Air conditioner and air conditioner control method

Abstract

The application provides an air conditioner and an air conditioner control method, and relates to the technical field of air conditioners. The air conditioner comprises a main component, a compression component, a heat exchange component and a liquid storage tank. After the air conditioner stops heating, the refrigerant in the compression component still has a certain amount of heat, and the heat of the refrigerant can be exchanged with the antifreeze through the heat exchange component, so that the antifreeze can absorb the heat of the refrigerant, thereby storing the heat in the antifreeze. When the air conditioner starts heating, the compression component drives the refrigerant to circulate through the main component, and the temperature of the refrigerant is reduced. Then, the compression component drives the refrigerant to circulate to the heat exchange component again, and the antifreeze in the liquid storage tank that has absorbed the heat also circulates to the heat exchange component again, so that the antifreeze can exchange heat with the refrigerant, thereby enabling the refrigerant to absorb heat. In this way, the evaporation amount of the refrigerant can be increased, the suction pressure of the refrigerant can be increased, the compression component can be protected, and the energy consumption of the air conditioner can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to an air conditioner and an air conditioner control method, belonging to the field of air conditioning equipment technology. Background Technology

[0002] When an air conditioner is heating in a low-temperature environment, the refrigerant temperature is low, and its flow is poor as it transitions from a static to a dynamic structure, resulting in insufficient refrigerant flow. This can easily lead to excessively low refrigerant suction pressure, which in turn causes the air conditioner's pressure ratio to be too high. Ultimately, this affects the compressor's lifespan and results in higher overall power consumption for the air conditioner. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an air conditioner and an air conditioner control method, which solves the problem of excessively low refrigerant suction pressure when the air conditioner is heating in a low-temperature environment in related technologies.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides an air conditioner, comprising:

[0005] Host components;

[0006] The compression component is cyclically connected to the host component;

[0007] The heat exchange component is in continuous communication with the compression component.

[0008] The liquid storage tank is in continuous communication with the heat exchange assembly;

[0009] The compression component is configured to circulate refrigerant with the main unit or with the heat exchange component, and the liquid storage tank is configured to circulate antifreeze with the heat exchange component.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly includes a first heat exchange element and a second heat exchange element;

[0011] The compression assembly is circulatedly connected to the first heat exchanger through a first circulation pipeline, and the compression assembly is circulatedly connected to the second heat exchanger through a second circulation pipeline. The main unit is disposed in the second circulation pipeline, and the compression assembly is configured to drive the refrigerant to flow back to the compression assembly after passing through the main unit and the second heat exchanger in sequence.

[0012] The liquid storage tank is circulated to the first heat exchanger via a third circulation pipeline, and the liquid storage tank is circulated to the second heat exchanger via a fourth circulation pipeline.

[0013] In some embodiments, a first drive pump and a second drive pump are also included, wherein the first drive pump is disposed in the third circulation pipeline and the second drive pump is disposed in the fourth circulation pipeline;

[0014] The compression component is configured to be connectable or disconnectable from the first circulation pipeline, and the compression component is also configured to be connectable or disconnectable from the second circulation pipeline;

[0015] The liquid storage tank is configured to be connectable or disconnectable from the third circulation pipeline, and the liquid storage tank is also configured to be connectable or disconnectable from the fourth circulation pipeline.

[0016] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, the temperature sensor being disposed in the liquid storage tank, the pressure sensor being disposed in the second circulation pipeline, and the pressure sensor being located between the main unit assembly and the return end of the compression assembly.

[0017] Secondly, this application provides an air conditioner control method, which can be applied to the air conditioner described above. The air conditioner control method includes:

[0018] After the air conditioner finishes heating, the compressor assembly and the heat exchange assembly circulate refrigerant, and the liquid receiver tank and the heat exchange assembly circulate antifreeze, so that the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the antifreeze.

[0019] After the air conditioner is turned on for heating, the compressor assembly and the main unit circulate refrigerant, then the compressor assembly and the heat exchange assembly circulate refrigerant, and the liquid receiver tank and the heat exchange assembly circulate antifreeze, so that the heat of the antifreeze is transferred to the refrigerant.

[0020] In some embodiments, the heat exchange assembly includes a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, the compression assembly is in cyclic communication with both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the liquid storage tank is in cyclic communication with both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0021] After the air conditioner finishes heating, the compression assembly and the heat exchange assembly circulate refrigerant, and the liquid receiver tank and the heat exchange assembly circulate antifreeze, so that the heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the antifreeze, including:

[0022] The compression assembly circulates refrigerant with the first heat exchanger, and the liquid storage tank circulates antifreeze with the first heat exchanger.

[0023] After the air conditioner is turned on for heating, the compressor assembly and the main unit circulate refrigerant, then the compressor assembly and the heat exchange assembly circulate refrigerant, and the liquid receiver tank and the heat exchange assembly circulate antifreeze, so that the heat of the antifreeze is transferred to the refrigerant, including:

[0024] After the compressor assembly circulates refrigerant with the main unit assembly, the compressor assembly circulates refrigerant with the second heat exchanger, and the liquid storage tank circulates antifreeze with the second heat exchanger.

