Air conditioners, defrosting methods and devices, and computer-readable storage media

Abstract

This application provides an air conditioner comprising a refrigerant distribution module, a thermoelectric generator module, an energy storage module, and a target module. The refrigerant distribution module is connected to the thermoelectric generator module, which is electrically connected to the energy storage module and the target module. This air conditioner can separate refrigerants with different boiling points within the air conditioner via the refrigerant distribution module and send the separated refrigerant to the thermoelectric generator module, allowing the thermoelectric generator module to generate electricity based on the different boiling points of the refrigerants. The energy storage module then stores the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator module. Finally, when the air conditioner needs defrosting, it can utilize the electrical energy stored in the energy storage module for defrosting, eliminating the need to adjust the compressor frequency to the defrosting frequency. Therefore, it does not affect the normal operation of the air conditioner. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for the air conditioner to use additional electrical energy to heat the defrosting equipment, thus achieving energy savings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrical technology, specifically to an air conditioner, a defrosting method and apparatus, and a computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioners, as a common household appliance, have become widely used in indoor environments. However, during operation, especially on the outdoor heat exchanger, frost often forms on its surface. Current technology incorporates conventional defrosting methods to help remove frost and ensure normal operation. However, existing defrosting technologies rely on heating relevant components to achieve the effect, and these methods all have some drawbacks. Therefore, a better defrosting method is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides an air conditioner that can generate its own electricity and use the generated electricity for defrosting.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides an air conditioner, which includes a refrigerant distribution module, a thermoelectric power generation module, an energy storage module, and a target module. The refrigerant distribution module is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module, the thermoelectric power generation module is electrically connected to the energy storage module, and the energy storage module is electrically connected to the target module.

[0005] In some embodiments of this application, the refrigerant diversion module includes: a first heat exchanger, a first gas-liquid separator, a first valve, a second valve, a third valve, a fourth valve, a fifth valve, and a sixth valve;

[0006] The input end of the first valve is connected to the pipe of the first heat exchanger, and the output end of the first valve is connected to the first gas-liquid separator.

[0007] The first heat exchanger is connected to the input pipe of the second valve, the output of the second valve is connected to the input of the fifth valve, the output of the fifth valve is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module, and the output of the fifth valve is connected to both the thermoelectric power generation module and the target module.

[0008] The input end of the second valve is connected to the pipe of the first heat exchanger, the output end of the second valve is connected to the input end of the third valve, and the output end of the third valve is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0009] The input end of the fourth valve is connected to the first gas-liquid separator, and the output end of the fourth valve is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0010] The input end of the sixth valve is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module, and the output end of the sixth valve is connected to the target module.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, a seventh valve is provided between the sixth valve and the thermoelectric power generation module, with the input end of the seventh valve connected to the thermoelectric power generation module and the output end of the seventh valve connected to the sixth valve.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, an eighth valve is provided between the fifth valve and the target module. The input end of the eighth valve is connected to the output end of the fifth valve and the thermoelectric power generation module, and the output end of the eighth valve is connected to the target module.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the target module includes a resistance wire, a second heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger;

[0014] The second heat exchanger is connected to the output end of the sixth valve and the output end of the eighth valve;

[0015] The input end of the third heat exchanger is connected to the first gas-liquid separator, and the output end of the third heat exchanger is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module.

[0016] The resistance wire is electrically connected to the energy storage module.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner further includes: a target four-way valve, a second gas-liquid separator, and a compressor;

[0018] The compressor is connected to the second gas-liquid separator and the first end of the target four-way valve, the second gas-liquid separator is connected to the second end of the target four-way valve, the third end of the target four-way valve is connected to the target module, and the fourth end of the target four-way valve is connected to the first heat exchanger.

[0019] Secondly, this application also provides a defrosting method for an air conditioner, the air conditioner including a refrigerant distribution module, a thermoelectric power generation module, an energy storage module, and a target module, the refrigerant distribution module being connected to the thermoelectric power generation module, the thermoelectric power generation module being electrically connected to the energy storage module, and the energy storage module being electrically connected to the target module, the method including:

[0020] If the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant diversion module is controlled to divert the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, so that the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flow into the thermoelectric power generation module to generate electricity. The boiling points of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are different.

