Temperature control device and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a temperature control device and a control method thereof. The temperature control device comprises a first cold carrier loop, a second cold carrier loop, a refrigerant loop and a cold carrier branch. The refrigerant loop comprises an evaporator with a cold carrier channel and a refrigerant channel. The first cold carrier loop comprises a first temperature control module in communication with the cold carrier channel. The second cold carrier loop comprises a first air cooler and a second temperature control module connected in series. The inlet of the second air cooler of the cold carrier branch is connected to the front of the inlet of the cold carrier channel and the front of the inlet of the first air cooler through at least one control valve respectively; the outlet of the second air cooler is connected to the rear of the outlet of the cold carrier channel and the rear of the outlet of the first air cooler through at least one control valve respectively; and the control valve is used for controlling the second air cooler to be in communication with the first cold carrier loop or the second cold carrier loop. The temperature control device and the control method thereof provided by the application can reduce the consumption of energy, improve the comprehensive energy efficiency, and the control method is simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of temperature control technology, and in particular to a temperature control device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure the safe and reliable operation of energy storage batteries during charging and discharging, appropriate temperature control solutions are needed to regulate the temperature of the power battery and inverter. Currently, air cooling is commonly used. However, with the increasing energy density of energy storage power stations, air cooling significantly increases the risk of battery thermal runaway. Therefore, liquid cooling technology is gradually being adopted.

[0003] In the process of developing this application, the inventors discovered that the existing technology has at least the following problems: Current liquid cooling temperature control solutions are mainly used for heat dissipation of power batteries. Since inverters can withstand higher temperatures, most temperature control solutions still opt for air cooling. However, air cooling temperature control still cannot meet the high reliability requirements of inverter operation. For the few solutions that use liquid cooling to control the inverter temperature, due to the limited size of the temperature control unit, the heat dissipation device on the inverter side is generally connected in series with the refrigerant system (refrigeration system), which leads to a reduction in the energy efficiency of the temperature control unit under normal operating conditions. At the same time, since the battery side and the inverter side have different operating temperature tolerances, using the same temperature control method will result in energy waste, as it cannot provide targeted temperature control adjustments for different environments and equipment needs, which is detrimental to energy conservation and environmental protection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, this application provides a temperature control device and its control method to at least improve the problems of low unit operating efficiency and excessive energy consumption in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0006] On the one hand, embodiments of this application provide a temperature control device, including a first refrigerant circuit, a second refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant circuit, and a refrigerant branch;

[0007] The refrigerant circuit includes an evaporator, which includes a refrigerant passage and a refrigerant passage.

[0008] The first refrigerant circuit includes a first temperature control module connected to the refrigerant channel. The first temperature control module is used to exchange heat with the first device to control the temperature of the first device.

[0009] The second refrigerant circuit includes a second temperature control module and a first air cooler connected in series. The second temperature control module is used to exchange heat with the second device to control the temperature of the second device.

[0010] The refrigerant branch is provided with a second air cooler and at least two control valves. The inlet of the second air cooler is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant channel and the inlet of the first air cooler through at least one of the control valves, respectively. The outlet of the second air cooler is connected to the outlet of the refrigerant channel and the outlet of the first air cooler through at least one of the control valves, respectively. The control valves are used to control the second air cooler to be connected to the first refrigerant circuit or to the second refrigerant circuit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first refrigerant circuit further includes a first filter and a first circulation pump connected in series between the outlet of the first temperature control module and the inlet of the refrigerant channel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first refrigerant circuit further includes a heater connected in series between the inlet of the first temperature control module and the outlet of the refrigerant channel.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second refrigerant circuit further includes a second filter and a second circulation pump connected in series between the outlet of the second temperature control module and the inlet of the first air cooler.

[0014] In one embodiment, the refrigerant circuit further includes a compressor, a condenser, a third filter, and an expansion valve, wherein the refrigerant passage is connected in series with the compressor, the condenser, the third filter, and the expansion valve to form the refrigerant circuit.

