Air conditioning unit, control method thereof and air conditioner

Abstract

The invention provides an air conditioning unit, a control method thereof and an air conditioner. The air conditioning unit comprises a circulation loop. The air conditioning unit further comprises a water tank, a heat exchange pipe is arranged in the water tank, one end of the heat exchange pipe is communicated between the second end of the indoor heat exchanger and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger, the other end of the heat exchange pipe is provided with a first pipeline and a second pipeline which are connected in parallel, and the first pipeline is communicated between an outlet of the compressor and the four-way valve. And the second pipeline is communicated between the four-way valve and the inlet of the compressor. The water tank with the heat exchange pipe is additionally arranged on the circulation loop of the air conditioning unit, refrigerants with different temperatures are used for exchanging heat with water in the water tank, cold and hot water can be provided for use in the use process of an air conditioner, and the problem that cold and hot water and refrigeration and heating cannot be compatible in a small area is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of air conditioners, and specifically relates to an air conditioning unit and a control method thereof, and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] In commercial kitchens or residential kitchens, hot water and cold water are often needed. At the same time, due to the special nature of the space in which commercial kitchens or residential kitchens are located, there is also a need for cooling or heating. For kitchens in large supermarkets, multi-split units can be used to meet the above functions, or special machines can be used, such as ice makers, water heaters, kitchen-specific air conditioners, multi-split air conditioners, etc. However, for smaller areas such as residential kitchens or milk tea shops and cold drink shops, there is currently no multi-split unit that is compatible with hot and cold water supply and air conditioning cooling and heating. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, the present application provides an air conditioning unit and a control method thereof and an air conditioner, which can solve the problem in the prior art that hot and cold water and cooling and heating are not compatible in a small area.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides an air-conditioning unit, comprising a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, wherein the four valve ports of the four-way valve are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the compressor, the first end of the indoor heat exchanger and the first end of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a first throttling device is provided on the connecting pipeline between the second end of the indoor heat exchanger and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger, forming a circulation loop of the air-conditioning unit; the air-conditioning unit also comprises:

[0005] A water tank is provided with a heat exchange pipe, one end of the heat exchange pipe is connected between the second end of the indoor heat exchanger and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger, and the other end is provided with parallel pipelines: a first pipeline and a second pipeline, the first pipeline is connected between the compressor outlet and the four-way valve, and the second pipeline is connected between the four-way valve and the compressor inlet.

[0006] In some embodiments,

[0007] A first control valve is provided between the first throttling device and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger, and one end of the heat exchange tube is connected between the first control valve and the first throttling device.

[0008] In some embodiments,

[0009] One end of the heat exchange tube is connected between the first control valve and the first throttling device through the second throttling device.

[0010] In some embodiments,

[0011] A second control valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the compressor outlet and the four-way valve, and the first pipeline is connected between the compressor outlet and the second control valve; a third control valve is provided on the first pipeline, and a fourth control valve is provided on the second pipeline.

[0012] In some embodiments,

[0013] The outdoor heat exchanger includes at least one of an air-cooled heat exchanger and a water-cooled heat exchanger.

[0014] In some embodiments,

[0015] The outdoor heat exchanger includes the air-cooled heat exchanger and the water-cooled heat exchanger which are arranged in parallel, and regulating valves are arranged at both ends of the water-cooled heat exchanger.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present application, a control method of the air conditioning unit as described above is provided, comprising:

[0017] Hot water cycle: the refrigerant flows from the compressor outlet through the first pipeline through the heat exchange tube to heat the water in the water tank, then passes through the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger, and finally flows into the compressor inlet through the four-way valve;

[0018] Refrigeration water circulation: The refrigerant flows from the compressor outlet through the four-way valve, then flows through the outdoor heat exchanger or the indoor heat exchanger, then passes through the heat exchange pipe to absorb heat from the water in the water tank, and finally flows into the compressor inlet.