[0021] The electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator is sent to the energy storage module for storage.

[0022] If the air conditioner is in defrost mode, the energy storage module is controlled to release electrical energy to heat the target module for defrosting.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, controlling the energy storage module to release electrical energy when the air conditioner is in defrost mode includes:

[0024] If the air conditioner is in defrost mode, the target module is controlled to heat itself, and the energy storage module is controlled to release electrical energy.

[0025] Thirdly, this application also provides a defrosting device for an air conditioner, the air conditioner including a refrigerant distribution module, a thermoelectric power generation module, an energy storage module, and a target module, the refrigerant distribution module being connected to the thermoelectric power generation module, the thermoelectric power generation module being electrically connected to the energy storage module, and the energy storage module being electrically connected to the target module, the device including:

[0026] The control module is used to control the refrigerant diversion module to divert the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant when the air conditioner is in heating mode, so that the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flow into the thermoelectric power generation module to generate electricity, wherein the boiling points of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are different.

[0027] The storage module is used to send the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator into the energy storage module for storage;

[0028] The control module is also used to control the energy storage module to release electrical energy to heat the target module for defrosting if the air conditioner is in defrosting mode.

[0029] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that is executed by a processor to implement the steps in the device defrosting method described in any one of the present application.

[0030] The air conditioner provided in this application can separate refrigerants with different boiling points in the air conditioner through a refrigerant distribution module, and send the separated refrigerant to a thermoelectric power generation module, so that the thermoelectric power generation module can generate electricity according to the different boiling points of the refrigerants. Then, an energy storage module can store the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric power generation module. Finally, when the air conditioner needs to defrost, it can use the electrical energy stored in the energy storage module to defrost, at which time the air conditioner does not need to adjust the compressor frequency to the defrosting frequency. Therefore, it will not affect the normal operation of the air conditioner. At the same time, the air conditioner does not need to use additional electrical energy to heat the defrosting equipment, thus achieving an energy-saving effect. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the air conditioner in this application;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the air conditioner in this application;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the air conditioner in this application;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the air conditioner in this application;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the air conditioner in this application;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the air conditioner in this application. Detailed Implementation

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

[0039] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "a" and "an" 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. Therefore, a feature defined as "a" or "an" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] In this application, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "used as an example, illustration, or description." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" in this application is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this application. Details are set forth in the following description for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that this application can be made without using these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of this application with unnecessary detail. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and features disclosed in this application.

[0041] This application provides a defrosting method, apparatus, air conditioner, and storage medium, which are described below.

[0042] The following section first introduces some basic concepts involved in the embodiments of this application:

[0043] An air conditioner generally consists of several main parts, including a cold / heat source unit, a cold / heat medium distribution system, terminal units, and other auxiliary equipment. The main components include the refrigeration unit, water pump, fan, and piping system. The terminal units are responsible for utilizing the distributed cold or heat to specifically process the air, ensuring that the air parameters of the target environment meet certain requirements.

[0044] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 The diagram below shows the structure of an air conditioner provided in this application embodiment. The air conditioner includes a refrigerant distribution module 10, a thermoelectric power generation module 20, an energy storage module 30, and a target module 40. The refrigerant distribution module 10 is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module 20, the thermoelectric power generation module 20 is electrically connected to the energy storage module 30, and the energy storage module 30 is electrically connected to the target module 40.

[0045] It should be noted that the air conditioner involved in this application embodiment includes at least two refrigerants (cooling agents) with different boiling points, a first refrigerant and a second refrigerant. In this application embodiment, after the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flow out of the compressor, they can enter the refrigerant diversion module 10. The refrigerant diversion module 10 can be a common gas-liquid separator, which can utilize the characteristics of different boiling points of the refrigerants to divert the refrigerants.

