Oxygen treatment system and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The application provides an oxygen treatment system and a control method thereof. The oxygen treatment system comprises an oxygen treatment device for treating oxygen through an electrochemical reaction and a liquid supplementing device for supplementing liquid to the oxygen treatment device, and the control method comprises: acquiring a real-time value of a time interval for supplementing liquid to the liquid supplementing device; judging whether the oxygen treatment system leaks liquid according to the real-time value of the time interval; and outputting a fault prompt signal if the oxygen treatment system leaks liquid. By using the method, the oxygen adjustment function of the oxygen treatment device can be reduced or avoided from being disabled due to liquid leakage, and the surrounding environment is protected from being eroded by electrolyte by monitoring whether the oxygen treatment system leaks liquid and timely reminding the user to take remedial measures when liquid leakage occurs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to modified atmosphere storage technology, and in particular to an oxygen processing system and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology extends the shelf life of food by adjusting the composition of ambient gases. Oxygen treatment devices use electrochemical reactions at electrodes to process oxygen, creating either a low-oxygen or high-oxygen preservation atmosphere. Since the electrochemical reactions typically take place in an electrolyte and produce gases, these gases must be released into the external environment.

[0003] During the reaction, a large amount of heat is generated, causing the electrolyte to evaporate. This means that trace amounts of electrolyte may be carried in the gas emitted by the oxygen treatment device. Therefore, a replenishment device is needed in the oxygen treatment system to replenish the electrolyte. The inventors recognized that if the oxygen treatment system leaks, it will not only affect the normal functioning of oxygen regulation but may also cause the surrounding environment to be corroded by the electrolyte.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to overcome at least one technical defect in the prior art and to provide an oxygen treatment system and its control method.

[0006] A further objective of this invention is to monitor whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking and to promptly alert the user to take remedial measures when a leak occurs.

[0007] Another further objective of this invention is to simplify the means of determining whether an oxygen treatment system is leaking, while ensuring the accuracy of the determination results.

[0008] Another further objective of this invention is to improve the reliability of the oxygen treatment system operation and reduce the false alarm rate of oxygen treatment system leakage.

[0009] In particular, according to one aspect of the present invention, a control method for an oxygen treatment system is provided, the oxygen treatment system comprising an oxygen treatment device for treating oxygen by an electrochemical reaction and a replenishment device for replenishing the oxygen treatment device with liquid, and the control method comprising:

[0010] Obtain the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing the fluid to the replenishing device;

[0011] The oxygen treatment system is judged to be leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval;

[0012] If so, a fault indication signal will be output.

[0013] Optionally, the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval includes:

[0014] Obtain the expected value of the time interval for replenishing the fluid to the replenishment device;

[0015] Determine whether the real-time value of the time interval is less than the expected value of the time interval;

[0016] If so, then the oxygen treatment system is confirmed to be leaking.

[0017] Optionally, the step of obtaining an expected value for the time interval for replenishing the fluid to the replenishment device includes:

[0018] The operating duration of the oxygen treatment device within the time interval is obtained;

[0019] The expected value of the time interval is determined based on the operating time of the oxygen treatment device.

[0020] Optionally, the step of determining the expected value of the time interval based on the operating duration of the oxygen treatment device includes:

[0021] The amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction is calculated based on the operating time of the oxygen treatment device.

[0022] The expected value of the time interval is determined based on the amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction.

[0023] Optionally, the step of determining the expected value of the time interval based on the amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction includes:

[0024] The amount of liquid loss caused by non-electrochemical reactions in the oxygen treatment device during the time interval is calculated based on the amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction.

[0025] Obtain the liquid loss rate caused by the non-electrochemical reaction;

[0026] The expected value of the time interval is determined based on the amount of liquid loss caused by the non-electrochemical reaction and the liquid loss rate.

[0027] Optionally, the step of calculating the amount of liquid loss caused by non-electrochemical reactions of the oxygen treatment device during the time interval based on the amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction includes:

[0028] The total amount of liquid replenished by the replenishment device to the oxygen treatment device during the time interval is obtained.

[0029] The difference between the total amount of liquid and the amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction is calculated as the amount of liquid loss caused by non-electrochemical reactions of the oxygen treatment device during the time interval.

