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizing the cold storage circuit for cold storage includes:

[0076] In cold storage mode, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system is detected and compared with the set temperature of the air conditioner;

[0077] If the indoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the air conditioner's set temperature, then the air conditioner's set temperature should be lowered.

[0078] In this embodiment, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system in cold storage mode is first detected, and then compared with the air conditioning set temperature. When the indoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the air conditioning set temperature, the air conditioning set temperature is lowered. Because the cold storage mode increases the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system, the indoor ambient temperature may decrease. Normally, when the indoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the air conditioning set temperature, the air conditioning system would execute a shutdown logic to stop cooling, preventing the low ambient temperature from affecting the operation of equipment in the air conditioning system's working environment. This embodiment lowers the air conditioning set temperature to prevent the air conditioning system from executing the shutdown logic initially, thus allowing the air conditioning system to continue cooling and storing cold.

[0079] In one specific embodiment, an environmental limit temperature can be set, for example, the environmental limit temperature can be set to 20°C. When the indoor ambient temperature is lower than 25°C, the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system will stop increasing and the air conditioning set temperature will be lowered to the same as the indoor ambient temperature. This allows the air conditioning system to continue cooling and storing cold without executing the shutdown logic. When the indoor ambient temperature is lower than 20°C, the shutdown logic will be executed, thereby avoiding the air conditioning system from being affected by the low ambient temperature.

[0080] In another specific embodiment, if the current electricity price range is a high-price range, but no cold storage was performed before the current time period or the cold storage module 210 has been depleted, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system is detected and compared with a preset upper limit temperature. If the indoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the upper limit temperature, the air conditioning system's set temperature is increased according to a preset time interval and magnitude, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioning system and thus reducing costs. Specifically, the upper limit temperature, the preset time interval, and the magnitude can all be adjusted according to actual conditions. For example, the upper limit temperature can be set to 35°C, and when the indoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to 35°C, the set temperature is increased by 0.5°C every 10 minutes. Furthermore, an upper limit for the air conditioning set temperature can be set, for example, to 3°C, meaning that the increase stops when the set temperature reaches 3°C, thus preventing the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system from becoming too high.

[0081] In one embodiment, if the current electricity price range is a low-price range, then entering the cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizing the cold storage circuit for cold storage includes:

[0082] In cold storage mode, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system is detected and compared with the preset upper limit temperature of the indoor environment;

[0083] If the indoor ambient temperature is higher than the upper limit of the indoor ambient temperature, the operating parameters of the air conditioning system are adjusted to lower the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system.

[0084] In this embodiment, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system in cold storage mode is first detected, and then compared with the upper limit temperature of the indoor environment. When the indoor ambient temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature, the operating parameters of the air conditioning system are adjusted to lower the indoor ambient temperature. Because some of the cooling capacity in the refrigerant of the air conditioning system is absorbed by the cold storage module 210 in cold storage mode, the cooling capacity dissipated into the indoor environment by the air conditioning system may be insufficient; or, because increasing the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system in cold storage mode may lead to increased energy consumption and increased heat generation, both of these factors can cause the indoor ambient temperature to be too high, thus affecting the normal operation of equipment in the air conditioning system's working environment. Therefore, it is necessary to lower the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system.

[0085] In a specific embodiment, when adjusting the operating parameters of the air conditioning system, a time interval can be set, and the speed of the outdoor fan of the air conditioning system can be adjusted according to the time interval to reduce the indoor ambient temperature. For example, if the time interval is set to 3 minutes, the outdoor fan speed is reduced by 10 rpm every 3 minutes until the indoor ambient temperature is not higher than the upper limit of the indoor ambient temperature. In addition, if the indoor ambient temperature is still higher than the upper limit of the indoor ambient temperature after the outdoor fan speed reaches its maximum, the second connecting valve 220 needs to be closed, the first connecting valve 130 needs to be opened, and the increase in the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system needs to be stopped, thus exiting the cold storage mode.

[0086] In one embodiment, if the current electricity price range is a high-price range, then entering the cooling release mode reduces the cooling output of the air conditioning system and utilizes the cold storage circuit for cooling release, including:

[0087] In the cooling release mode, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system is detected and compared with the preset upper limit temperature of the indoor ambient temperature; if the indoor ambient temperature is greater than the upper limit temperature of the indoor ambient temperature, the reduction of the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system is stopped.

[0088] In this embodiment, the indoor ambient temperature is first detected in the cold release mode, and then compared with a preset upper limit for the indoor ambient temperature. When the indoor ambient temperature is greater than the upper limit, the reduction of the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system is stopped. In cold release mode, the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system is reduced, and the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system is supplemented by the release of cold from the cold storage circuit. In this case, the cold storage circuit may not have enough stored cold, resulting in insufficient supplementation of cooling capacity. Therefore, it is necessary to stop reducing the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system to ensure its cooling capacity. If the indoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the upper limit of the indoor ambient temperature, the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system continues to be reduced for cold release. Furthermore, in a specific embodiment, if the indoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the air conditioning set temperature during the cold release mode operation, the air conditioning set temperature is lowered so that the air conditioning system does not immediately execute the shutdown logic.

[0089] In one embodiment, the operation control method further includes:

[0090] If the current time period is a normal range, then obtain the electricity price range for the next time period;

[0091] If the electricity price range for the next period is a low price range, then increase the air conditioner's set temperature.