[0019] In some embodiments,

[0020] When a second control valve is provided on the pipeline between the compressor outlet and the four-way valve, the second control valve is regulated so that part of the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor outlet undergoes the hot water heating cycle, and another part of the refrigerant passes through the four-way valve and then sequentially flows through the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger, the four-way valve and the compressor inlet to complete the heat pump heating cycle, or another part of the refrigerant passes through the four-way valve and then sequentially flows through the outdoor heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger, the four-way valve and the compressor inlet to complete the heat pump refrigeration cycle.

[0021] In some embodiments,

[0022] When a second throttling device is provided at one end of the heat exchange tube, the refrigerant flowing out of the compressor outlet is regulated to flow through the four-way valve and the indoor heat exchanger in sequence, and a part of the refrigerant flows through the second throttling device, the heat exchange tube and the compressor inlet in sequence to form the refrigeration water cycle; the other part flows through the outdoor heat exchanger, the four-way valve and the compressor inlet in sequence to form a heat pump heating cycle;

[0023] Or the refrigerant flowing out from the compressor outlet is regulated to flow through the four-way valve and the outdoor heat exchanger in sequence, and a part of the refrigerant flows through the second throttling device, the heat exchange tube and the compressor inlet in sequence to form the refrigeration water cycle; the other part flows through the indoor heat exchanger, the four-way valve and the compressor inlet in sequence to form a heat pump refrigeration cycle.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present application, an air conditioner is provided, comprising the air conditioning unit as described above or an air conditioning unit operated according to the control method as described above.

[0025] An air-conditioning unit provided in the present application includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger, wherein the four valve ports of the four-way valve are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the compressor, the first end of the indoor heat exchanger and the first end of the outdoor heat exchanger, and a first throttling device is provided on the connecting pipeline between the second end of the indoor heat exchanger and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger, constituting a circulation loop of the air-conditioning unit; the air-conditioning unit also includes: a water tank with a heat exchange pipe provided therein, one end of the heat exchange pipe being connected between the second end of the indoor heat exchanger and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger, and the other end being provided with parallel pipelines: a first pipeline and a second pipeline, wherein the first pipeline is connected between the compressor outlet and the four-way valve, and the second pipeline is connected between the four-way valve and the compressor inlet.

[0026] This application has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] By adding a water tank with heat exchange tubes to the circulation loop of the air-conditioning unit, and using refrigerants of different temperatures to exchange heat with the water in the water tank, it is possible to provide hot and cold water during the use of the air conditioner, solving the problem of incompatibility between hot and cold water and cooling and heating in a smaller area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] In order to more clearly illustrate the implementation methods of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for the implementation methods or the prior art descriptions. The drawings described below are merely exemplary, and for those of ordinary skill in the art, other implementation drawings can be derived from the provided drawings without creative work.

[0029] Figure 1 A first structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 2 A second structural schematic diagram of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 3 A third structural schematic diagram of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 4 A fourth structural schematic diagram of the air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 5 A fifth structural schematic diagram of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0034] The reference numerals are:

[0035] 1. Compressor; 2. Four-way valve;

[0036] 3. Outdoor heat exchanger; 31. Water-cooled heat exchanger; 32. Fifth control valve;

[0037] 4. Indoor heat exchanger; 5. First throttling device; 6. Water tank; 7. Second throttling device;

[0038] 8. First control valve; 9. Second control valve; 10. First pipeline; 11. Second pipeline; 12. Third control valve; 13. Fourth control valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and is by no means intended to limit the present application and its application or use. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0040] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present application; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the contours of each component itself.

[0041] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used here to describe the spatial positional relationship between a device or feature and other devices or features as shown in the figure. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figure. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0042] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0043] See also Figures 1 to 5 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present application, an air-conditioning unit includes a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, an indoor heat exchanger 4 and an outdoor heat exchanger 3, wherein the four valve ports of the four-way valve 2 are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the compressor 1, the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the first end of the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and a first throttling device 5 is provided on the connecting pipeline between the second end of the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger 3, constituting a circulation loop of the air-conditioning unit; the air-conditioning unit also includes:

[0044] The water tank 6 is provided with a heat exchange pipe, one end of which is connected between the second end of the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and the other end is provided with parallel pipelines: a first pipeline 10 and a second pipeline 11, the first pipeline 10 is connected between the outlet of the compressor 1 and the four-way valve 2, and the second pipeline 11 is connected between the four-way valve 2 and the inlet of the compressor 1.