[0025] In some embodiments, a temperature sensing element is also included, which is disposed in the liquid storage tank and is used to detect the temperature of the antifreeze in the liquid storage tank;

[0026] After the refrigerant is circulated between the compression assembly and the first heat exchanger, and the antifreeze is circulated between the liquid receiver and the first heat exchanger, the air conditioner detection method further includes:

[0027] The first temperature of the antifreeze is obtained through the temperature detection device;

[0028] Compare the first temperature with the first preset temperature;

[0029] When the first temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, the circulation of refrigerant between the compression assembly and the first heat exchanger is stopped, and the circulation of antifreeze between the liquid storage tank and the second heat exchanger is also stopped.

[0030] In some embodiments, after stopping the circulation of refrigerant between the compression assembly and the first heat exchanger, and stopping the circulation of antifreeze between the liquid receiver and the second heat exchanger, the air conditioner control method further includes:

[0031] The second temperature of the antifreeze is obtained through the temperature detection device;

[0032] Compare the second temperature with the second preset temperature;

[0033] When the second temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the compression assembly and the first heat exchanger are activated to circulate refrigerant, and the liquid storage tank and the second heat exchanger are activated to circulate antifreeze.

[0034] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a pressure sensing element configured to detect the suction pressure of the refrigerant circulating between the compression assembly and the second heat exchanger;

[0035] Before the refrigerant circulates between the compression assembly and the second heat exchanger, and before the antifreeze circulates between the liquid receiver and the second heat exchanger, the air conditioner control method further includes:

[0036] The first suction pressure of the refrigerant is obtained through the pressure detection device, and the third temperature of the antifreeze is obtained through the temperature detection device.

[0037] Compare the first inhalation pressure with the first preset inhalation pressure, and compare the third temperature with the second preset temperature;

[0038] When the first suction pressure is less than the first preset pressure and the third temperature is not lower than the second preset temperature, the compression assembly and the second heat exchanger circulate refrigerant, and the liquid storage tank and the second heat exchanger circulate antifreeze.

[0039] In some embodiments, after the refrigerant is circulated between the compression assembly and the second heat exchanger, and the antifreeze is circulated between the liquid receiver and the second heat exchanger, the air conditioner control method further includes:

[0040] The second suction pressure of the refrigerant is obtained through the pressure detection device, and the fourth temperature of the antifreeze is obtained through the temperature detection device.

[0041] Compare the second inhalation pressure with the second preset inhalation pressure, and compare the fourth temperature with the third preset temperature;

[0042] When the second suction pressure is less than the second preset pressure, or the fourth temperature is lower than the third preset temperature, the antifreeze in the storage tank and the second heat exchanger stop circulating.

[0043] In the air conditioner provided in this application, the compressor assembly and the main unit are in cyclic communication, allowing the refrigerant to circulate between them. The refrigerant absorbs and releases heat, thus enabling the air conditioner's heating function. The compressor assembly is also in cyclic communication with the heat exchange assembly, allowing the compressor assembly to drive the coolant to circulate within the heat exchange assembly. The coolant reservoir is also in cyclic communication with the heat exchange assembly, allowing the antifreeze in the reservoir to circulate within the heat exchange assembly. After the air conditioner finishes heating, the refrigerant in the compressor assembly still retains some heat. Through the heat exchange assembly, this heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the antifreeze, allowing the antifreeze to absorb the heat from the refrigerant and store it. When the air conditioner starts heating, the compressor assembly drives the refrigerant through the main unit, causing the refrigerant temperature to drop. The compressor assembly then drives the refrigerant to circulate back to the heat exchange assembly, and the antifreeze in the reservoir, having absorbed heat, also circulates back to the heat exchange assembly, allowing the antifreeze to exchange heat with the refrigerant and enabling the refrigerant to absorb heat. This increases the refrigerant evaporation rate, which in turn increases the refrigerant suction pressure, ultimately protecting the compressor components and reducing the air conditioner's energy consumption.

[0044] The air conditioner control method of this application can be applied to the aforementioned air conditioner. Through this air conditioner control method, the residual heat of the refrigerant after the air conditioner finishes heating can be absorbed by the antifreeze. When the air conditioner starts heating again, the antifreeze can transfer the heat back to the refrigerant, thereby increasing the refrigerant's suction pressure. Ultimately, this can protect the compressor components and reduce the air conditioner's energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments of this application will become more readily understood through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, several embodiments of this application will be described by way of example and non-limitation, wherein:

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of S110 of the air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of S210 of the control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of S120-S140 of the air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 6 A flowchart of S150-S170 of the air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of S210-S240 of the air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 8 The flowcharts for S250-S270 of the air conditioner control method according to an embodiment of this application are shown.

[0054] Figure label:

[0055] 100 - Main unit assembly, 110 - Indoor heat exchanger, 120 - Indoor fan, 130 - Expansion valve, 140 - Outdoor heat exchanger, 150 - Outdoor fan.

[0056] 200 - Compression assembly, 210 - Compressor, 220 - Fifth switching valve,

[0057] 300 - Heat exchanger assembly, 310 - First heat exchanger, 320 - Second heat exchanger.