[0030] Optionally, if the real-time value of the time interval is determined to be less than the expected value of the time interval, and before performing the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking, the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval further includes:

[0031] Verify that the oxygen treatment system is not leaking;

[0032] If a leak is confirmed, proceed with the step of determining the leak in the oxygen treatment system.

[0033] Optionally, the step of verifying whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking includes:

[0034] Determine that the oxygen treatment device is in a shutdown state, and determine that the liquid level of the replenishment device has reached the preset target liquid level;

[0035] Calculate the theoretical value of the time interval for replenishment caused by the non-electrochemical reaction of the oxygen treatment device;

[0036] The real-time value of the time interval for replenishing the fluid to the replenishing device is obtained again;

[0037] Determine whether the real-time value of the time interval is less than the theoretical value of the time interval;

[0038] If so, then it is verified as a leak.

[0039] Optionally, the liquid replenishment device is equipped with a liquid level monitoring device for detecting the liquid level; and

[0040] The step of obtaining the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing the fluid to the replenishment device includes:

[0041] The first and second time points are obtained when the liquid level monitoring device detects that the liquid level of the replenishment device has dropped to the minimum safe liquid level in two consecutive instances.

[0042] The real-time value of the time interval is determined based on the difference between the first time point and the second time point.

[0043] According to one aspect of the present invention, an oxygen treatment system is also provided, the oxygen treatment system comprising an oxygen treatment device for treating oxygen by an electrochemical reaction and a replenishment device for replenishing the oxygen treatment device with liquid, and further comprising:

[0044] A processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program, which, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method according to any of the above.

[0045] The oxygen treatment system and control method of the present invention acquire the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing liquid to the replenishing device, and determine whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval. If leakage is confirmed, a fault warning signal is output, enabling the oxygen treatment system to possess self-monitoring and fault warning capabilities. By monitoring whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking and promptly reminding the user to take remedial measures when leakage occurs, the failure of the oxygen regulation function of the oxygen treatment device due to leakage can be reduced or avoided, and the surrounding environment can be protected from electrolyte corrosion.

[0046] Furthermore, the oxygen treatment system and its control method of the present invention determine whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking by analyzing the time interval of the replenishment device. It has the advantages of simple sampling, simple analysis method, and high accuracy of analysis results. Moreover, it does not require an additional dedicated leakage monitoring mechanism in the oxygen treatment system, which helps to simplify the means of determining whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking, ensures the accuracy of the determination results, and reduces the manufacturing and operating costs of the system.

[0047] Furthermore, the oxygen treatment system and control method of the present invention, when the real-time value of the time interval is less than the expected value of the time interval, and before performing the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking, verifies whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking, and performs the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking if the verification is successful, which is beneficial to improving the reliability of the oxygen treatment system operation process and reducing the false judgment rate of oxygen treatment system leakage.

[0048] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0049] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of an oxygen treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of an oxygen treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fluid replenishment device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a control method for an oxygen treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a control flowchart of an oxygen treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The various embodiments provided are intended to explain the invention and not to limit it. In fact, various modifications and variations to the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, a feature illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, the invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0056] The following reference Figures 1 to 5 The present invention describes an oxygen treatment system 50 and its control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The terms "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," and "lateral," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship of the various components of the oxygen treatment system 50 in use. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing the present invention and for simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0057] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0058] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "a case," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0059] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] The present invention first provides an oxygen processing system 50. Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of an oxygen treatment system 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The oxygen treatment system 50 generally includes an oxygen treatment device 20, a liquid replenishment device 10, a processor 110, and a memory 120. Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of an oxygen treatment system 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the processor 110 and the memory 120 are omitted. The oxygen treatment system 50 of this embodiment is used to be installed in a refrigerator to treat the oxygen in the storage space of the refrigerator using the oxygen treatment device 20.

[0061] The oxygen treatment device 20 is used to treat oxygen through an electrochemical reaction, such as consuming oxygen and / or generating oxygen, thereby reducing and / or increasing the oxygen content of the space. The liquid replenishment device 10 is used to replenish the oxygen treatment device 20 with liquid.

[0062] The oxygen treatment device 20 generally includes a housing 210, an anode plate (not shown), and a cathode plate 220. The cathode plate 220 is used to consume oxygen through an electrochemical reaction under the action of an electrolysis voltage. The anode plate is used to provide reactants (e.g., electrons) to the cathode plate 220 and generate oxygen through an electrochemical reaction under the action of an electrolysis voltage.