[0015] In one embodiment, the control valve includes a first control valve and a second control valve. The first control valve includes a first inlet, a second inlet, and a first outlet. The first inlet is connected between the outlet of the first temperature control module and the inlet of the refrigerant channel. The second inlet is connected between the outlet of the second temperature control module and the inlet of the first air cooler via a pipeline. The first outlet is connected to the inlet of the second air cooler via a pipeline.

[0016] The second control valve includes a third inlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet. The third inlet is connected to the outlet of the second air cooler via a pipeline. The second outlet is connected to the inlet of the first temperature control module and the outlet of the refrigerant channel via a pipeline. The third outlet is connected to the inlet of the second temperature control module and the outlet of the first air cooler via a pipeline.

[0017] In one embodiment, the temperature control device further includes an expansion tank, which is connected to the first refrigerant circuit and the second refrigerant circuit via pipelines.

[0018] On the other hand, embodiments of this application provide a control method for a temperature control device, used in the temperature control device as described above, the control method for the temperature control device including a first temperature control mode, a second temperature control mode and a third temperature control mode;

[0019] In the first temperature control mode, the control valve is controlled to allow a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the first temperature control module to flow back to the first temperature control module after passing through the second air cooler, while the refrigerant circuit is controlled to stop operating.

[0020] In the second temperature control mode, the control valve is controlled to allow a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the first temperature control module to flow back to the first temperature control module after passing through the second air cooler, while the refrigerant circuit is started and running.

[0021] In the third temperature control mode, the control valve is controlled to allow a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the second temperature control module to flow back to the second temperature control module after passing through the second air cooler, while the refrigerant circuit is started and running simultaneously.

[0022] In one embodiment, when the ambient temperature is not less than -30°C and not greater than 5°C, if the first device has a cooling requirement, the temperature control device is controlled to execute the first temperature control mode.

[0023] When the ambient temperature is greater than 5°C but not greater than 10°C, if the first device has a cooling requirement, the temperature control device is controlled to execute the second temperature control mode.

[0024] When the ambient temperature is greater than 10℃ but not greater than 50℃, if the first device has a cooling requirement, the temperature control device is controlled to execute the third temperature control mode.

[0025] In one embodiment, the control method of the temperature control device may further include the following steps: collecting the inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module and the second temperature control module respectively, and adjusting the opening degree of the control valve, and / or the fan speed of the first air cooler and the second air cooler, and / or the cooling capacity of the refrigerant circuit according to the inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module and the second temperature control module, so that the inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module and the second temperature control module are within the preset temperature range.

[0026] This application has at least the following beneficial effects: The temperature control device provided in this application controls the temperature of a first device through a first refrigerant circuit and a second device through a second refrigerant circuit. By controlling and adjusting the refrigerant branch, multiple temperature control modes can be achieved, allowing for different temperature control schemes to be adopted for different devices and different environmental conditions, thereby achieving energy saving and improving energy efficiency. The temperature control device provided in this application provides a first air cooler in the second refrigerant circuit, enabling the second refrigerant circuit to fully utilize natural energy. Simultaneously, by adding a second air cooler, the first refrigerant circuit can also fully utilize natural energy under appropriate environmental conditions, reducing the energy consumption of the temperature control device and further improving the energy efficiency ratio. Furthermore, the first and second refrigerant circuits in this application operate relatively independently, avoiding mutual interference and ensuring the stability and reliability of the system operation. The control method of the temperature control device provided in this application only requires controlling the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant branch and controlling the start / stop of the refrigerant circuit to achieve multiple different temperature control modes. The control method is very simple and efficient. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature control device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the circulation direction of each circuit in the first temperature control mode of the temperature control device.

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the circulation direction of each circuit in the second temperature control mode of the temperature control device.

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the circulation direction of each circuit in the third temperature control mode of the temperature control device.

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the circulation direction of each circuit in the self-circulation control mode of the temperature control device.