[0046] For example, when two refrigerants enter the refrigerant distribution module 10 in a gaseous state, the refrigerant with the higher boiling point will liquefy first and then flow out through the pipe. As the temperature decreases, the refrigerant with the lower boiling point will liquefy and flow out through the pipe. Therefore, in this embodiment, a temperature sensor and a three-way valve can be installed in the refrigerant distribution module 10. The temperature sensor monitors the temperature in the refrigerant distribution module 10, and the three-way valve is used to distribute the refrigerant. When the temperature is at the boiling point of the refrigerant with the higher boiling point, one end of the three-way valve can be opened, allowing the refrigerant with the higher boiling point to flow out through the pipe in the first direction. When the temperature is at the boiling point of the refrigerant with the lower boiling point, the other end of the three-way valve can be opened, allowing the refrigerant with the lower boiling point to flow out through the pipe in the second direction, thereby achieving refrigerant distribution.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the thermoelectric generator (TEG) module 20 is a device capable of directly converting temperature differences into electrical energy. It utilizes the thermoelectric effect, where a temperature difference between two different materials causes electron diffusion, generating a voltage within the material and thus producing current. In this embodiment, the TEG module 20 can be any type of thermoelectric generator, and this embodiment is not limited to any particular type. As described above, after the first and second refrigerants are successfully separated, they can be piped into the TEG module 20, enabling it to generate electricity. Finally, the electrical energy generated by the TEG module 20 is sent to the energy storage module 30 through its internal circuitry. The energy storage module 30 can be any device with electrical energy storage capabilities, such as a battery, and this embodiment is not limited to any particular type. Meanwhile, the target module 40 can be the outdoor unit of an air conditioner.

[0048] The air conditioner provided in this application can separate refrigerants with different boiling points in the air conditioner through a refrigerant distribution module, and send the separated refrigerant to a thermoelectric power generation module, so that the thermoelectric power generation module can generate electricity according to the different boiling points of the refrigerants. Then, an energy storage module can store the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric power generation module. Finally, when the air conditioner needs to defrost, it can use the electrical energy stored in the energy storage module to defrost, at which time the air conditioner does not need to adjust the compressor frequency to the defrosting frequency. Therefore, it will not affect the normal operation of the air conditioner. At the same time, the air conditioner does not need to use additional electrical energy to heat the defrosting equipment, thus achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0049] To better implement the method of this application, in some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 2As shown, the refrigerant distribution module 10 includes: a first heat exchanger 11, a first gas-liquid separator 12, a first valve 111, a second valve 112, a third valve 113, a fourth valve 114, a fifth valve 115, and a sixth valve 116.

[0050] The input end of the first valve 111 is connected to the pipe of the first heat exchanger 11, and the output end of the first valve 111 is connected to the first gas-liquid separator 12. The first heat exchanger 11 is connected to the input end of the second valve 112, and the output end of the second valve 112 is connected to the input end of the fifth valve 115. The output end of the fifth valve 115 is connected to the thermoelectric generator module 20, and the output end of the fifth valve 115 is connected to both the thermoelectric generator module 20 and the target module 40. The input end of the second valve 112 is connected to the pipe of the first heat exchanger 11, and the output end of the second valve 112 is connected to the input end of the third valve 113. The output end of the third valve 113 is connected to the thermoelectric generator module 20. The input end of the fourth valve 114 is connected to the first gas-liquid separator 12, and the output end of the fourth valve 114 is connected to the thermoelectric generator module 20. The input end of the sixth valve 116 is connected to the thermoelectric generator module 20, and the output end of the sixth valve 116 is connected to the target module 40.

[0051] The first gas-liquid separator 12 can separate the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant. When the mixed gaseous refrigerant enters the first gas-liquid separator 12, the mixed refrigerant will cool down, the refrigerant with a higher boiling point will liquefy, while the refrigerant with a lower boiling point will still enter the target module 40 in gaseous form and be further liquefied by the target module 40. According to... Figure 2 Thus, the two refrigerants flow into the thermoelectric power generation module 20 through the target module 40 and the first gas-liquid separator 12, respectively. Module 21 of the thermoelectric power generation module 20 is a storage space for one type of refrigerant, and module 22 is a storage space for the other type. The two refrigerants generate electricity in the thermoelectric power generation module 20, and the electrical energy is transmitted to the energy storage module 30 through corresponding circuits.