[0063] When an electric current is applied, for example, oxygen in the air can undergo a reduction reaction at the cathode plate 220, namely: O2 + 2H2O + 4e - →4OH-. The OH- generated at the cathode plate 220 can undergo an oxidation reaction at the anode plate to produce oxygen, i.e.: 4OH-→O2+2H2O+4e - .

[0064] In this embodiment, the electrochemical reaction of the oxygen treatment device 20 leads to the loss of water in the electrolyte. Therefore, it is only necessary to replenish water to the oxygen treatment device 20, and the liquid in the replenishment device 10 can be water. Of course, in other embodiments, the replenishment device 10 can also replenish the oxygen treatment device 20 with an electrolyte of appropriate concentration.

[0065] The above examples of electrochemical reactions of the anode plate and cathode plate 220 are merely illustrative. Based on the understanding of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should be able to easily change the type of electrochemical reaction or extend the structure of the oxygen treatment device 20 to be applicable to other types of electrochemical reactions. All such changes and extensions should fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0066] An opening is provided on the side wall of the housing 210, and the cathode plate 220 can be disposed at the opening and together with the housing 210 define an electrolysis chamber for holding electrolyte. The anode plate can be disposed in the electrolysis chamber at intervals from the cathode plate 220.

[0067] The replenishment device 10 may generally include a housing 410. Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of a fluid replenishment device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] The interior of the housing 410 defines a liquid storage space 411 that is connected to the gas outlet and a liquid collection space 412 that is blocked. The liquid storage space 411 is used to filter oxygen from the oxygen treatment device 20. The liquid storage space 411 is used to hold liquids, such as water or other solutions. The type of liquid can be set according to the solubility characteristics of oxygen and the solubility characteristics of impurities contained in oxygen, as long as the impurities contained in oxygen can dissolve in the liquid while the oxygen itself hardly dissolves in the liquid. The housing 410 has an outlet 413 that communicates with the liquid storage space 411, which allows the liquid in the liquid storage space 411 to flow out of the liquid storage space 411 and into the electrolysis chamber of the oxygen treatment device 20. For example, a replenishment pipe 510 can be connected between the outlet 413 and the replenishment port 212 described below, which is used to guide the liquid flowing out of the liquid storage space 411 to the electrolysis chamber.

[0069] The housing 410 also has an injection port 416 that communicates with the liquid storage space 411, allowing liquid from outside the housing 410 to be injected into the liquid storage space 411 to replenish the liquid storage space 411. The highest point of the injection port 416 is lower than the lowest point of the gas collection space 412, so that the gas collection space 412 is physically confined above the liquid storage space 411 and is blocked from the liquid path of the liquid storage space 411.

[0070] The gas collection space 412 is connected to the external environment of the housing 410 to discharge oxygen filtered by the liquid storage space 411 from the housing 410. The liquid storage space 411 and the gas collection space 412 are connected by an airflow path but have a blocked liquid path. This means that while there is an airflow path between the liquid storage space 411 and the gas collection space 412, allowing for gas exchange, the liquid path between them is blocked, preventing liquid in the liquid storage space 411 from entering the gas collection space 412. The gas collection space 412 is not used to hold liquids; it is only used to collect and discharge oxygen filtered by the liquid storage space 411.

[0071] The housing 410 may have an air inlet 414 communicating with the liquid storage space 411 and an air outlet 415 communicating with the gas collection space 412. An air supply pipe 310 may be connected between the air inlet 414 and the exhaust port 211 described below, the air supply pipe 310 being used to guide the gas flowing out of the exhaust port 211 to the liquid storage space 411. The liquid replenishment device 10 may further include a filter pipe 420 and an air outlet pipe 430.

[0072] The filter pipe 420 is inserted into the gas collection space 412 from the air inlet 414 and extends into the liquid storage space 411 to guide the gas into the liquid storage space 411, so that soluble substances in the gas dissolve in the liquid storage space 411. The outlet pipe 430 is inserted into the gas collection space 412 from the air outlet 415 and extends above the lowest point of the gas collection space 412 to guide the filtered gas out of the housing 410.