[0058] 400 - Liquid storage tank, 410 - Temperature sensing element

[0059] 510 - First circulation pipeline, 511 - First switching valve, 512 - Pressure detection element, 513 - Gas-liquid separator, 520 - Second circulation pipeline, 521 - Second switching valve, 530 - Third circulation pipeline, 531 - Third switching valve, 532 - First drive pump, 540 - Fourth circulation pipeline, 541 - Fourth switching valve, 542 - Second drive pump. Detailed Implementation

[0060] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0061] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0062] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0063] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," 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, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between components; 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 can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0064] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0065] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," 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 this application. 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. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0066] When an air conditioner is heating in a low-temperature environment, the refrigerant temperature is low, and its flow is poor as it transitions from a static to a dynamic structure, resulting in insufficient refrigerant flow. This can easily lead to excessively low refrigerant suction pressure, which in turn causes the air conditioner's pressure ratio to be too high. Ultimately, this affects the compressor's lifespan and results in higher overall power consumption for the air conditioner.

[0067] In the air conditioner proposed in this application, the compressor assembly and the main unit are in cyclic communication, allowing the refrigerant to circulate between them. The refrigerant absorbs and releases heat, thus enabling the air conditioner's heating function. The compressor assembly is also in cyclic communication with the heat exchange assembly, allowing the compressor assembly to drive the coolant to circulate within the heat exchange assembly. The receiver liner is also in cyclic communication with the heat exchange assembly, allowing the antifreeze within the receiver liner to circulate within the heat exchange assembly. After the air conditioner finishes heating, the refrigerant in the compressor assembly still retains some heat. Through the heat exchange assembly, this heat is exchanged between the refrigerant and the antifreeze, allowing the antifreeze to absorb the heat from the refrigerant and store it. When the air conditioner starts heating, the compressor assembly drives the refrigerant through the main unit, causing the refrigerant temperature to drop. The compressor assembly then drives the refrigerant to circulate back to the heat exchange assembly, and the antifreeze in the receiver liner, having absorbed heat, also circulates back to the heat exchange assembly, allowing the antifreeze to exchange heat with the refrigerant and enabling the refrigerant to absorb heat. This increases the refrigerant evaporation rate, which in turn increases the refrigerant suction pressure, ultimately protecting the compressor components and reducing the air conditioner's energy consumption.

[0068] The air conditioner control method of this application can be applied to the aforementioned air conditioner. Through this air conditioner control method, the residual heat of the refrigerant after the air conditioner finishes heating can be absorbed by the antifreeze. When the air conditioner starts heating again, the antifreeze can transfer the heat back to the refrigerant, thereby increasing the refrigerant's suction pressure. Ultimately, this can protect the compressor components and reduce the air conditioner's energy consumption.

[0069] The air conditioner and air conditioner control method provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0070] This application provides an air conditioner, with reference to... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a main unit 100, a compression unit 200, a heat exchange unit 300, and a liquid storage tank 400.

[0071] The main unit 100 and the compressor unit 200 are the basic components of the air conditioner of this application. The main unit 100 and the compressor unit 200 are cyclically connected, and the pipeline circulating between the compressor unit 200 and the main unit 100 contains refrigerant, allowing the refrigerant to circulate between the main unit 100 and the compressor unit 200. The compressor unit 200 can change the volume of the refrigerant, so that the refrigerant absorbs and releases heat through volume changes during its circulation between the compressor unit 200 and the main unit 100, thereby achieving the cooling and heating functions of the air conditioner.

[0072] The compression assembly 200 is also in cyclic communication with the heat exchange assembly 300. After the refrigerant flows back to the compression assembly 200 through the main unit 100, the compression assembly 200 can also drive the refrigerant to circulate between the compression assembly 200 and the heat exchange assembly 300. Thus, the compression assembly 200 can drive the refrigerant to flow through the heat exchange assembly 300. The liquid receiver 400 stores antifreeze, which has excellent heat absorption and release properties. The liquid receiver 400 is in cyclic communication with the heat exchange assembly 300, allowing the antifreeze in the liquid receiver 400 to flow through the heat exchange assembly 300. When the compression assembly 200 circulates the refrigerant to the heat exchange assembly 300, and the antifreeze in the liquid receiver 400 circulates to the heat exchange assembly 300, the refrigerant and antifreeze in the heat exchange assembly 300 can conduct heat to achieve heat exchange.

[0073] In related technologies, after the air conditioner finishes heating, the refrigerant located in the compressor 210 still has a certain amount of residual heat due to the compression action of the compressor 210. The heat of the refrigerant will naturally dissipate, resulting in the waste of the residual heat of the refrigerant.

[0074] In this application, after the air conditioner finishes heating, the refrigerant with residual heat can circulate to the heat exchange component 300 under the action of the compression component 200. At the same time, the antifreeze in the liquid receiver 400 can also circulate to the heat exchange component 300. When the refrigerant with residual heat and the antifreeze flow in the heat exchange component 300, they can exchange heat, so that the heat of the refrigerant can be transferred to the antifreeze through the heat exchange component 300. After absorbing the heat of the refrigerant, the antifreeze can flow back to the liquid receiver 400 for storage, so that the heat of the refrigerant can be stored in the liquid receiver 400 through the antifreeze, and after the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the antifreeze, the refrigerant can flow back to the compression component 200.