[0052] To better implement the method of this application, in some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 As shown, a seventh valve 117 is provided between the sixth valve 116 and the thermoelectric power generation module 20. The input end of the seventh valve 117 is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module 20, and the output end of the seventh valve 117 is connected to the sixth valve 116.

[0053] In addition, an eighth valve 118 is provided between the fifth valve 115 and the target module 40. The input end of the eighth valve 118 is connected to the output end of the fifth valve 115 and the thermoelectric power generation module 20, and the output end of the eighth valve 118 is connected to the target module 40.

[0054] In this embodiment, a seventh valve 117 and an eighth valve 118 are also provided. The seventh valve 117 and the eighth valve 118 are used to control the flow rate of refrigerant on the corresponding pipes.

[0055] To better implement the method of this application, in some embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the target module 40 includes a resistance wire 42, a second heat exchanger 41, and a third heat exchanger 43.

[0056] The second heat exchanger 41 is connected to the output end of the sixth valve 116 and the output end of the eighth valve 118; the input end of the third heat exchanger 43 is connected to the first gas-liquid separator 12, and the output end of the third heat exchanger 43 is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module 20; the resistance wire 42 is electrically connected to the energy storage module 30.

[0057] This application provides a structure for a target module 40. The resistance wire in the target module 40 is electrically connected to an energy storage module 30 (not shown in the accompanying drawings). When defrosting is required, the energy storage module 30 can release electrical energy to the resistance wire 42, heating it and achieving the defrosting effect. Furthermore, since the resistance wire 42 obtains its electrical energy through the energy storage module 30, the air conditioner does not need to additionally allocate electrical energy to the resistance wire 42. Therefore, it will not affect the current operating frequency of the air conditioner, and consequently, it will not affect the current temperature regulation effect; in other words, it will not affect the normal operation of the air conditioner. Moreover, since the electrical energy for defrosting is pre-stored, during the defrosting stage, additional electrical energy is not used to heat the resistance wire 42 while the air conditioner is still running. Therefore, the defrosting method of this application also has energy-saving effects.

[0058] Furthermore, this application also provides a structural scheme for how the refrigerant flows back to the compressor and how it flows out of the compressor, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioner also includes: a target four-way valve 50, a second gas-liquid separator 60, and a compressor;

[0059] The compressor is connected to the first end D of the second gas-liquid separator 60 and the target four-way valve 50 respectively. The second gas-liquid separator is connected to the second end S of the target four-way valve. The third end C of the target four-way valve is connected to the target module 40. The fourth end E of the target four-way valve is connected to the first heat exchanger 11.

[0060] In this way, by connecting the various pipelines through the four-way valve, the refrigerant flow can be circulated.

[0061] For example, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor enters the four-way valve through port D, and then flows into the first heat exchanger 11 through port E. At the same time, the refrigerant flowing back enters the four-way valve through port C, and then flows back to the compressor through port S.

[0062] Furthermore, this application embodiment also provides a defrosting method for an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a refrigerant distribution module 10, a thermoelectric power generation module 20, an energy storage module 30, and a target module 40. The refrigerant distribution module 10 is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module 20, the thermoelectric power generation module 20 is electrically connected to the energy storage module 30, and the energy storage module 30 is electrically connected to the target module 40. The method includes steps S1 to S3:

[0063] S1: If the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant diversion module 10 controls the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant to flow into the thermoelectric generator module 20 to generate electricity. The boiling points of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are different.

[0064] In step S1, the method of splitting the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant is the same as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0065] S2: The electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator module 20 is sent to the energy storage module 30 for storage.

[0066] S3: If the air conditioner is in defrosting mode, control the energy storage module 30 to release electrical energy to heat the target module 40 for defrosting.