[0045] The present application adds a water tank 6 with a heat exchange tube to the circulation loop of the air-conditioning unit, and uses refrigerants of different temperatures to exchange heat with the water in the water tank 6, so as to provide hot and cold water during the use of the air conditioner, thereby solving the problem that hot and cold water and cooling and heating cannot be compatible in a small area.

[0046] The air-conditioning unit itself has a refrigerant circulation loop. Based on the function of the four-way valve 2, it can realize the refrigeration cycle and heating cycle of the refrigerant. These two circulation modes are conventional modes and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0047] In the present application, a branch is connected between the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3. A water tank 6 with heat exchange tubes is arranged on the branch. The refrigerant is used to exchange heat with the water in the water tank 6 through the heat exchange tubes to change the temperature of the water in the water tank 6.

[0048] Among them, parallel pipelines are set at the other end of the heat exchange tube: a first pipeline 10 and a second pipeline 11, so that the refrigerant is connected to different positions through the heat exchange tube. For example, the first pipeline 10 is connected to the outlet of the compressor 1, so that the high-temperature refrigerant flows to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 or the indoor heat exchanger 4 through the heat exchange tube, and the water in the water tank 6 is heated at this time; or the second pipeline 11 is connected to the inlet of the compressor 1. At this time, the refrigerant absorbs heat in the heat exchange tube after dissipating heat through the indoor heat exchanger 4 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3, and cools the water in the water tank 6, so that the water in the water tank 6 loses heat and becomes low-temperature water.

[0049] The present application adds a water tank 6 structure for the heat exchange pipes in the traditional air-conditioning unit, which can realize the function of producing hot water or cold water during the operation of the air-conditioning unit, and achieve the effects of compatible hot and cold water and cooling and heating in a smaller area.

[0050] In some embodiments,

[0051] A first control valve 8 is provided between the first throttling device 5 and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 , and one end of the heat exchange pipe is connected between the first control valve 8 and the first throttling device 5 .

[0052] A first control valve 8 is provided in the first throttling device 5 and the bracket of the outdoor heat exchanger 3 to regulate the on-off of the flow path, thereby ensuring that the refrigerant passes through the heat exchange tube smoothly and adjusting the temperature of the water in the water tank 6.

[0053] In some embodiments,

[0054] One end of the heat exchange tube is connected between the first control valve 8 and the first throttling device 5 via the second throttling device 7 .

[0055] One end of the heat exchange tube is connected to the second throttling device 7, and is connected to the first control valve 8 and the first throttling device 5 in the circulation loop. In this way, the refrigerant flowing from the first pipeline 10 through the water tank 6 enters the indoor heat exchanger 4 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3 after being throttled by the second throttling device 7, thereby realizing the refrigerant circulation; and when the refrigerant enters the heat exchange tube from the outdoor heat exchanger 3 or the outdoor heat exchanger 3 through the second throttling device 7, the refrigerant is first throttled by the second throttling device 7, so that the refrigerant becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas, and at this time, the water in the water tank 6 is subjected to heat absorption and cooling treatment.

[0056] In some embodiments,

[0057] A second control valve 9 is provided on the pipeline connecting the compressor 1 outlet and the four-way valve 2, and the first pipeline 10 is connected between the compressor 1 outlet and the second control valve 9; a third control valve 12 is provided on the first pipeline 10, and a fourth control valve 13 is provided on the second pipeline 11.

[0058] The second control valve 9 arranged on the pipeline between the outlet of the compressor 1 and the four-way valve 2 can regulate the flow rate of the refrigerant at the outlet of the compressor 1 entering the four-way valve 2 and the water tank 6 respectively; and the third control valve 12 arranged on the first pipeline 10 and the fourth control valve 13 arranged on the second pipeline 11 respectively control the on-off of this section of the pipeline to ensure that the refrigerant circulates in a certain direction to achieve different functions.

[0059] In some embodiments,

[0060] The outdoor heat exchanger 3 includes at least one of an air-cooled heat exchanger and a water-cooled heat exchanger 31 .