[0092] If the electricity price range for the next period is a high price range, then obtain the time elapsed between the current time point and the end time of the normal range, and compare it with the cold storage duration threshold.

[0093] If the duration is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold, the air conditioner setting temperature will be lowered.

[0094] In this embodiment, when the electricity price range during the current operating period of the air conditioning system is in the normal range, the electricity price range for the next period is obtained. Since the electricity price in the normal range is higher than that in the low-price range, and the electricity price in the high-price range is higher than that in the normal range, when the next period is in the low-price range, the air conditioning set temperature needs to be increased to reduce the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system. Then, in the low-price range, the air conditioning set temperature is increased again to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system, thereby saving the electricity cost of the air conditioning system while ensuring the cooling effect of the air conditioning system.

[0095] When the next period is a high-price period, the time remaining from the end of the normal period is obtained and compared with the cold storage time threshold. If the time remaining from the end of the normal period is less than or equal to the cold storage time threshold, the air conditioner setting temperature is lowered and the cooling capacity is increased, thereby lowering the indoor ambient temperature in advance. This reduces the cooling capacity required for the next high-price period and saves on the electricity cost of the air conditioning system.

[0096] In one specific embodiment, the air conditioning system can also be adjusted according to the indoor ambient temperature during normal periods. For example, when the electricity price range for the next period is low, if the indoor ambient temperature is higher than the upper limit of the indoor ambient temperature, the air conditioning set temperature is lowered to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and prevent the indoor ambient temperature from becoming too high; if the indoor ambient temperature is lower than or equal to the upper limit of the indoor ambient temperature, the air conditioning set temperature is increased according to a preset increase interval (e.g., 0.5°C every 15 minutes, up to a maximum of 2°C).

[0097] In another specific embodiment, when the electricity price range of the next period is a high price range, and the time from the end of the normal range to the current time point is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold, the air conditioner setting temperature can also be reduced by a preset reduction amount (e.g., 0.5℃ every 10 minutes, up to a maximum reduction of 4℃).

[0098] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the systems disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the descriptions are relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to in the method section. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this application without departing from the principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this application.

[0099] It should also be noted that, in this specification, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the operation of an air conditioning system, the air conditioning system comprising: A refrigeration cycle loop, comprising a regulating section, the regulating section including a first end and a second end arranged sequentially along the refrigerant flow direction, a first connecting valve disposed between the first end and the second end; and a cold storage loop connected in parallel with the regulating section; wherein the cold storage loop includes a cold storage module and a second connecting valve, one end of the second connecting valve being connected to the refrigerant input end of the cold storage module, the other end of the second connecting valve being connected to the first end, and the refrigerant output end of the cold storage module being connected to the second end, characterized in that the operation control method includes: During the operation of the air conditioning system, detect the current electricity price range; If the current electricity price range is in the low price range, then the system enters the cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and use the cold storage circuit for cold storage. If the current electricity price range is in the high price range, then the system enters the cooling release mode, reduces the cooling output of the air conditioning system, and uses the cold storage circuit to release the cooling. If the current electricity price range is low, then the system enters a cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizes the cold storage circuit for cold storage, including: In cold storage mode, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system is detected and compared with the set temperature of the air conditioner; If the indoor ambient temperature is less than or equal to the air conditioner's set temperature, then the air conditioner's set temperature should be lowered.

2. The operation control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the current electricity price range is low, then the system enters a cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizes the cold storage circuit for cold storage, including: Get the time remaining from the end of the low-price range to the current time point, and compare it with the cold storage duration threshold; If the duration is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold, the system enters the cold storage mode; if the duration is greater than the cold storage duration threshold, the duration is acquired again after a preset interval and compared with the cold storage duration threshold until the duration is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold, and then the system enters the cold storage mode.

3. The operation control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the current electricity price range is low, then the system enters a cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizes the cold storage circuit for cold storage, including: In cold storage mode, the temperature at the refrigerant input terminal and the temperature at the refrigerant output terminal are detected and compared. If the temperature difference between the refrigerant input terminal and the refrigerant output terminal is less than or equal to a preset difference, the cold storage mode will be exited.

4. The operation control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the current electricity price range is low, then the system enters a cold storage mode to increase the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system and utilizes the cold storage circuit for cold storage, including: In cold storage mode, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system is detected and compared with the preset upper limit temperature of the indoor environment; If the indoor ambient temperature is higher than the upper limit of the indoor ambient temperature, the operating parameters of the air conditioning system are adjusted to lower the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system.

5. The operation control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the current electricity price range is in a high-price range, then the system enters a cooling release mode to reduce the cooling output of the air conditioning system and utilizes the cold storage circuit for cooling release, including: In the cooling release mode, the indoor ambient temperature of the air conditioning system is detected and compared with the preset upper limit temperature of the indoor environment; if the indoor ambient temperature is greater than the upper limit temperature of the indoor environment, the reduction of the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system is stopped.

6. The operation control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: If the current time period is a normal range, then obtain the electricity price range for the next time period; If the electricity price range for the next period is a low price range, then increase the air conditioner's set temperature. If the electricity price range for the next period is a high price range, then obtain the time elapsed between the current time point and the end time of the normal range, and compare it with the cold storage duration threshold. If the duration is less than or equal to the cold storage duration threshold, the air conditioner setting temperature is lowered.

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