[0073] The replenishment device 10 may further include a gas-blocking mechanism 440, which divides the liquid storage space 411 into a filtration zone and a non-filtration zone, where the gas path is blocked but the liquid path is connected. A filter pipe 420 extends into the filtration zone. The gas-blocking mechanism 440 may be a partition extending downwards from the inner surface of the top wall of the housing 410 to above the inner surface of the bottom wall of the housing 410, with a gap between it and the inner surface of the bottom wall of the housing 410, which allows the liquid path between the filtration zone and the non-filtration zone to communicate. The gas-blocking mechanism 440 blocks the gas path between the filtration zone and the non-filtration zone to prevent gas flowing into the filtration zone from entering the non-filtration zone. The liquid inlet 416 may connect to the non-filtration zone.

[0074] The housing 210 may have an exhaust port 211 for discharging oxygen produced by the electrochemical reaction of the anode plate. This exhaust port 211 can be connected to the liquid storage space 411 via a gas supply pipe 310. The housing 210 may also have a replenishment port 212 connected to the electrolysis chamber. This replenishment port 212 can be connected to the injection port 416 to allow liquid contained in the replenishment device 10 to flow into the electrolysis chamber of the housing 210. A liquid storage chamber communicating with the electrolysis chamber may be formed on one side of the electrolysis chamber of the housing 210; for example, a connection port may be formed between the electrolysis chamber and the liquid storage chamber. The replenishment port 212 connects to the liquid storage chamber to supply liquid to the liquid storage chamber, thereby indirectly replenishing the electrolysis chamber. A level switch may be installed in the liquid storage chamber to open and close the liquid passage between the replenishment port 212 and the liquid storage chamber based on the liquid level in the liquid storage chamber. In this way, the liquid volume in the oxygen treatment device 20 is in a dynamic equilibrium state. The amount of liquid supplied by the replenishment device 10 to the oxygen treatment device 20 can be indirectly determined.

[0075] There can be multiple openings, and each opening can be equipped with a cathode plate 220, with each cathode plate 220 facing an anode plate.

[0076] The memory 120 and processor 110 may form part of the main control board of the oxygen treatment system 50. The memory 120 and processor 110 may be at least part of the main control board of a refrigerator. The memory 120 stores a machine-executable program 121, which, when executed by the processor 110, is used to implement the control method of the oxygen treatment system 50 according to any of the following embodiments. The processor 110 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a digital processing unit (DSP), etc. The memory 120 is used to store the program executed by the processor 110. The memory 120 may be any medium capable of carrying or storing desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and accessible by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory 120 may also be a combination of various types of memory 120. Since the machine-executable program 121, when executed by the processor 110, implements the various processes of the following method embodiments and achieves the same technical effects, it will not be described again here to avoid repetition.

[0077] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a control method for an oxygen treatment system 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control method generally includes the following steps:

[0078] Step S402: Obtain the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing liquid to the replenishing device 10. The time interval for replenishing liquid to the replenishing device 10 refers to the difference between two consecutive times when replenishment begins, or it can refer to the difference between two consecutive times when the replenishing device 10 reaches the minimum safe liquid level. When the liquid level in the replenishing device 10 drops to the minimum safe liquid level, liquid needs to be replenished to prevent the oxygen treatment device 20 from running out of liquid.

[0079] Since the liquid volume in the oxygen treatment device 20 is in a dynamic equilibrium state, the liquid consumption of the oxygen treatment device 20 can be indirectly determined based on the liquid volume supplied to the oxygen treatment device 20 by the liquid replenishment device 10. Therefore, the liquid replenishment situation of the liquid replenishment device 10 can reflect the liquid flow status of the entire oxygen treatment system 50.

[0080] Step S404: Determine whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval. For example, the real-time value of the time interval can be compared with a preset standard value or a calculated standard value, and the oxygen treatment system 50 can be determined to be leaking based on the comparison result; or the amount of liquid not actually consumed by the oxygen treatment device 20 can be directly calculated based on the real-time value of the time interval, and whether the amount of liquid not actually consumed by the oxygen treatment device 20 exceeds a preset liquid volume value can be used to determine whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking.

[0081] There are several possible causes for leakage in the oxygen treatment system 50, such as damage to the oxygen treatment device 20, damage to the replenishment device 10, or a broken pipeline.

[0082] Step S406: If yes, output a fault warning signal. That is, if it is determined that the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking, output a fault warning signal to prompt the user and / or manufacturer to perform timely maintenance.

[0083] For example, a fault indication signal may be sent to a user terminal that is data-connected to the main control board of the oxygen processing unit 20, and / or to a designated fault handling station, but is not limited to this. The form of the fault indication signal may include, but is not limited to, text, sound, or voice.