[0032] Note: In the schematic diagram of the circulation direction of each loop under the above control modes, the solid line with a solid arrow indicates the refrigerant circulation direction of the first refrigerant loop, the dashed line with a solid arrow indicates the refrigerant circulation direction of the second refrigerant loop, and the solid line with a hollow arrow indicates the refrigerant circulation direction of the refrigerant loop.

[0033] The meanings of the labels in the attached diagram are as follows:

[0034] 1. First refrigerant circuit; 11. Heater; 12. First temperature control module; 13. First filter; 14. First circulation pump;

[0035] 2. Second refrigerant circuit; 21. Second temperature control module; 22. Second filter; 23. Second circulation pump; 24. First air cooler;

[0036] 3. Refrigerant circuit; 31. Compressor; 32. Condenser; 33. Third filter; 34. Expansion valve; 35. Evaporator;

[0037] 4. Refrigerant branch; 41. Second air cooler; 42. First control valve; 421. First inlet; 422. Second inlet; 423. First outlet; 43. Second control valve; 431. Third inlet; 432. Second outlet; 433. Third outlet;

[0038] 5. Temperature sensor; 6. Pressure sensor; 7. Expansion tank. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solution of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the ways in which this application may be implemented. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0041] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are used 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 on this application. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0042] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The temperature control device in this application embodiment includes a first refrigerant circuit 1, a second refrigerant circuit 2, a refrigerant circuit 3, and a refrigerant branch circuit 4.

[0044] The refrigerant circuit 3 includes an evaporator 35, which includes a refrigerant passage and a refrigerant passage.

[0045] The first refrigerant circuit 1 includes a first temperature control module 12 connected to the refrigerant channel. The first temperature control module 12 is used to exchange heat with the first device to control the temperature of the first device.

[0046] The second refrigerant circuit 2 includes a second temperature control module 21 and a first air cooler 24 connected in series. The second temperature control module 21 is used to exchange heat with the second device to control the temperature of the second device.

[0047] The refrigerant branch 4 is equipped with a control valve and a second air cooler 41. The control valve is used to adjust the connection position of the second air cooler 41 so that the second air cooler 41 is connected in parallel to both ends of the refrigerant channel or in parallel to both ends of the first air cooler 24.

[0048] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first refrigerant circuit 1 includes a heater 11, a first temperature control module 12, a first filter 13, and a first circulation pump 14 connected in series from the outlet to the inlet of the refrigerant channel. The first circulation pump 14 provides the circulation power for the first refrigerant circuit 1. The heater 11 can be a PTC heater (composed of a PTC ceramic heating element and an aluminum tube. This type of PTC heater has the advantages of low thermal resistance and high heat exchange efficiency, and is an automatic temperature-controlled, energy-saving electric heater). The heater 11 can be installed when the first device needs to heat up under certain ambient temperature conditions; otherwise, it is not necessary. The first device can be, for example, an energy storage battery.

[0049] The second refrigerant circuit 2 in this embodiment includes a second temperature control module 21, a second filter 22, a second circulation pump 23, and a first air cooler 24 connected in series to form a circuit. The second circulation pump 23 provides the circulation power for the second refrigerant circuit 2, and the first air cooler 24 facilitates heat exchange and cooling between the refrigerant in the second refrigerant circuit 2 and the air. The second device could be, for example, an inverter, which can withstand higher operating temperatures than a storage battery.