[0061] The outdoor heat exchanger 3 adopts at least one of an air-cooled heat exchanger and a water-cooled heat exchanger 31 , wherein the air-cooled heat exchanger refers to a structure in which a heat sink is arranged on the outer wall of a conventional refrigerant pipe, and the water-cooled heat exchanger 31 can be a structure in which a refrigerant pipe passes through a water tank 6 .

[0062] With various structural forms of the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 adopts a water tank structure, which can meet the needs of producing cold water and hot water in two water tanks respectively. It meets the diverse water needs of users and can also recover refrigeration heat, improve heat exchange efficiency, and achieve energy saving.

[0063] In some embodiments,

[0064] The outdoor heat exchanger 3 includes the air-cooled heat exchanger and the water-cooled heat exchanger 31 which are arranged in parallel, and regulating valves are arranged at both ends of the water-cooled heat exchanger 31 .

[0065] The air-cooled heat exchanger and the water-cooled heat exchanger 31 are arranged in parallel, and the regulating valves at both ends of the water-cooled heat exchanger 31 are used for switching. The water-cooled heat exchanger 31 is specifically a water tank structure, which can realize the needs of producing cold water and hot water respectively by two water tanks. In addition, air-cooled heat exchange can be used when the water tank cannot be used for heat exchange. It can meet the diverse water needs of users while ensuring the stable and reliable operation of the system. At the same time, when the demand for cold water or hot water is large, double the production of cold and hot water can be achieved. At the same time, the water tank is used as a cold or heat storage container, which can realize efficient and stable operation of the system under overload conditions and save energy and reduce consumption.

[0066] According to another aspect of the present application, a control method of the air conditioning unit as described above is provided, comprising:

[0067] Hot water cycle: The refrigerant flows from the outlet of the compressor 1 through the first pipeline 10 through the heat exchange tube to heat the water in the water tank 6, then passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 3 or the indoor heat exchanger 4, and finally flows into the inlet of the compressor 1 through the four-way valve 2;

[0068] Refrigeration water circulation: The refrigerant flows from the outlet of the compressor 1 through the four-way valve 2, flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 3 or the indoor heat exchanger 4, then absorbs heat from the water in the water tank 6 through the heat exchange pipe, and finally flows into the inlet of the compressor 1.

[0069] The present application adds a water tank 6 branch to the air-conditioning circulation loop to realize hot water circulation and cooling water circulation. Only one external unit structure is used, connecting an internal unit and a water tank 6. Different from the traditional multi-split structure, it is simpler in structure and suitable for heating and cooling small spaces while producing hot water and cooling water.

[0070] The above-mentioned external unit refers to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the compressor 1 in the traditional structure, and the internal unit refers to the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the throttling device in the traditional structure. In the multi-split structure, there is at least one external unit involved, but at least two internal units.

[0071] In some embodiments,

[0072] When a second control valve 9 is provided on the pipeline between the outlet of the compressor 1 and the four-way valve 2, the second control valve 9 is regulated so that part of the refrigerant flowing out of the outlet of the compressor 1 undergoes the hot water heating cycle, and another part of the refrigerant passes through the four-way valve 2 and then sequentially flows through the indoor heat exchanger 4, the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the four-way valve 2 and the inlet of the compressor 1 to complete the heat pump heating cycle, or another part of the refrigerant passes through the four-way valve 2 and then sequentially flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the indoor heat exchanger 4, the four-way valve 2 and the inlet of the compressor 1 to complete the heat pump refrigeration cycle.

[0073] In some embodiments,

[0074] When a second throttling device 7 is provided at one end of the heat exchange tube, the refrigerant flowing out of the outlet of the compressor 1 is regulated to flow through the four-way valve 2 and the indoor heat exchanger 4 in sequence, and a part of the refrigerant flows through the second throttling device 7, the heat exchange tube and the inlet of the compressor 1 in sequence to form the refrigeration water cycle; the other part flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the four-way valve 2 and the inlet of the compressor 1 in sequence to form a heat pump heating cycle;

[0075] Or the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet of the compressor 1 is regulated, and after it flows through the four-way valve 2 and the outdoor heat exchanger 3 in sequence, a part of the refrigerant flows through the second throttling device 7, the heat exchange tube and the inlet of the compressor 1 in sequence, forming the refrigeration water cycle; the other part flows through the indoor heat exchanger 4, the four-way valve 2 and the inlet of the compressor 1 in sequence, forming a heat pump refrigeration cycle.