[0067] For example: The compressor discharges high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas. This gas enters the indoor heat exchanger through a four-way reversing valve. The high-boiling-point refrigerant gas condenses into a liquid in the first heat exchanger and flows through the pipe containing valve 111 into the first gas-liquid separator. In the first heat exchanger, the remaining low-boiling-point refrigerant gas continues to condense completely. After condensation, it flows through the pipes containing valves 112 and 113 into a thermoelectric generator (obtaining two refrigerants with a large temperature difference). The high-boiling-point and low-boiling-point refrigerant liquids generate an electromotive force due to their temperature difference in the thermoelectric generator, i.e., the Seebeck effect, thus generating electrical energy. This energy is stored in a battery. The two refrigerant liquids are cooled and depressurized through a throttling device before merging together and entering the outdoor heat exchanger to exchange heat with the air. The refrigerant gas after heat exchange flows through a pipe into the gas-liquid separator and finally returns to the compressor, forming a cycle. Specifically, control valves 112 and 115 are opened, while valves 111, 113, 114, and 116 are closed. Valves 117 and 118 adaptively control the opening size, thereby adjusting the refrigerant flow. This allows the air conditioner to be defrosted using electrical energy.

[0068] To better implement the method of this application, in some embodiments of this application, if the air conditioner is in defrost mode, controlling the energy storage module 30 to release electrical energy includes:

[0069] If the air conditioner is in defrosting mode, the target module 40 is controlled to heat itself and the energy storage module 30 is controlled to release electrical energy.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application, the refrigerant can also flow into the third heat exchanger, where it can still undergo heat conversion to generate heat. Therefore, during defrosting, not only can stored electrical energy be used for defrosting, but the heat generated by the heat exchanger in the target module can also be used for further defrosting. At this time, valves 111, 114, and 116 can be opened, and valves 112, 113, and 115 can be closed.

[0071] For example, the compressor discharges high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant, which enters the indoor heat exchanger through a four-way reversing valve. The high-boiling-point refrigerant gas condenses into liquid in the indoor heat exchanger and, together with the low-boiling-point refrigerant gas, enters the first gas-liquid separator through the pipeline where valve 111 is located. The high-boiling-point refrigerant liquid flows from the bottom pipeline of the gas-liquid separator into the thermoelectric generator. The low-boiling-point refrigerant gas enters the heat exchanger parallel to the outdoor heat exchanger through the pipeline, condenses, and releases heat. The released heat meets the defrosting requirements. The condensed low-boiling-point refrigerant liquid enters the thermoelectric generator through the pipeline and forms a temperature difference with the high-boiling-point refrigerant liquid to generate an electromotive force, thereby generating electricity. The two refrigerant liquids are cooled and depressurized through the throttling device and then merge together to enter the outdoor heat exchanger to exchange heat with the air. The refrigerant gas after heat exchange flows into the gas-liquid separator through the pipeline and finally returns to the compressor, forming a cycle.

[0072] Finally, it should be noted that the defrosting process described above only operates in heating mode. This is because when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the ambient temperature is low, making frost formation easier. Based on this, in cooling mode, to ensure the refrigerant returns to the compressor, this embodiment also provides a control scheme for the various valves in cooling mode. For example, valves 112 and 115 can be opened, while valves 111, 113, 114, and 116 can be closed.

[0073] For example, the compressor discharges high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas, which enters the outdoor heat exchanger through a four-way reversing valve (DC port connected). The condensed refrigerant liquid flows through a pipe to the eighth valve 118 for cooling and depressurization. The low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant flows through the pipe where valve 115 is located to the indoor heat exchanger to exchange heat with the indoor air. The low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas coming out of the indoor heat exchanger flows through a pipe into the gas-liquid separator and finally returns to the compressor, forming a cycle.