[0084] Using the above method, by acquiring the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing liquid to the replenishing device 10, and determining whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval, and outputting a fault indication signal when it is determined that the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking, the oxygen treatment system 50 can be equipped with self-monitoring and fault indication capabilities. By monitoring whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking and promptly reminding the user to take remedial measures when a leak occurs, the failure of the oxygen regulation function of the oxygen treatment device 20 due to leakage can be reduced or avoided, and the surrounding environment can be protected from the corrosion of the electrolyte.

[0085] By analyzing the time interval of liquid replenishment by the replenishment device 10, it is possible to determine whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking. This method has the advantages of simple sampling, simple analysis method, and high accuracy of analysis results. Moreover, it does not require an additional dedicated leakage monitoring mechanism in the oxygen treatment system 50, which helps to simplify the means of determining whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking, ensures the accuracy of the determination results, and reduces the manufacturing and operating costs of the system.

[0086] Compared to methods that directly monitor changes in the liquid volume of the oxygen treatment device 20 to determine whether it is leaking, the method of the present invention overcomes the limitations of existing technologies. It can monitor and provide early warning not only for leaks in the oxygen treatment device 20, but also for leaks in the replenishment device 10 or pipelines, providing a more comprehensive means of monitoring and warning about leaks. Since it does not require direct data sampling of the liquid state of the structurally complex oxygen treatment device 20, the method of the present invention can be directly applied to multiple existing oxygen treatment devices 20 without modifying their structure, thus possessing the advantage of wide applicability.

[0087] In some optional embodiments, the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval includes: obtaining the expected value of the time interval for replenishing the liquid to the liquid replenishment device 10, determining whether the real-time value of the time interval is less than the expected value of the time interval, and if so, determining that the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking.

[0088] The expected time interval for replenishing the liquid to the replenishing device 10 reflects the actual liquid consumption of the oxygen treatment unit 20 when no leakage occurs, while the real-time time interval reflects the total actual liquid consumption of the oxygen treatment system 50. The actual liquid consumption of the oxygen treatment unit 20 refers to the liquid consumed during the exhaust process of the oxygen treatment unit 20 during electrochemical reaction and / or the liquid loss due to evaporation when the oxygen treatment unit 20 is not undergoing electrochemical reaction. If the oxygen treatment system 50 leaks, the total actual liquid consumption of the oxygen treatment system 50 includes both the actual liquid consumption of the oxygen treatment unit 20 and the leaked liquid. The expected time interval for replenishing the liquid to the replenishing device 10 can be a preset fixed value or can be obtained through calculation.

[0089] Using the above method, the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing the liquid to the replenishing device 10 can be evaluated based on the expected value of the time interval for replenishing the liquid to the replenishing device 10, thereby accurately determining whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking.

[0090] In some optional embodiments, the step of obtaining the expected value of the time interval for replenishing the liquid to the replenishment device 10 includes: obtaining the operating duration of the oxygen treatment device 20 within the time interval, and determining the expected value of the time interval based on the operating duration of the oxygen treatment device 20. When the oxygen treatment device 20 undergoes an electrochemical reaction, it can be energized according to a preset electrolysis voltage value to keep the rate of its electrochemical reaction constant.

[0091] For example, in this step, the operating time of the oxygen treatment device 20 can reflect the amount of liquid consumed during the exhaust process of the oxygen treatment device 20 during the electrochemical reaction. Based on the ratio between the amount of liquid consumed during the exhaust process of the oxygen treatment device 20 during the electrochemical reaction and the amount of liquid consumed during the exhaust process of the electrochemical reaction per unit time, the expected value of the time interval can be determined. Since the calculation process ignores the amount of liquid loss due to evaporation when the oxygen treatment device 20 is not undergoing an electrochemical reaction, the calculation process can be simplified to some extent.

[0092] Of course, in some other embodiments, in the step of determining the expected value of the time interval based on the operating time of the oxygen treatment device 20, the amount of liquid consumed during the exhaust process of the oxygen treatment device 20 during the electrochemical reaction can be determined first based on the operating time of the oxygen treatment device 20. Then, the amount of liquid lost due to evaporation when the oxygen treatment device 20 is not undergoing an electrochemical reaction can be further determined based on the amount of liquid lost due to evaporation when the oxygen treatment device 20 is not undergoing an electrochemical reaction. The expected value of the time interval can be determined based on the ratio between the amount of liquid lost due to evaporation when the oxygen treatment device 20 is not undergoing an electrochemical reaction and the amount of liquid lost due to evaporation per unit time when the oxygen treatment device 20 is not undergoing an electrochemical reaction.