[0076] It can be seen from the above two embodiments that the air-conditioning unit of the present application can realize multiple modes including heat pump heating, heat pump cooling, a combination of heat pump cooling and hot water, a combination of heat pump heating and hot water, hot water, chilled water, a combination of heat pump cooling and chilled water, and a combination of heat pump cooling and chilled water by changing the flow path of the refrigerant, and can even operate modes such as heat pump cooling and chilled hot water, heat pump heating and chilled hot water.

[0077] The specific structural form of the above-mentioned operating mode is described below.

[0078] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the air conditioning unit of the present application is mainly composed of the following parts: a compressor 1, a control valve, a four-way valve 2, an outdoor heat exchanger 3, an indoor heat exchanger 4, a water tank 6 (containing a heat exchange tube), and a throttling device;

[0079] When the first pipeline 10 is opened and the second pipeline 11 is closed, the air conditioning unit can operate in five working modes: heat pump cooling, heat pump heating, heat pump cooling + hot water, heat pump heating + hot water, and hot water.

[0080] When the second single-pass pipeline 11 is opened and the first pipeline 10 is closed, the air-conditioning unit can operate in three working modes: heat pump cooling + cooling water, heat pump heating + cooling water, and cooling water.

[0081] The following is a brief introduction to the above processes, the components involved and the flow path;

[0082] 1. Heat pump refrigeration process:

[0083] The main components involved are: compressor 1, four-way valve 2, outdoor heat exchanger 3, indoor heat exchanger 4, first throttling device 5, second control valve 9, first control valve 8; after compressor 1 is started, high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant is first discharged into four-way valve 2 through second control valve 9, and four-way valve 2 is in cooling state. High-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant enters outdoor heat exchanger 3 through four-way valve 2 and releases heat at the same time, and becomes a mixed state of low-temperature and high-pressure gas and liquid after condensation, and flows through first throttling device 5 after passing through first control valve 8, and becomes a mixed state of low-temperature and low-pressure gas and liquid or liquid after throttling by first throttling device 5.

[0084] When flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 4, it evaporates and absorbs heat. The refrigerant becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas and flows through the four-way valve 2 and is sucked into the compressor 1 through the suction port of the compressor 1.

[0085] After the compressor 1 cylinder works and compresses, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Repeat the above steps to realize the heat pump refrigeration process. In this process, the third control valve 12 is in a closed state, that is, the third control valve 12, the water tank 6, and the second throttling device 7 are not involved in the system circulation state.

[0086] 2. Heat pump heating process:

[0087] The main components involved are the same as those in the heat pump refrigeration process. After the compressor 1 is started, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant is first discharged into the four-way valve 2 through the second control valve 9. The four-way valve 2 is electrically switched and is in the heating state. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant enters the indoor heat exchanger 4 through the four-way valve 2, and becomes a high-pressure gas and liquid mixed state after condensation and heat release. After passing through the first throttling device 5, it flows through the first control valve 8, and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid mixed state or liquid after throttling by the first throttling device 5. When flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 3, it evaporates and absorbs heat. The refrigerant becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas and flows through the four-way valve 2, and is sucked into the compressor 1 through the suction port of the compressor 1. After the cylinder of the compressor 1 performs work compression, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Repeat the above steps to realize the heat pump heating process. In this process, the third control valve 12 is in a closed state, that is, the third control valve 12, the water tank 6, and the second throttling device 7 are not involved in the system circulation state.