[0074] To better implement the defrosting method in this application embodiment, this application embodiment also provides a defrosting device, which is applied to an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes a refrigerant distribution module 10, a thermoelectric power generation module 20, an energy storage module 30, and a target module 40. The refrigerant distribution module 10 is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module 20, the thermoelectric power generation module 20 is electrically connected to the energy storage module 30, and the energy storage module 30 is electrically connected to the target module 40. The device includes:

[0075] The control module 70 is used to control the refrigerant diversion module 10 to divert the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant when the air conditioner is in heating mode, so that the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flow into the thermoelectric generator module 20 to generate electricity. The boiling points of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are different.

[0076] Storage module 80 is used to send the electrical energy generated by thermoelectric generator module 20 into energy storage module 30 for storage.

[0077] The control module 70 is also used to control the energy storage module 30 to release electrical energy to heat the target module 40 for defrosting if the air conditioner is in defrosting mode.

[0078] This application also provides an air conditioner that integrates any of the defrosting methods provided in this application, such as... Figure 6 As shown, it illustrates a structural schematic diagram of the air conditioner involved in the embodiments of this application, specifically:

[0079] The air conditioner may include components such as a processor 401 with one or more processing cores, a storage device 402 with one or more computer-readable storage media, a power supply 403, and an input unit 404. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 6 The air conditioner structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the air conditioner and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0080] in:

[0081] The processor 401 is the control center of the air conditioner. It connects to various parts of the air conditioner via various interfaces and lines. By running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in the storage device 402, and by calling data stored in the storage device 402, it performs various functions and processes data, thereby providing overall monitoring of the air conditioner. Optionally, the processor 401 may include one or more processing cores. The processor 401 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. Preferably, the processor 401 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor. The application processor mainly handles the operating system, user interface, and applications, while the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication. It is understood that the modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 401.

[0082] Storage device 402 can be used to store software programs and modules. Processor 401 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software programs and modules stored in storage device 402. Storage device 402 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, at least one application program required for a function (such as sound playback function, image playback function, etc.), etc.; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the air conditioner, etc. In addition, storage device 402 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device. Accordingly, storage device 402 may also include a memory controller to provide processor 401 with access to storage device 402.

[0083] The air conditioner also includes a power supply 403 that supplies power to the various components. Preferably, the power supply 403 can be logically connected to the processor 401 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system. The power supply 403 may also include one or more DC or AC power supplies, a recharging system, a power fault detection circuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator, or any other components.

[0084] The air conditioner may also include an input unit 404, which can be used to receive input digital or character information, and generate keyboard, mouse, joystick, optical or trackball signal inputs related to user settings and function control.

[0085] Although not shown, the air conditioner may also include a display unit, etc., which will not be described in detail here. Specifically, in this embodiment, the processor 401 in the air conditioner loads the executable files corresponding to the processes of one or more application programs into the storage device 402 according to the following instructions, and the processor 401 runs the application programs stored in the storage device 402 to realize various functions, such as:

[0086] If the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant distribution module controls the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant to flow into the thermoelectric generator module to generate electricity. The boiling points of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are different.

[0087] The electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator is sent to the energy storage module for storage.

[0088] If the air conditioner is in defrost mode, the energy storage module is controlled to release electrical energy to heat the target module for defrosting.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be performed by instructions, or by instructions controlling related hardware. These instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and loaded and executed by a processor.

[0090] Therefore, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium, which may include: read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, etc. A computer program is stored thereon, and the computer program is loaded by a processor to execute the steps in any of the device defrosting methods provided in embodiments of this application. For example, the computer program loaded by the processor can execute the following steps:

[0091] If the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant distribution module controls the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant to flow into the thermoelectric generator module to generate electricity. The boiling points of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are different.

[0092] The electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator is sent to the energy storage module for storage.

[0093] If the air conditioner is in defrost mode, the energy storage module is controlled to release electrical energy to heat the target module for defrosting.

[0094] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the detailed descriptions of other embodiments above, which will not be repeated here.

[0095] In practice, each of the above units or structures can be implemented as an independent entity or can be arbitrarily combined to be implemented as the same or several entities. For the specific implementation of each of the above units or structures, please refer to the previous method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0096] For details on the implementation of each of the above operations, please refer to the previous examples, which will not be repeated here.