[0075] When the air conditioner is turned on for heating, the compressor 200 performs work on the refrigerant, allowing it to circulate through the main unit 100. After passing through the main unit 100, and before returning to the compressor 200 for recompression, the refrigerant's suction pressure is low. The compressor 200 drives the refrigerant to circulate again to the heat exchange unit 300. Correspondingly, the antifreeze stored in the receiver 400, containing residual heat from the refrigerant, can circulate again to the heat exchange unit 300. This allows the refrigerant and antifreeze to exchange heat again, and the heat from the antifreeze can be transferred to the refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat, increasing its suction pressure. This increased suction pressure, before returning to the compressor 200, reduces the pressure ratio of the refrigerant before and after the compressor 200 performs work on it, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the compressor 200. This protects the compressor 200 and reduces the energy consumption of the air conditioner described in this application.

[0076] In some implementations, reference Figure 1 As shown, the main unit 100 of this application may further include an indoor heat exchanger 110, an indoor fan 120, an expansion valve 130, an outdoor heat exchanger 140, and an outdoor fan 150. The compression assembly 200 is sequentially and cyclically connected to the indoor heat exchanger 110 and the outdoor heat exchanger 140. The indoor fan 120 is located on one side of the indoor heat exchanger 110, and its air inlet can face the indoor heat exchanger 110, while its air outlet can face the indoor environment. The outdoor fan 150 is located on one side of the outdoor heat exchanger 140, and its air inlet can face the outdoor heat exchanger 140, while its air outlet can face the outdoor environment. After the compression assembly 200 compresses the refrigerant, the refrigerant first passes through the indoor heat exchanger 110, releasing heat, and the hot air is blown into the indoor environment by the indoor fan 120. The refrigerant then passes through the expansion valve 130 to the outdoor heat exchanger 140, where the outdoor fan 150 blows the hot air from the outdoor heat exchanger 140 into the outdoor environment. Finally, after passing through the heat exchange assembly 300, the refrigerant returns to the compression assembly 200. During its passage through the heat exchange assembly 300, the refrigerant absorbs heat, increasing its suction pressure.

[0077] In some implementations, reference Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchange assembly 300 of this application can specifically be configured to include a first heat exchange element 310 and a second heat exchange element 320. The compression assembly 200 is circulatedly connected to the first heat exchange element 310 via a first circulation pipe 510, allowing the compression assembly 200 to circulate refrigerant with the first heat exchange element 310. The liquid receiver 400 is circulatedly connected to the first heat exchange element 310 via a third circulation pipe 530, allowing the liquid receiver 400 to circulate antifreeze with the first heat exchange element 310. Specifically, after the air conditioner finishes heating, the refrigerant with residual heat can circulate back to the first heat exchange element 310 under the action of the compression assembly 200. Simultaneously, the antifreeze in the liquid receiver 400 can also circulate back to the first heat exchange element 310. When the refrigerant with residual heat flows within the first heat exchanger 310, heat exchange can occur between them. This allows the heat from the refrigerant to be transferred to the antifreeze via the first heat exchanger 310. After absorbing the heat from the refrigerant, the antifreeze can flow back to the storage tank 400 for storage. This allows the heat from the refrigerant to be stored in the storage tank 400 via the antifreeze, and after the heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the antifreeze, the refrigerant can flow back to the compression assembly 200.

[0078] The compression assembly 200 is circulatedly connected to the second heat exchanger 320 via the second circulation pipe 520, allowing the compression assembly 200 to circulate refrigerant through the second circulation pipe 520 and the second heat exchanger 320. The liquid receiver 400 is circulatedly connected to the second heat exchanger 320 via the fourth circulation pipe 540, allowing the liquid receiver 400 to circulate antifreeze through the second heat exchanger 320. Specifically, after the air conditioner finishes heating, the compression assembly 200 performs work on the refrigerant, allowing the refrigerant to circulate through the main unit 100. After passing through the main unit 100, and before returning to the compression assembly 200 to be compressed again, the refrigerant's suction pressure is low. The compressor assembly 200 drives the refrigerant to circulate to the second heat exchanger 320. Correspondingly, the antifreeze stored in the liquid receiver 400, which contains residual heat from the refrigerant, can be circulated back to the second heat exchanger 320. In this way, the refrigerant and antifreeze can exchange heat again, and the heat from the antifreeze can be transferred to the refrigerant. This allows the refrigerant to absorb heat, increasing its suction pressure. The increased suction pressure then returns the refrigerant to the compressor assembly 200, reducing the pressure ratio of the refrigerant before and after the compressor assembly 200 performs work on the refrigerant. This reduces the energy consumption of the compressor assembly 200, thus protecting the compressor assembly 200 and reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioner described in this application.

[0079] The compression assembly 200 may be configured to include a compressor 210 and a fifth switching valve 220. The output end of the compressor 210 may be connected to a pipeline that is connected to the first circulation pipeline 510 and the second circulation pipeline 520 respectively. The fifth switching valve 220 may be located on the pipeline connected to the output end of the compressor 210.