[0088] 3. Heat pump cooling + hot water making process:

[0089] The main components involved are: compressor 1, four-way valve 2, indoor heat exchanger 4, second throttling device 7, first throttling device 5, third control valve 12, first control valve 8; after compressor 1 is started, high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant is first discharged into water tank 6 through third control valve 12. After passing through the third control valve 12 and water tank 6, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant releases heat in the heat exchanger of water tank 6 to heat the water in water tank 6, so that its temperature rises and becomes domestic hot water; at this time, water tank 6 is equivalent to outdoor heat exchanger 3 in the heat pump refrigeration process. After condensation, the refrigerant becomes a mixture of low-temperature and high-pressure gas and liquid. After passing through the second throttling device 7, it flows through the first throttling device 5, and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid mixture or liquid after throttling by the first throttling device 5. When flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 4, it evaporates and absorbs heat. The refrigerant becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas and flows through the four-way valve 2, and is sucked into compressor 1 through the air intake port of compressor 1. After being compressed by the cylinder of compressor 1, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Repeat the above steps to realize the heat pump refrigeration process. In this process, the second control valve 9 is in a closed state, that is, the second control valve 9 does not participate in the system circulation state.

[0090] 4. Heat pump heating + hot water making process:

[0091] The main components involved are: compressor 1, four-way valve 2, outdoor heat exchanger 3, indoor heat exchanger 4, second throttling device 7, first throttling device 5, second control valve 9, third control valve 12, first control valve 8; after compressor 1 is started, high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant is first discharged, and the refrigerant is discharged into the water tank 6 through the third control valve 12. After passing through the third control valve 12 and the water tank 6, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant releases heat in the heat exchanger of the water tank 6 to heat the water in the water tank 6, so that its temperature rises and becomes domestic hot water; at this time, the water tank 6 is equivalent to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the heat pump refrigeration process. After condensation, the refrigerant becomes a mixture of low-temperature and high-pressure gas and liquid, and flows through the first control valve 8 after passing through the second throttling device 7. After throttling by the second throttling device 7, it becomes a mixture of low-temperature and low-pressure gas and liquid or liquid. When flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 3, it evaporates and absorbs heat. The refrigerant becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas and flows through the four-way valve 2, and is sucked into the compressor 1 through the air intake port of the compressor 1. After being compressed by the compressor 1 cylinder, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0092] The other refrigerant passes through the second control valve 9 and enters the four-way valve 2. At this time, the four-way valve 2 is in the heating state. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows through the four-way valve 2 into the indoor heat exchanger 4 for condensation and heat release. The refrigerant after the outdoor heat exchanger 3 becomes a low-temperature and high-pressure gas-liquid mixed state or a liquid state. After being throttled by the first throttling device 5 and becoming a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid state or a gas-liquid mixed state, it is mixed with the refrigerant throttled by the second throttling device 7, and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 through the first control valve 8 for heat absorption and evaporation, becoming a low-temperature and low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Then it passes through the four-way valve 2 and is sucked into the compressor 1 through the air intake port of the compressor 1.

[0093] Repeat the above steps to realize the heat pump heating + hot water process. In this process, the first control valve 8, the second control valve 9, the third control valve 12, the first throttling device 5 and the second throttling device 7 are all involved in the system circulation;

[0094] 5. Hot water making process

[0095] The main components involved are: compressor 1, four-way valve 2, outdoor heat exchanger 3, water tank 6, second throttling device 7, third control valve 12 and first control valve 8;

[0096] After the compressor 1 is started, the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant is first discharged, and the refrigerant is discharged into the water tank 6 through the third control valve 12. After the high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant passes through the third control valve 12 and the water tank 6, it releases heat in the water tank 6 heat exchanger to heat the water in the water tank 6, so that its temperature rises and becomes domestic hot water; at this time, the water tank 6 is equivalent to the outdoor heat exchanger 3 of the heat pump refrigeration process. After condensation, the refrigerant becomes a mixture of low-temperature and high-pressure gas and liquid. After passing through the second throttling device 7, it flows through the first control valve 8, and after throttling by the second throttling device 7, it becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid mixture or liquid. When flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 3, it evaporates and absorbs heat. The refrigerant becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas and flows through the four-way valve 2, and is sucked into the compressor 1 through the suction port of the compressor 1. After the cylinder of the compressor 1 works and compresses, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant is compressed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Repeat the above steps to realize the heat pump heating + hot water heating process. In this process, the four-way valve 2 is in the heating state and the second control valve 9 and the first throttling device 5 do not participate in the system circulation;