[0050] In this embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 3 includes a compressor 31, a condenser 32, a third filter 33, an expansion valve 34, and an evaporator 35 connected in series to form the circuit. The refrigerant passage of the evaporator 35 is connected in series in the refrigerant circuit 3, and the refrigerant passage is connected in series in the first refrigerant circuit 1. In this embodiment, the evaporator 35 is a plate heat exchanger, and the condenser 32 can be either a plate heat exchanger or a coil heat exchanger. In this embodiment, the expansion valve 34 is an electronic expansion valve 34.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, to facilitate precise temperature control by the temperature control device, a temperature sensor 5 and a pressure sensor 6 can be connected in series on the pipeline. For example, a temperature sensor 5 and a pressure sensor 6 can be connected in series between the outlet of compressor 31 and the inlet of condenser 32 to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the outlet of compressor 31; a temperature sensor 5 can be connected in series between the outlet of condenser 32 and the inlet of third filter 33 to detect the refrigerant temperature at the outlet of condenser 32; and a temperature sensor 5 and a pressure sensor 6 can be connected in series between the outlet of evaporator 35 and the inlet of compressor 31 to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the inlet of compressor 31. Similarly, a pressure sensor 6 and a temperature sensor 5 can be connected in series between the inlet of first temperature control module 12 and the outlet of heater 11 to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the inlet of first temperature control module 12; and a pressure sensor 6 and a temperature sensor 5 can be connected in series between the outlet of first temperature control module 12 and the inlet of first filter 13 to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the outlet of first temperature control module 12. A pressure sensor 6 and a temperature sensor 5 can be connected in series between the inlet of the second temperature control module 21 and the outlet of the first air cooler 24 to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the inlet of the second temperature control module 21; a pressure sensor 6 and a temperature sensor 5 can also be connected in series at the outlet of the second temperature control module 21 and the inlet of the second filter 22 to detect the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at the outlet of the second temperature control module 21.

[0052] The refrigerant branch 4 is equipped with a second air cooler 41 and at least two control valves. The inlet of the second air cooler 41 is connected to the inlet of the refrigerant channel and the inlet of the first air cooler 24 through at least one control valve. The outlet of the second air cooler 41 is connected to the outlet of the refrigerant channel and the outlet of the first air cooler 24 through at least one control valve. The control valves are used to control the second air cooler 41 to be connected to the first refrigerant circuit 1 or to the second refrigerant circuit 2.

[0053] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, a second air cooler 41 is provided on the refrigerant branch 4. A three-way valve, namely the first control valve 42, is connected in series before the inlet of the second air cooler 41, and a three-way valve, namely the second control valve 43, is connected in series after the outlet of the second air cooler 41. The first control valve 42 includes a first inlet 421, a second inlet 422, and a first outlet 423. The first inlet 421 is connected between the outlet of the first temperature control module 12 and the inlet of the refrigerant channel through a pipeline. The second inlet 422 is connected between the outlet of the second temperature control module 21 and the inlet of the first air cooler 24 through a pipeline. The first outlet 423 is connected to the inlet of the second air cooler 41 through a pipeline.

[0054] The second control valve 43 includes a third inlet 431, a second outlet 432, and a third outlet 433. The third inlet 431 is connected to the outlet of the second air cooler 41 via a pipeline. The second outlet 432 is connected to the inlet of the first temperature control module 12 and the outlet of the refrigerant channel via a pipeline. The third outlet 433 is connected to the inlet of the second temperature control module 21 and the outlet of the first air cooler 24 via a pipeline. When the first inlet 421 is open, the second inlet 422 is closed, the first outlet 423 is open, the third inlet 431 is open, the second outlet 432 is open, and the third outlet 433 is closed, the second air cooler 41 and the refrigerant channel are connected in parallel to the first refrigerant circuit 1. When the second inlet 422 is open, the first inlet 421 is closed, the first outlet 423 is open, the third inlet 431 is open, the third outlet 433 is open, and the second outlet 432 is closed, the second air cooler 41 and the first air cooler 24 are connected in parallel to the second refrigerant circuit 2.

[0055] In other embodiments, the above functions can also be achieved through different control valves and different connection methods, so that the second air cooler 41 is connected to the first refrigerant circuit 1 or to the second refrigerant circuit 2. The specific type of control valve and connection method are not limited.