[0093] In some optional embodiments, the step of determining the expected value of the time interval based on the operating duration of the oxygen treatment device 20 includes: calculating the amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction based on the operating duration of the oxygen treatment device 20, and determining the expected value of the time interval based on the amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction.

[0094] The step of calculating the liquid loss due to the electrochemical reaction based on the operating time of the oxygen treatment device 20 may include: obtaining the liquid loss rate caused by the electrochemical reaction of the oxygen treatment device 20, and calculating the product between the operating time of the oxygen treatment device 20 and the liquid loss rate caused by the electrochemical reaction as the liquid loss amount caused by the electrochemical reaction. The liquid loss rate caused by the electrochemical reaction of the oxygen treatment device 20 refers to the amount of liquid consumed during the exhaust process of the electrochemical reaction in the oxygen treatment device 20 per unit time. The liquid loss rate caused by the electrochemical reaction of the oxygen treatment device 20 can be determined through multiple experimental tests and preset based on the test results.

[0095] The steps for determining the expected value of the time interval based on the amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction include: calculating the amount of liquid loss from the oxygen treatment device 20 due to non-electrochemical reactions within the time interval based on the amount of liquid loss from the electrochemical reaction; obtaining the liquid loss rate due to non-electrochemical reactions; and determining the expected value of the time interval based on the amount of liquid loss from non-electrochemical reactions and the liquid loss rate. The liquid loss rate due to non-electrochemical reactions refers to the amount of liquid lost per unit time due to evaporation when the oxygen treatment device 20 is not undergoing an electrochemical reaction. The liquid loss rate due to non-electrochemical reactions can be determined through multiple experimental tests and preset based on the test results.

[0096] The test methods for the above-mentioned liquid loss rate and liquid runoff rate should be readily known to those skilled in the art based on their understanding of the various embodiments of this disclosure. In order not to obscure the inventive points of this invention, this disclosure will not elaborate further.

[0097] In determining the expected value of the time interval based on the amount of liquid loss caused by non-electrochemical reactions and the liquid loss rate, the ratio between the amount of liquid loss caused by non-electrochemical reactions and the liquid loss rate can be directly calculated as the expected value of the time interval.

[0098] Using the above method, since the liquid loss caused by non-electrochemical reaction is always ongoing and occurs at the beginning and end of the time interval for replenishing the liquid to the replenishing device 10, the expected value of the time interval determined by the amount of liquid loss caused by non-electrochemical reaction and the liquid loss rate can accurately reflect the actual value of the time interval for replenishing the liquid to the replenishing device 10 when no leakage occurs.

[0099] In some optional embodiments, the step of calculating the amount of liquid loss of the oxygen treatment device 20 due to non-electrochemical reactions within a time interval based on the amount of liquid loss caused by electrochemical reactions includes: obtaining the total amount of liquid replenished to the oxygen treatment device 20 by the replenishment device 10 within the time interval, and calculating the difference between the total amount of liquid and the amount of liquid loss caused by electrochemical reactions as the amount of liquid loss of the oxygen treatment device 20 due to non-electrochemical reactions within the time interval.

[0100] The total amount of liquid replenished by the replenishing device 10 to the oxygen treatment device 20 within the time interval is the change in liquid volume of the replenishing device 10 within the time interval. For example, when the time interval for replenishing the replenishing device 10 is the difference between the time points when replenishing the replenishing device 10 begins two consecutive times, the total amount of liquid replenished by the replenishing device 10 to the oxygen treatment device 20 within the time interval can be determined by the difference between the highest liquid volume of the replenishing device 10 after the previous replenishment and the lowest liquid volume of the replenishing device 10 before the next replenishment.

[0101] In some optional embodiments, the replenishment device 10 is provided with a liquid level monitoring device for detecting the liquid level, such as a liquid level sensor (not shown), which may be located at the bottom of the liquid storage space 411. The step of obtaining the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing the liquid to the replenishment device 10 includes obtaining a first time point and a second time point at which the liquid level monitoring device detects that the liquid level in the replenishment device 10 has dropped to the minimum safe liquid level in two consecutive instances, and determining the real-time value of the time interval based on the difference between the first time point and the second time point.