[0097] 6. Heat pump refrigeration + cooling water process:

[0098] The main components involved are: compressor 1, four-way valve 2, outdoor heat exchanger 3, indoor heat exchanger 4, water tank 6, first throttling device 5, second throttling device 7, first control valve 8, second control valve 9 and fourth control valve 13; after compressor 1 is started, high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant is first discharged into four-way valve 2 through second control valve 9, and four-way valve 2 is in cooling state. High-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant enters outdoor heat exchanger 3 through four-way valve 2 and releases heat at the same time, and becomes a mixed state of low-temperature and high-pressure gas and liquid after condensation. After passing through the first control valve 8, it flows through the first throttling device 5 and the second throttling device 7, and becomes a mixed state of low-temperature and low-pressure gas and liquid or liquid after throttling by the first throttling device 5 and the second throttling device 7. When flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 4 and the water tank 6 heat exchanger, it evaporates and absorbs heat, and the refrigerant becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas, and flows through the four-way valve 2 all the way, and is sucked into compressor 1 through the air intake port of compressor 1. After passing through the fourth control valve 13, the gas mixed with the gas from the indoor heat exchanger 4 is compressed by the cylinder of the compressor 1 to compress the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Repeat the above steps to realize the heat pump refrigeration + cooling water process. In this process, the third control valve 12 is in a closed state, that is, the third control valve 12 does not participate in the system circulation state.

[0099] 7. Heat pump heating + cooling water process:

[0100] The main components involved are: compressor 1, four-way valve 2, outdoor heat exchanger 3, indoor heat exchanger 4, water tank 6, first throttling device 5, second throttling device 7, second control valve 9 and fourth control valve 13; after compressor 1 is started, high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant is first discharged into four-way valve 2 through second control valve 9, and four-way valve 2 is in heating state. High-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant enters indoor heat exchanger 4 through four-way valve 2 and releases heat at the same time, and becomes a mixed state of low-temperature and high-pressure gas and liquid after condensation, and then passes through first throttling device 5 and throttling by second throttling device 7 to become a mixed state of low-temperature and low-pressure gas and liquid or liquid. When flowing into the heat exchanger of water tank 6, it evaporates and absorbs heat, and the refrigerant becomes low-temperature and low-pressure gas, and then flows through fourth control valve 13 and four-way valve 2, and is sucked into compressor 1 through the air intake port of compressor 1. Repeat the above steps to realize the process of heat pump heating + cooling water. During this process, the third control valve 12 and the first control valve 8 are in a closed state, that is, the third control valve 12 and the first control valve 8 do not participate in the system circulation state.

[0101] 8. Refrigeration water process:

[0102] The main components involved are: compressor 1, four-way valve 2, outdoor heat exchanger 3, indoor heat exchanger 4, water tank 6, second throttling device 7, first control valve 8, second control valve 9 and fourth control valve 13; after compressor 1 is started, high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant is first discharged into four-way valve 2 through second control valve 9, and four-way valve 2 is in refrigeration state. High-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant enters outdoor heat exchanger 3 through four-way valve 2 and releases heat at the same time, and becomes a mixed state of low-temperature and high-pressure gas and liquid after condensation, and then passes through first control valve 8 and second throttling device 7, and becomes a mixed state of low-temperature and low-pressure gas and liquid or liquid after throttling by second throttling device 7. When flowing into water tank 6 heat exchanger, it evaporates and absorbs heat, and the refrigerant becomes low-temperature and low-pressure gas, and then flows through fourth control valve 13 and four-way valve 2, and is sucked into compressor 1 through compressor 1 suction port. Repeat the above steps to realize single refrigeration water process. During this process, the third control valve 12 and the first throttling device 5 are in a closed state, that is, the third control valve 12 and the first throttling device 5 do not participate in the system circulation state.