[0056] To facilitate water replenishment and pressure stabilization for the first refrigerant circuit 1 and the second refrigerant circuit 2, an expansion tank 7 can also be installed. The bottom of the expansion tank 7 is connected to the outlet of the first temperature control module 12 and the first filter 13 via pipelines, and to the outlet of the second temperature control module 21 and the second filter 22. The expansion tank 7 can simultaneously meet the water replenishment and pressure stabilization requirements of the first refrigerant circuit 1 and the second refrigerant circuit 2.

[0057] This embodiment also provides a control method for a temperature control device, specifically, the control method for the temperature control device includes a first temperature control mode, a second temperature control mode and a third temperature control mode, and may also include a fourth temperature control mode and a self-circulation control mode when necessary.

[0058] Specifically, the control method of the temperature control device includes the following steps:

[0059] When the ambient temperature is not less than -30℃ and not greater than 5℃, if the first equipment has a cooling requirement, the temperature control device will execute the first temperature control mode. In the first temperature control mode, the control valve will be controlled to allow a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the first temperature control module 12 to flow back to the first temperature control module 12 after passing through the second air cooler 41, while the refrigerant circuit 3 will stop operating.

[0060] At this time, the ambient temperature is low, and the cooling requirements of the first and second equipment can be met by the first air cooler 24 and the second air cooler 41 alone. Therefore, the compressor 31 of the refrigerant circuit 3 can be shut down, thereby reducing energy consumption. Specifically, the compressor 31 can be shut down, the first inlet 421 and the first outlet 423 of the first control valve 42 can be opened, the third inlet 431 and the second outlet 432 of the second control valve 43 can be opened, and the first circulating pump 14 and the second circulating pump 23 can be operated at their highest speed.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, at this time, the refrigerant in the first temperature control module 12 exchanges heat with the first device and its temperature rises. After flowing out of the first temperature control module 12, it passes through the first filter 13 and enters the first circulation pump 14. After being pressurized by the first circulation pump 14, part of the refrigerant enters the refrigerant channel of the evaporator 35 and does not exchange heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 35. After flowing through the heater 11, it returns to the first temperature control module 12, completing one cycle. The other part of the refrigerant enters the second air cooler 41 through the first control valve 42. In the second air cooler 41, it exchanges heat with the outside air. After the temperature of the refrigerant drops, it passes through the second control valve 43, flows through the heater 11, and returns to the first temperature control module 12, completing one cycle.

[0062] After the refrigerant in the second temperature control module 21 exchanges heat with the second equipment, its temperature rises. After flowing out of the second temperature control module 21, it passes through the second filter 22 and enters the second circulation pump 23. After being pressurized by the second circulation pump 23, it enters the first air cooler 24. In the first air cooler 24, it exchanges heat with the outside air. After the temperature of the refrigerant drops, it flows back to the second temperature control module 21, completing one cycle.

[0063] At this time, the ambient temperature is low. The first air cooler 24 and the second air cooler 41 are used to cool the first and second equipment. The two refrigerant circuits (first refrigerant circuit 1 and second refrigerant circuit 2) operate independently and do not affect each other, thus ensuring the operational stability of each circuit.

[0064] To achieve precise temperature control, the inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module 12 and the second temperature control module 21 can be collected separately. The opening degree of the control valve and / or the fan speed of the first air cooler 24 and the second air cooler 41 can be adjusted based on these inlet temperatures to ensure that the inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module 12 and the second temperature control module 21 are within a preset temperature range. For example, when the inlet temperature of the first temperature control module 12 exceeds its preset value range, the opening degree of the control valve can be increased and / or the fan speed of the second air cooler 41 can be increased; when the inlet temperature of the second temperature control module 21 is higher than its preset value range, the fan speed of the first air cooler 24 can be increased.

[0065] When the ambient temperature is greater than 5℃ but not greater than 10℃, if the first equipment requires cooling, the temperature control device will execute the second temperature control mode. In the second temperature control mode, the control valve will be controlled to allow a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the first temperature control module 12 to flow back to the first temperature control module 12 after passing through the second air cooler 41, and at the same time, the refrigerant circuit 3 will be started.