[0102] When the liquid level in the replenishment device 10 drops to the minimum safe level, the liquid level monitoring device can issue an indication signal to prompt the user to replenish the liquid in the replenishment device 10. In this embodiment, when the liquid level monitoring device detects that the liquid level in the replenishment device 10 has dropped to the minimum safe level and obtains a signal that the replenishment of the liquid in the replenishment device 10 is complete, it can mark the liquid volume in the replenishment device 10 at this time as a first value. After that, when the liquid level monitoring device detects that the liquid level in the replenishment device 10 has dropped to the minimum safe level again, it can mark the liquid volume in the replenishment device 10 at this time as a second value. By calculating the difference between the first value and the second value, the total amount of liquid replenished by the replenishment device 10 to the oxygen treatment device 20 within the time interval can be determined.

[0103] In some optional embodiments, if the real-time value of the time interval is less than the expected value of the time interval, and before performing the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking, the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval further includes: verifying whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking; if it is verified to be leaking, then the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking is performed. That is, this embodiment further adds a verification step, and only if the verification is successful is the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking performed.

[0104] The steps for verifying whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking include: determining that the oxygen treatment device 20 is in a shutdown state and determining that the liquid level of the replenishment device 10 has reached the preset target liquid level; calculating the theoretical value of the time interval for replenishment caused by the non-electrochemical reaction of the oxygen treatment device 20; obtaining the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing the liquid to the replenishment device 10 again; and determining whether the real-time value of the time interval is less than the theoretical value of the time interval. If so, it is verified as a leak.

[0105] For example, when the liquid level monitoring device detects that the liquid level of the replenishing device 10 has dropped to the minimum safe liquid level, if it is determined that the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing the liquid to the replenishing device 10 is less than the expected value, then a preset amount of liquid can be added to the replenishing device 10 to bring the liquid level of the replenishing device 10 to the preset target liquid level. The liquid loss rate caused by non-electrochemical reaction is obtained, and the theoretical value of the time interval is determined based on the ratio between the preset amount of liquid added to the replenishing device 10 and the liquid loss rate. When the liquid level monitoring device detects that the liquid level of the replenishing device 10 has dropped to the minimum safe liquid level again, the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing the liquid to the replenishing device 10 can be determined again based on this. If the real-time value of the time interval is less than the theoretical value of the time interval, then the oxygen treatment system 50 can be verified as leaking.

[0106] Using the above method, when the real-time value of the time interval is less than the expected value of the time interval, and before performing the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking, verifying whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking, and performing the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking if the verification is successful, is beneficial to improving the reliability of the operation of the oxygen treatment system 50 and reducing the false judgment rate of the oxygen treatment system 50 leaking.

[0107] In some alternative embodiments, the oxygen treatment system 50 can achieve higher technical effects through further optimization and configuration of the above steps. The control method of the oxygen treatment system 50 in this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the two optional execution processes of this embodiment. This embodiment is only an example of the execution process. In specific implementation, the execution order and operating conditions of some steps can be modified according to specific implementation requirements.

[0108] Figure 5 This is a control flow diagram of an oxygen treatment system 50 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control flow generally includes the following steps:

[0109] Step S502: Obtain the first time point and the second time point when the liquid level monitoring device detects that the liquid level of the replenishment device 10 has dropped to the minimum safe liquid level in two consecutive instances.

[0110] Step S504: Determine the real-time value of the time interval based on the difference between the first time point and the second time point.

[0111] Step S506: Obtain the operating duration of the oxygen treatment device 20 within the time interval.

[0112] Step S508: Calculate the liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction based on the working time of the oxygen treatment device 20.

[0113] Step S510: Obtain the total amount of liquid replenished by the replenishment device 10 to the oxygen treatment device 20 within the time interval.

[0114] Step S512: Calculate the difference between the total liquid volume and the liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction, as the liquid loss of the oxygen treatment device 20 caused by non-electrochemical reactions during the time interval.

[0115] Step S514: Obtain the liquid loss rate caused by non-electrochemical reactions.

[0116] Step S516: Determine the expected value of the time interval based on the amount of liquid loss caused by non-electrochemical reactions and the liquid loss rate.

[0117] Step S518: Determine whether the real-time value of the time interval is less than the expected value of the time interval. If yes, proceed to step S520; otherwise, proceed to step S502.