[0080] In this application, by configuring the heat exchange assembly 300 to include a first heat exchange element 310 and a second heat exchange element 320, the process of heat transfer from the refrigerant to the antifreeze and the process of heat transfer from the antifreeze to the refrigerant can be carried out in different pipelines and heat exchange devices, thereby allowing the process of heat transfer from the refrigerant to the antifreeze and the process of heat transfer from the antifreeze to the refrigerant to be carried out independently, preventing the two processes from interfering with each other.

[0081] In some implementations, reference Figure 1 As shown, the main unit 100 in this application can be disposed in the second circulation pipeline 520, so that the compression assembly 200, the main unit 100, and the second heat exchanger 320 can pass through the second circulation pipeline 520, and the compression assembly 200, the main unit 100, and the second heat exchanger 320 are arranged sequentially. In this way, the refrigerant can be output from the compression assembly 200, pass through the main unit 100 first, then through the second heat exchanger 320, and finally flow back to the compression assembly 200. Therefore, when the refrigerant is input from the compression assembly 200 to the main unit 100 and passes through the main unit 100, the refrigerant suction pressure is low. Subsequently, the refrigerant can pass through the second heat exchanger 320, and the antifreeze with a certain amount of heat in the liquid storage tank 400 can circulate through the fourth circulation pipeline 540 to the second heat exchanger 320, so that the heat of the antifreeze can be transferred to the refrigerant, thereby increasing the refrigerant suction pressure.

[0082] By placing both the main unit 100 and the second heat exchanger 320 in the second circulation pipe 520, the refrigerant can pass directly through the second heat exchanger 320 after passing through the main unit 100. This simplifies the piping of the air conditioner of this application and makes the structure of the air conditioner relatively more compact.

[0083] A gas-liquid separator 513 can also be installed on the second circulation pipeline 520. The gas-liquid separator 513 can separate the gaseous part and the liquid part in the refrigerant.

[0084] In some implementations, reference Figure 1As shown, the compression assembly 200 of this application can be connected to or disconnected from both the first circulation pipe 510 and the second circulation pipe 520. When the air conditioner finishes heating, the compression assembly 200 can be connected to the first circulation pipe 510 and disconnected from the second circulation pipe 520, so that the compression assembly 200 can drive the refrigerant to circulate only in the first circulation pipe 510. When the air conditioner starts heating, the compression assembly 200 can be connected to the second circulation pipe 520 and disconnected from the first circulation pipe 510, so that the compression assembly 200 can drive the refrigerant to circulate only in the second circulation pipe 520.

[0085] Specifically, a first switching valve 511 can be installed on the first circulation pipeline 510, and a second switching valve 521 can be installed on the second circulation pipeline 520. The first switching valve 511 can connect or disconnect the first circulation pipeline 510, and the second switching valve 521 can connect or disconnect the second circulation pipeline 520.

[0086] The air conditioner of this application may further include a first drive pump 532 and a second drive pump 542, wherein the first drive pump 532 is disposed in the third circulation pipe 530 and the second drive pump 542 is disposed in the fourth circulation pipe 540. The first drive pump 532 can circulate the antifreeze in the liquid storage tank 400 within the third circulation pipe 530, and the second drive pump 542 can circulate the antifreeze in the liquid storage tank 400 within the fourth circulation pipe 540.

[0087] The receiver 400 can be connected to or disconnected from the third circulation pipe 530 and the fourth circulation pipe 540. This allows the receiver 400 to be disconnected from the third circulation pipe 530 after the antifreeze and refrigerant exchange heat in the first heat exchanger 310 and the antifreeze returns to the receiver 400. The receiver 400 can then be stored in the receiver 400. The receiver 400 can be insulated to minimize heat loss from the stored antifreeze. This results in higher heat transfer from the antifreeze to the refrigerant when the air conditioner restarts heating, leading to higher suction pressure of the refrigerant after passing through the second heat exchanger 320.

[0088] Specifically, a third switching valve 531 can be installed on the third circulation pipeline 530, and a fourth switching valve 541 can be installed on the fourth circulation pipeline 540. The third switching valve 531 can connect or disconnect the third circulation pipeline 530, and the fourth switching valve 541 can connect or disconnect the fourth circulation pipeline 540. Insulation materials, such as insulating cotton, can be installed on the surface of the liquid storage tank 400 to reduce heat loss from the antifreeze inside the tank.

[0089] In some implementations, reference Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioner of this application may also include a temperature detection element 410 and a pressure detection element 512. The temperature detection element 410 may be installed in the liquid storage tank 400, and the temperature detection element 410 can detect the temperature of the antifreeze in the liquid storage tank 400. The pressure detection element 512 is installed in the second circulation pipe 520, and the pressure detection element 512 can detect the suction pressure of the refrigerant passing through the second circulation pipe 520.