[0066] At this time, the ambient temperature is at a moderate level, and the cooling demand of the first device cannot be fully met by the second air cooler 41 alone. Therefore, it is necessary to open the refrigerant circuit 3. However, the energy consumption of the refrigerant circuit 3 can be reduced by the auxiliary cooling effect of the second air cooler 41, thus achieving energy saving and making full use of natural energy. Specifically, the compressor 31 can be controlled to start, the first inlet 421 and the first outlet 423 of the first control valve 42 can be opened, the third inlet 431 and the second outlet 432 of the second control valve 43 can be opened, and the first circulation pump 14 and the second circulation pump 23 can be operated at the highest speed.

[0067] like Figure 3 As shown, at this time, the refrigerant in the first temperature control module 12 exchanges heat with the first device and its temperature rises. After flowing out of the first temperature control module 12, it passes through the first filter 13 and enters the first circulation pump 14. After being pressurized by the first circulation pump 14, part of the refrigerant enters the refrigerant channel of the evaporator 35 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 35. After the temperature of the refrigerant drops, it flows through the heater 11 and returns to the first temperature control module 12, completing one cycle. The other part of the refrigerant enters the second air cooler 41 through the first control valve 42 and exchanges heat with the outside air in the second air cooler 41. After the temperature of the refrigerant drops, it passes through the second control valve 43, flows through the heater 11 and returns to the first temperature control module 12, completing one cycle.

[0068] The refrigerant circulation method in the second temperature control module 21 is the same as that in the first temperature control mode, and will not be described again.

[0069] In refrigerant circuit 3, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the refrigerant passage of evaporator 35 to form a high-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas. After being compressed by compressor 31, it forms a high-temperature, high-pressure gas. At condenser 32, it exchanges heat with the outside air and condenses into a medium-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid. After being throttled and depressurized by expansion valve 34, it forms a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant that enters evaporator 35, completing one cycle.

[0070] At this time, the ambient temperature is moderate. The first device is cooled by refrigerant circuit 3 and the first air cooler 24, and the second device is cooled by the second air cooler 41. The two refrigerant circuits operate independently and do not affect each other, thus ensuring the operational stability of each circuit.

[0071] To achieve precise temperature control, the inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module 12 and the second temperature control module 21 can be collected separately. The opening degree of the control valve, and / or the fan speed of the first air cooler 24 and the second air cooler 41, and / or the speed of the compressor 31 can be adjusted based on these inlet temperatures to ensure that the inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module 12 and the second temperature control module 21 are within a preset temperature range. For example, when the inlet temperature of the first temperature control module 12 exceeds its preset value range, the opening degree of the control valve can be increased, and / or the fan speed of the second air cooler 41 can be increased, and / or the speed of the compressor 31 can be increased (increasing the cooling capacity of the refrigerant circuit 3); when the inlet temperature of the second temperature control module 21 is higher than its preset value range, the fan speed of the first air cooler 24 can be increased.

[0072] When the ambient temperature is greater than 10℃ but not greater than 50℃, if the first equipment has a cooling requirement, the temperature control device will execute the third temperature control mode. In the third temperature control mode, the control valve will be controlled to allow a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the second temperature control module 21 to flow back to the second temperature control module 21 after passing through the second air cooler 41, and at the same time, the refrigerant circuit 3 will be started.

[0073] At this time, the environment is at a high temperature, and the first equipment can only be cooled through the refrigerant circuit 3. The second air cooler 41 is no longer needed for the first refrigerant circuit 1, and can be used to cool the second equipment, improving the heat exchange efficiency and capacity of the second temperature control module 21. Specifically, the compressor 31 can be turned on, the second inlet 422 and the first outlet 423 of the first control valve 42 can be opened, the third inlet 431 and the third outlet 433 of the second control valve 43 can be opened, and the first circulating pump 14 and the second circulating pump 23 can be operated at their highest speed.