[0118] Step S520: Determine that the oxygen treatment device 20 is in a shutdown state, and determine that the liquid level of the liquid replenishment device 10 has reached the preset target liquid level.

[0119] Step S522: Calculate the theoretical value of the time interval for replenishment caused by the non-electrochemical reaction of the oxygen treatment device 20.

[0120] Step S524: Obtain the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing liquid to the replenishing device 10 again.

[0121] Step S526: Determine whether the real-time value of the time interval is less than the theoretical value of the time interval. If yes, proceed to step S528; otherwise, proceed to step S502.

[0122] Step S528, verify that there is a leak.

[0123] Step S530: Determine that the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking and output a fault warning signal.

[0124] The oxygen treatment system 50 and its control method of the present invention acquire the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing liquid to the replenishing device 10, and determine whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval. If leakage is confirmed, a fault warning signal is output, enabling the oxygen treatment system 50 to possess self-monitoring and fault warning capabilities. By monitoring whether the oxygen treatment system 50 is leaking and promptly reminding the user to take remedial measures when leakage occurs, the failure of the oxygen regulation function of the oxygen treatment device 20 due to leakage can be reduced or avoided, and the surrounding environment can be protected from electrolyte corrosion.

[0125] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A control method for an oxygen treatment system, the oxygen treatment system comprising an oxygen treatment device for treating oxygen by an electrochemical reaction and a replenishment device for replenishing liquid to the oxygen treatment device, and the control method comprising: Obtain the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing the fluid to the replenishing device; The oxygen treatment system is judged to be leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval; If so, output a fault indication signal; The step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval includes: Obtain the expected value of the time interval for replenishing the fluid to the replenishment device; Determine whether the real-time value of the time interval is less than the expected value of the time interval; If so, then the oxygen treatment system is confirmed to be leaking. The step of obtaining the expected value of the time interval for replenishing the fluid to the replenishment device includes: The operating duration of the oxygen treatment device within the time interval is obtained; The amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction is calculated based on the operating time of the oxygen treatment device. The amount of liquid loss caused by non-electrochemical reactions in the oxygen treatment device during the time interval is calculated based on the amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction. Obtain the liquid loss rate caused by the non-electrochemical reaction; The expected value of the time interval is determined based on the amount of liquid loss caused by the non-electrochemical reaction and the liquid loss rate.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of calculating the amount of liquid loss caused by non-electrochemical reactions of the oxygen treatment device during the time interval based on the amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction includes: The total amount of liquid replenished by the replenishment device to the oxygen treatment device during the time interval is obtained. The difference between the total amount of liquid and the amount of liquid loss caused by the electrochemical reaction is calculated as the amount of liquid loss caused by non-electrochemical reactions of the oxygen treatment device during the time interval.

3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, If the real-time value of the time interval is determined to be less than the expected value of the time interval, and before performing the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking, the step of determining whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking based on the real-time value of the time interval further includes: Verify that the oxygen treatment system is not leaking; If a leak is confirmed, proceed with the step of determining the leak in the oxygen treatment system.

4. The control method according to claim 3, wherein, The steps for verifying whether the oxygen treatment system is leaking include: Determine that the oxygen treatment device is in a shutdown state, and determine that the liquid level of the replenishment device has reached the preset target liquid level; Calculate the theoretical value of the time interval for replenishment caused by the non-electrochemical reaction of the oxygen treatment device; The real-time value of the time interval for replenishing the fluid to the replenishing device is obtained again; Determine whether the real-time value of the time interval is less than the theoretical value of the time interval; If so, then it is verified as a leak.

5. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The liquid replenishment device is equipped with a liquid level monitoring device for detecting the liquid level. and The step of obtaining the real-time value of the time interval for replenishing the fluid to the replenishment device includes: The first and second time points are obtained when the liquid level monitoring device detects that the liquid level of the replenishment device has dropped to the minimum safe liquid level in two consecutive instances. The real-time value of the time interval is determined based on the difference between the first time point and the second time point.

6. An oxygen treatment system, the oxygen treatment system comprising an oxygen treatment device for treating oxygen by an electrochemical reaction and a replenishment device for replenishing the oxygen treatment device with liquid, further comprising: A processor and a memory, wherein the memory stores a machine-executable program, which, when executed by the processor, is used to implement the control method according to any one of claims 1-5.

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