[0097] The defrosting method and apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes a refrigerant distribution module, a thermoelectric power generation module, an energy storage module, and a target module. The refrigerant distribution module is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module, the thermoelectric power generation module is electrically connected to the energy storage module, and the energy storage module is electrically connected to the target module. The refrigerant distribution module separates various refrigerants with different boiling points in the air conditioner and sends the separated refrigerants to the thermoelectric power generation module, so that the thermoelectric power generation module generates electricity according to the refrigerants with different boiling points.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant diversion module includes: a first heat exchanger, a first gas-liquid separator, a first valve, a second valve, a third valve, a fourth valve, a fifth valve, and a sixth valve; The input end of the first valve is connected to the pipe of the first heat exchanger, and the output end of the first valve is connected to the first gas-liquid separator. The first heat exchanger is connected to the input pipe of the second valve, the output of the second valve is connected to the input of the fifth valve, and the output of the fifth valve is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module and the target module. The output end of the second valve is connected to the input end of the third valve, and the output end of the third valve is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module; The input end of the fourth valve is connected to the first gas-liquid separator, and the output end of the fourth valve is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module. The input end of the sixth valve is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module, and the output end of the sixth valve is connected to the target module.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, A seventh valve is provided between the sixth valve and the thermoelectric power generation module. The input end of the seventh valve is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module, and the output end of the seventh valve is connected to the sixth valve.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, An eighth valve is provided between the fifth valve and the target module. The input end of the eighth valve is connected to the output end of the fifth valve and the thermoelectric power generation module, and the output end of the eighth valve is connected to the target module.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The target module includes a resistance wire, a second heat exchanger, and a third heat exchanger; The second heat exchanger is connected to the output end of the sixth valve and the output end of the eighth valve; The input end of the third heat exchanger is connected to the first gas-liquid separator, and the output end of the third heat exchanger is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module. The resistance wire is electrically connected to the energy storage module.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes: a target four-way valve, a second gas-liquid separator, and a compressor; The compressor is connected to the second gas-liquid separator and the first end of the target four-way valve, the second gas-liquid separator is connected to the second end of the target four-way valve, the third end of the target four-way valve is connected to the target module, and the fourth end of the target four-way valve is connected to the first heat exchanger.

7. A defrosting method for equipment, characterized in that, The method is applied to an air conditioner, which includes a refrigerant distribution module, a thermoelectric power generation module, an energy storage module, and a target module. The refrigerant distribution module is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module, the thermoelectric power generation module is electrically connected to the energy storage module, and the energy storage module is electrically connected to the target module. The method includes: If the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant diversion module is controlled to divert the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant, so that the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flow into the thermoelectric power generation module to generate electricity. The boiling points of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are different. The electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator is sent to the energy storage module for storage. If the air conditioner is in defrost mode, the energy storage module is controlled to release electrical energy to heat the target module for defrosting.

8. The defrosting method for equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, If the air conditioner is in defrost mode, controlling the energy storage module to release electrical energy includes: If the air conditioner is in defrost mode, the target module is controlled to heat itself, and the energy storage module is controlled to release electrical energy.

9. A defrosting device for equipment, characterized in that, The device is applied to an air conditioner, which includes a refrigerant distribution module, a thermoelectric power generation module, an energy storage module, and a target module. The refrigerant distribution module is connected to the thermoelectric power generation module, the thermoelectric power generation module is electrically connected to the energy storage module, and the energy storage module is electrically connected to the target module. The device includes: The control module is used to control the refrigerant diversion module to divert the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant when the air conditioner is in heating mode, so that the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant flow into the thermoelectric power generation module to generate electricity, wherein the boiling points of the first refrigerant and the second refrigerant are different. The storage module is used to send the electrical energy generated by the thermoelectric generator into the energy storage module for storage; The control module is also used to control the energy storage module to release electrical energy to heat the target module for defrosting if the air conditioner is in defrosting mode.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that is executed by a processor to implement the steps of the device defrosting method according to any one of claims 7 to 8.

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