[0074] like Figure 4As shown, at this time, the refrigerant in the first temperature control module 12 exchanges heat with the first device and its temperature rises. After flowing out of the first temperature control module 12, it passes through the first filter 13 and enters the first circulation pump 14. After being pressurized by the first circulation pump 14, the refrigerant enters the refrigerant channel of the evaporator 35 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the evaporator 35. After the temperature of the refrigerant drops, it flows through the heater 11 and returns to the first temperature control module 12, completing one cycle.

[0075] The refrigerant in the second temperature control module 21 exchanges heat with the second equipment, causing its temperature to rise. After flowing out of the second temperature control module 21, it passes through the second filter 22 and enters the second circulation pump 23. After being pressurized by the second circulation pump 23, part of the refrigerant enters the first air cooler 24, where it exchanges heat with the outside air. After the refrigerant temperature drops, it flows back to the second temperature control module 21, completing one cycle. The other part of the refrigerant enters the second air cooler 41 through the first control valve 42, where it exchanges heat with the outside air. After the refrigerant temperature drops, it flows back to the second temperature control module 21 through the second control valve 43, completing one cycle.

[0076] The circulation method of refrigerant circuit 3 is the same as that in the second temperature control mode, so it will not be described again.

[0077] At this time, the ambient temperature is high, and the first device is cooled only through the refrigerant circuit 3. The two refrigerant circuits still operate independently and do not affect each other, which effectively ensures the stability of the temperature control of the first device. Meanwhile, the second air cooler 41 can be used to cool the second device after it is idle, which improves the cooling efficiency of the second temperature control module 21 and avoids thermal failure.

[0078] To achieve precise temperature control, the inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module 12 and the second temperature control module 21 can be collected separately. The opening degree of the control valve, and / or the fan speed of the first air cooler 24 and the second air cooler 41, and / or the speed of the compressor 31 can be adjusted based on these inlet temperatures to ensure that the inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module 12 and the second temperature control module 21 are within a preset temperature range. For example, when the inlet temperature of the first temperature control module 12 exceeds its preset value range, the opening degree of the control valve can be increased, and / or the speed of the compressor 31 can be increased; when the inlet temperature of the second temperature control module 21 is higher than its preset value range, the fan speed of the first air cooler 24 and / or the second air cooler 41 can be increased.

[0079] When the ambient temperature is below -30℃ and the first device requires heating, the fourth temperature control mode can be executed. In the fourth temperature control mode, the compressor 31 is shut down, the second inlet 422 and the first outlet 423 of the first control valve 42 are opened, the third inlet 431 and the third outlet 433 of the second control valve 43 are opened, and the heater 11 is turned on to heat the refrigerant.

[0080] like Figure 5 As shown, when the ambient temperature is not less than -30℃ and not greater than 50℃, and neither the first nor the second device requires cooling, the self-circulation control mode can be executed. At this time, the compressor 31 is shut down, the second inlet 422 and the first outlet 423 of the first control valve 42 are opened, the third inlet 431 and the third outlet 433 of the second control valve 43 are opened, and the first circulation pump 14 and the second circulation pump 23 are run at the lowest speed.

[0081] The embodiments of this application adopt the heat exchange method of air cooler, which not only meets the heat dissipation requirements of the second equipment side under all operating conditions, but also meets the heat dissipation requirements of the first equipment side in low temperature environment, making full use of natural cold source heat dissipation and effectively saving energy.

[0082] This application embodiment uses an expansion tank configuration to replenish water and maintain pressure in the first and second refrigerant circuits, thereby ensuring the reliable operation of the circulating pumps (first and second circulating pumps).

[0083] This application embodiment uses two three-way valves (control valves) to achieve switching between different circulation modes, ensuring that the temperature control device operates in the optimal temperature control mode under suitable working conditions.

[0084] The embodiments of this application adopt a structure in which the first air cooler and the second air cooler are arranged in parallel, which is conducive to the temperature control device making full use of natural cold sources. At the same time, the control operation is simpler and the overall energy efficiency is improved.