[0090] Specifically, after the refrigerant and antifreeze exchange heat in the first heat exchanger 310, the temperature of the antifreeze can increase. The temperature detection element 410 detects the antifreeze temperature; if the antifreeze temperature reaches a preset temperature, it indicates that the antifreeze temperature is high, thus eliminating the need for further heat exchange between the refrigerant and antifreeze. The temperature detection element 410 can also continuously monitor the temperature of the antifreeze in the receiver 400. If the air conditioner is not used for a long time, causing the antifreeze to remain in the receiver 400 for an extended period, the antifreeze will gradually lose heat and cool down. If the temperature detection element 410 detects that the temperature of the antifreeze in the receiver 400 is below a certain level, it can turn on the compressor 210, allowing the high-temperature refrigerant to pass through the first heat exchanger 310 again. The third switching valve 531 can open the third circulation pipeline 530, allowing the reservoir 400 to connect with it. This allows the cooled antifreeze in the reservoir 400 to re-enter the first heat exchanger 310 to exchange heat with the high-temperature refrigerant, thus raising the antifreeze temperature again. After the antifreeze temperature rises, it can flow back into the reservoir 400 and be stored there.

[0091] A pressure detection element 512 is located between the main unit 100 and the return end of the compression unit 200. When the air conditioner is turned on for heating, the refrigerant flows through the second circulation pipe 520 and then through the main unit 100. The pressure detection element 512 can detect the refrigerant's suction pressure. If the pressure detection element 512 detects that the refrigerant's suction pressure is high and does not require heat exchange with the antifreeze, the fourth switch valve 541 does not need to be opened. In this way, the antifreeze stored in the receiver 400, which has a certain amount of heat, does not need to circulate in the fourth pipe, thus conserving the heat of the antifreeze. Conversely, if the pressure detection element 512 detects that the refrigerant's suction pressure is low and requires heat exchange with the antifreeze, the fourth switch valve 541 can be opened. This allows the antifreeze stored in the receiver 400, which has a certain amount of heat, to circulate in the fourth pipe, enabling the refrigerant to exchange heat with the antifreeze and thus increasing the antifreeze's suction pressure.

[0092] This application also proposes an air conditioner control method, see reference. Figure 2 As shown, this method can be applied to the air conditioner mentioned above. The method specifically includes the following steps:

[0093] S100: After the air conditioner finishes heating, the compressor and heat exchange components circulate refrigerant, while the liquid receiver and heat exchange components circulate antifreeze, so that the heat of the refrigerant can be transferred to the antifreeze.

[0094] In the S200, after the air conditioner is turned on for heating, the compressor assembly and the main unit circulate refrigerant, then the compressor assembly and the heat exchange assembly circulate refrigerant, and the liquid receiver tank and the heat exchange assembly circulate antifreeze, so that the heat of the antifreeze is transferred to the refrigerant.

[0095] Specifically, after the air conditioner finishes heating, the refrigerant in the compressor assembly 200 still retains some heat. This heat can be exchanged with the antifreeze through the heat exchange assembly 300, allowing the antifreeze to absorb the heat from the refrigerant and store it. When the air conditioner starts heating, the compressor assembly 200 drives the refrigerant through the main unit 100, causing the refrigerant temperature to drop. The compressor assembly 200 then drives the refrigerant to circulate back to the heat exchange assembly 300. The antifreeze in the receiver 400, having absorbed heat, also circulates back to the heat exchange assembly 300, allowing the antifreeze to exchange heat with the refrigerant and enabling the refrigerant to absorb heat. This increases the refrigerant's evaporation rate and suction pressure, ultimately protecting the compressor assembly 200 and reducing the air conditioner's energy consumption.

[0096] In some implementations, reference Figure 3 As shown, when the heat exchange assembly 300 is configured to include a first heat exchanger 310 and a second heat exchanger 320, in S100 of this application, after the air conditioner finishes heating, the compressor assembly and the heat exchange assembly circulate refrigerant, and the liquid receiver tank and the heat exchange assembly circulate antifreeze, so that the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the antifreeze. Specifically, this may include:

[0097] S110, the compression assembly circulates refrigerant with the first heat exchanger, and the liquid storage tank circulates antifreeze with the first heat exchanger.

[0098] Specifically, the compression assembly 200 circulates refrigerant through the first circulation pipe 510 and the first heat exchanger 310, and the liquid storage tank 400 circulates antifreeze through the third circulation pipe 530 and the first heat exchanger 310.

[0099] refer to Figure 4 As shown, in S200 of this application, after the air conditioner is turned on for heating, the compressor assembly and the main unit circulate refrigerant, then the compressor assembly and the heat exchange assembly circulate refrigerant, and the liquid receiver tank and the heat exchange assembly circulate antifreeze, so that the heat of the antifreeze is transferred to the refrigerant. Specifically, it may include:

[0100] S210, after the compressor assembly and the main unit circulate refrigerant, the compressor assembly and the second heat exchanger circulate refrigerant, and the liquid storage tank and the second heat exchanger circulate antifreeze.

[0101] Specifically, the compression assembly 200 circulates refrigerant through the second circulation pipe 520 and the second heat exchanger 320, and the liquid storage tank 400 circulates antifreeze through the fourth circulation pipe 540 and the second heat exchanger 320.

[0102] In some implementations, reference Figure 5 As shown, after S110, the air conditioner control method of this application further includes:

[0103] S120, the first temperature of the antifreeze is obtained through a temperature sensing element;

[0104] S130, compare the first temperature with the first preset temperature;

[0105] S140, when the first temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, stop the circulation of refrigerant between the compression assembly and the first heat exchanger, and stop the circulation of antifreeze between the liquid storage tank and the first heat exchanger.

[0106] Specifically, when the first temperature of the antifreeze is greater than the first preset temperature, it means that the antifreeze has absorbed enough heat and has a high temperature. At this time, the first drive pump 532 and the third switch valve 531 can be turned off so that the antifreeze can be stored in the reservoir 400 so that the antifreeze can be kept warm in the reservoir 400.

[0107] In some implementations, reference Figure 6 As shown, after S140, the air conditioner control method of this application further includes:

[0108] S150, obtains the second temperature of the antifreeze through a temperature sensing element;

[0109] S160, compare the second temperature with the second preset temperature;

[0110] S170, when the second temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the compression assembly and the first heat exchanger are turned on to circulate the refrigerant, and the liquid storage tank and the first heat exchanger are turned on to circulate the antifreeze.

[0111] Specifically, after the antifreeze and refrigerant exchange heat in the first heat exchanger 310, prolonged storage of the antifreeze in the reservoir 400 may cause its temperature to drop. When the second temperature of the antifreeze drops below the second preset temperature, it indicates that the antifreeze temperature is too low. At this time, the compression assembly 200 can be opened, and the first switching valve 511, the third switching valve 531, and the first drive pump 532 can all be opened. This allows the compression assembly 200 to drive the refrigerant to circulate again through the first heat exchanger 310, and the first drive pump 532 to drive the antifreeze in the reservoir 400 to circulate again through the first heat exchanger 310, enabling heat exchange between the refrigerant and the antifreeze, and allowing the heat from the refrigerant to be conducted to the antifreeze, thus raising the antifreeze temperature. Once the antifreeze temperature rises above the first preset temperature, the antifreeze can be stored back in the reservoir 400. This allows the antifreeze in the reservoir 400 to maintain a higher temperature, so that when the air conditioner is turned on, the refrigerant can absorb the temperature of the antifreeze to increase the refrigerant's suction pressure.

[0112] In some implementations, reference Figure 7 As shown, prior to S210, the air conditioner control method of this application further includes:

[0113] S220 obtains the first suction pressure of the refrigerant through a pressure sensor and the third temperature of the antifreeze through a temperature sensor.

[0114] S230, compare the first inhalation pressure with the first preset inhalation pressure, and compare the third temperature with the second preset temperature;

[0115] S240, when the first suction pressure is less than the first preset pressure and the third temperature is not lower than the second preset temperature, the compression assembly and the second heat exchanger circulate refrigerant, and the liquid storage tank and the second heat exchanger circulate antifreeze.

[0116] Specifically, by comparing the first suction pressure of the refrigerant with the first preset pressure, it can be determined whether the refrigerant suction pressure is too low. If the refrigerant suction pressure is less than the first preset pressure, it indicates that the refrigerant needs to absorb heat to increase its suction pressure. By comparing the third temperature of the antifreeze with the second preset temperature, it can be determined whether the antifreeze temperature is high enough. If the third temperature of the antifreeze is greater than the second preset temperature, it indicates that the antifreeze has sufficient heat transfer to increase its suction pressure.

[0117] In some implementations, reference Figure 8 As shown, after S240, the air conditioner control method of this application further includes:

[0118] S250 obtains the second suction pressure of the refrigerant through a pressure sensor and the fourth temperature of the antifreeze through a temperature sensor.

[0119] S260, compare the second inhalation pressure and the second preset inhalation pressure, and compare the fourth temperature with the third preset temperature;

[0120] S270, when the second suction pressure is less than the second preset pressure, or the fourth temperature is lower than the third preset temperature, the antifreeze in the storage tank and the second heat exchanger stop circulating.

[0121] Specifically, after the refrigerant and antifreeze exchange heat through the second heat exchanger 320, the refrigerant can absorb heat from the antifreeze, increasing the refrigerant's suction pressure and decreasing the antifreeze's temperature. When the refrigerant's second suction pressure is greater than the second preset pressure, it indicates that the refrigerant has a high suction pressure and needs to absorb more heat to increase it. When the antifreeze's fourth temperature is lower than the third preset temperature, it indicates that the antifreeze's temperature is too low, preventing the heat transferred from the antifreeze to the refrigerant from increasing the refrigerant's suction pressure, or resulting in a low increase in suction pressure. In this case, by closing the second drive pump 542 and the fourth switching valve 541, the antifreeze can no longer circulate in the fourth circulation pipe 540, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioner of this application.

[0122] In some embodiments, the first preset temperature can be set to 35°C-45°C, the second preset temperature can be set to 30°C-40°C, and the third preset temperature can be set to 0°C-10°C. The first preset pressure can be set to 0.4MPa-0.58MPa, and the second preset pressure can be set to 0.58MPa-0.8MPa.