[0085] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0086] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A temperature control device, characterized in that, It includes a first refrigerant circuit, a second refrigerant circuit, a refrigerant circuit, and a refrigerant branch circuit; The refrigerant circuit includes an evaporator, and the number of evaporators is one. The evaporator includes a refrigerant passage and a refrigerant passage. The first refrigerant circuit includes a first temperature control module connected to the refrigerant channel. The first temperature control module is used to exchange heat with the first device to control the temperature of the first device. The second refrigerant circuit includes a second temperature control module and a first air cooler connected in series. The second temperature control module is used to exchange heat with the second device to control the temperature of the second device. The refrigerant branch is equipped with a second air cooler and at least two control valves. The at least two control valves include a first control valve and a second control valve. The first control valve includes a first inlet, a second inlet, and a first outlet. The first inlet is connected between the outlet of the first temperature control module and the inlet of the refrigerant channel. The second inlet is connected via a pipeline between the outlet of the second temperature control module and the inlet of the first air cooler. The first outlet is connected via a pipeline to the inlet of the second air cooler. The second control valve includes a third inlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet. The third inlet is connected via a pipeline to the outlet of the second air cooler. The second outlet is connected via a pipeline between the inlet of the first temperature control module and the outlet of the refrigerant channel. The third outlet is connected via a pipeline between the inlet of the second temperature control module and the outlet of the first air cooler. The control valves are used to control the second air cooler to be connected to or to the first refrigerant circuit.

2. The temperature control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first refrigerant circuit also includes a first filter and a first circulation pump connected in series between the outlet of the first temperature control module and the inlet of the refrigerant channel.

3. The temperature control device as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first refrigerant circuit also includes a heater connected in series between the inlet of the first temperature control module and the outlet of the refrigerant channel.

4. The temperature control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second refrigerant circuit also includes a second filter and a second circulation pump connected in series between the outlet of the second temperature control module and the inlet of the first air cooler.

5. The temperature control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit also includes a compressor, a condenser, a third filter, and an expansion valve, wherein the refrigerant passage is connected in series with the compressor, the condenser, the third filter, and the expansion valve to form the refrigerant circuit.

6. The temperature control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an expansion tank, which is connected to the first refrigerant circuit and the second refrigerant circuit via pipelines.

7. A control method for a temperature control device, used in the temperature control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The control method of the temperature control device includes a first temperature control mode, a second temperature control mode, and a third temperature control mode; In the first temperature control mode, the control valve is controlled to allow a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the first temperature control module to flow back to the first temperature control module after passing through the second air cooler, while the refrigerant circuit is controlled to stop operating. In the second temperature control mode, the control valve is controlled to allow a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the first temperature control module to flow back to the first temperature control module after passing through the second air cooler, while the refrigerant circuit is started and running. In the third temperature control mode, the control valve is controlled to allow a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the second temperature control module to flow back to the second temperature control module after passing through the second air cooler, while the refrigerant circuit is started and running simultaneously.

8. The control method of the temperature control device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, When the ambient temperature is not less than -30℃ and not greater than 5℃, if the first device has a cooling requirement, the temperature control device is controlled to execute the first temperature control mode. When the ambient temperature is greater than 5°C but not greater than 10°C, if the first device has a cooling requirement, the temperature control device is controlled to execute the second temperature control mode. When the ambient temperature is greater than 10℃ but not greater than 50℃, if the first device has a cooling requirement, the temperature control device is controlled to execute the third temperature control mode.

9. The control method of the temperature control device as described in claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: The inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module and the second temperature control module are collected respectively, and the opening degree of the control valve, and / or the fan speed of the first air cooler and the second air cooler, and / or the cooling capacity of the refrigerant circuit are adjusted according to the inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module and the second temperature control module, so that the inlet temperatures of the first temperature control module and the second temperature control module are within the preset temperature range.

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