[0123] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: Host components; The compression component is cyclically connected to the host component; The heat exchange component is in continuous communication with the compression component. The liquid storage tank is in continuous circulation with the heat exchange assembly; The compression component is configured to circulate refrigerant with the main unit or with the heat exchange component, and the liquid storage tank is configured to circulate antifreeze with the heat exchange component. The heat exchange assembly includes a first heat exchange element and a second heat exchange element; The compression assembly is circulatedly connected to the first heat exchanger through a first circulation pipeline, and the compression assembly is circulatedly connected to the second heat exchanger through a second circulation pipeline. The main unit is disposed in the second circulation pipeline, and the compression assembly is configured to drive the refrigerant to flow back to the compression assembly after passing through the main unit and the second heat exchanger in sequence. The liquid storage tank is circulated to the first heat exchanger via a third circulation pipeline, and the liquid storage tank is circulated to the second heat exchanger via a fourth circulation pipeline.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first drive pump and a second drive pump, the first drive pump being disposed in the third circulation pipeline and the second drive pump being disposed in the fourth circulation pipeline; The compression component is configured to be connectable or disconnectable from the first circulation pipeline, and the compression component is also configured to be connectable or disconnectable from the second circulation pipeline; The liquid storage tank is configured to be connectable or disconnectable from the third circulation pipeline, and the liquid storage tank is also configured to be connectable or disconnectable from the fourth circulation pipeline.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. The temperature sensor is disposed in the liquid storage tank, and the pressure sensor is disposed in the second circulation pipeline. The pressure sensor is located between the main unit and the return end of the compression unit.

4. An air conditioner control method, characterized in that, Applied to the air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the air conditioner control method comprises: After the air conditioner finishes heating, the compressor assembly and the heat exchange assembly circulate refrigerant, and the liquid receiver tank and the heat exchange assembly circulate antifreeze, so that the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the antifreeze. After the air conditioner is turned on for heating, the compressor assembly and the main unit circulate refrigerant, then the compressor assembly and the heat exchange assembly circulate refrigerant, and the liquid receiver tank and the heat exchange assembly circulate antifreeze, so that the heat of the antifreeze is transferred to the refrigerant.

5. The air conditioner control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat exchange assembly includes a first heat exchange element and a second heat exchange element. The compression assembly is circulatedly connected to both the first heat exchange element and the second heat exchange element. The liquid storage tank is circulatedly connected to both the first heat exchange element and the second heat exchange element. After the air conditioner finishes heating, the compression assembly and the heat exchange assembly circulate refrigerant, and the liquid receiver tank and the heat exchange assembly circulate antifreeze, so that the heat of the refrigerant is transferred to the antifreeze, including: The compression assembly circulates refrigerant with the first heat exchanger, and the liquid storage tank circulates antifreeze with the first heat exchanger. After the air conditioner is turned on for heating, the compressor assembly and the main unit circulate refrigerant, then the compressor assembly and the heat exchange assembly circulate refrigerant, and the liquid receiver tank and the heat exchange assembly circulate antifreeze, so that the heat of the antifreeze is transferred to the refrigerant, including: After the compressor assembly circulates refrigerant with the main unit assembly, the compressor assembly circulates refrigerant with the second heat exchanger, and the liquid storage tank circulates antifreeze with the second heat exchanger.

6. The air conditioner control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature detection device, which is disposed in the liquid storage tank and is used to detect the temperature of the antifreeze in the liquid storage tank; After the refrigerant is circulated between the compression assembly and the first heat exchanger, and the antifreeze is circulated between the liquid receiver and the first heat exchanger, the air conditioner detection method further includes: The first temperature of the antifreeze is obtained through the temperature detection device; Compare the first temperature with the first preset temperature; When the first temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, the circulation of refrigerant between the compression assembly and the first heat exchanger is stopped, and the circulation of antifreeze between the liquid storage tank and the first heat exchanger is also stopped.

7. The air conditioner control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, After stopping the circulation of refrigerant between the compression assembly and the first heat exchanger, and stopping the circulation of antifreeze between the liquid receiver and the second heat exchanger, the air conditioner control method further includes: The second temperature of the antifreeze is obtained through the temperature detection device; Compare the second temperature with the second preset temperature; When the second temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the compression assembly and the first heat exchanger are activated to circulate refrigerant, and the liquid storage tank and the first heat exchanger are activated to circulate antifreeze.

8. The air conditioner control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes a pressure detection device configured to detect the suction pressure of the refrigerant circulating between the compression assembly and the second heat exchanger. Before the refrigerant circulates between the compression assembly and the second heat exchanger, and before the antifreeze circulates between the liquid receiver and the second heat exchanger, the air conditioner control method further includes: The first suction pressure of the refrigerant is obtained through the pressure detection device, and the third temperature of the antifreeze is obtained through the temperature detection device. Compare the first inhalation pressure with the first preset inhalation pressure, and compare the third temperature with the second preset temperature; When the first suction pressure is less than the first preset pressure and the third temperature is not lower than the second preset temperature, the compression assembly and the second heat exchanger circulate refrigerant, and the liquid storage tank and the second heat exchanger circulate antifreeze.

9. The air conditioner control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After the refrigerant is circulated between the compression assembly and the second heat exchanger, and the antifreeze is circulated between the liquid receiver and the second heat exchanger, the air conditioner control method further includes: The second suction pressure of the refrigerant is obtained through the pressure detection device, and the fourth temperature of the antifreeze is obtained through the temperature detection device. Compare the second inhalation pressure with the second preset inhalation pressure, and compare the fourth temperature with the third preset temperature; When the second suction pressure is less than the second preset pressure, or the fourth temperature is lower than the third preset temperature, the antifreeze in the storage tank and the second heat exchanger stop circulating.

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