[0103] like Figure 5 As shown, Figure 1 If the outdoor heat exchanger 3 in the heat exchanger is replaced with a water tank, the following three modes can be realized: heat pump cooling + cooling and hot water, heat pump heating + cooling and hot water, and separate production of cold and hot water;

[0104] 9. Heat pump refrigeration + refrigeration and hot water process:

[0105] The compressor 1 exhausts the air, passes through the second control valve 9 and the four-way valve 2, and the four-way valve 2 is in the cooling mode. The air is cooled and released through the external water tank to produce hot water, and then flows through the first control valve 8. The refrigerant is divided into two paths. One path is throttled by the second throttling device 7, and then evaporates in the water tank 6 heat exchanger to produce cold water, and then is sucked into the air intake of the compressor 1 after passing through the fourth control valve 13. The other path is throttled by the first throttling device 5, and then evaporates and exchanges heat in the indoor heat exchanger 4. Indoor cooling is achieved. Then it is sucked into the air intake of the compressor 1 through the four-way valve 2. This is repeated. The process is basically the same as the heat pump cooling + hot water process.

[0106] 10. Heat pump heating + cooling and hot water process:

[0107] The exhaust gas of the compressor 1 is divided into two paths, one of which passes through the second control valve 9 and the four-way valve 2, and the four-way valve 2 is in the heating mode, and flows through the indoor heat exchanger 4 to release heat. After being throttled by the first throttling device 5, it is mixed with the refrigerant throttled by the second throttling device 7.

[0108] It passes through the third control valve 12, cools and releases heat in the water tank 6 to produce hot water, flows through the second throttling device 7, and mixes with the refrigerant after throttling by the first throttling device 5. After passing through the first control valve 8, it evaporates in the heat exchanger of the water tank 6 to produce cold water, and then is sucked into the air intake of the compressor 1. This is repeated. The process is basically the same as the heat pump heating + hot water mode.

[0109] 11. Separate production of hot and cold water

[0110] The exhaust of compressor 1 passes through the second control valve 9 and the four-way valve 2. The four-way valve 2 is in the cooling mode. The exhaust is cooled and released in the water tank of the external machine to produce hot water. The exhaust passes through the first control valve 8. After being throttled by the second throttling device 7, the exhaust is evaporated in the water tank heat exchanger to produce cold water. The exhaust is sucked into the air intake of compressor 1 after passing through the fourth control valve 13. This process is repeated. The process is basically the same as the cooling water process.

[0111] Or the exhaust of compressor 1 passes through the third control valve 12 and water tank 6. Water tank 6 cools and releases heat to produce hot water, flows through the second throttling device 7 and the first control valve 8, evaporates in the heat exchanger of the external water tank to produce cold water, and is sucked into the air intake of compressor 1 after passing through the four-way valve 2. At this time, the four-way valve 2 is in the heating mode. This is repeated. The process is basically the same as the hot water production process.

[0112] The present invention is based on the ordinary heat pump air conditioning process, through three electromagnetic two-way valves and two electronic expansion valves, plus a heat exchange water tank flow path. It can realize five basic functions: heat pump cooling, heat pump heating, heat pump cooling + hot water, heat pump heating + hot water, and separate hot water production; if an electromagnetic two-way valve is added to connect the water tank and the suction pipe end on the basis of this flow path, the following three modes can be realized: heat pump cooling + cooling water, heat pump heating + cooling water, and separate cooling water; a total of eight modes. If the system is equipped with two water tanks, it can also realize three modes: heat pump cooling + cooling and hot water, heat pump heating + cooling and hot water, and separate hot and cold water production.

[0113] This modification has more functions than the ordinary multi-split air conditioning heat pump unit. It can switch between hot and cold water modes according to water demand, which is more suitable for occasions such as kitchens or cold drink shops.

[0114] Synchronization can also realize the simultaneous supply of cold water and hot water, and meet indoor cooling or heating needs at the same time.

[0115] Achieve multi-functions in one machine;

[0116] If the outdoor heat exchanger 3 is connected in parallel to the water tank and a fifth control valve 32 is added at both ends, the mode switching of the external heat exchanger can be realized. The air-cooled heat exchange and the water tank heat exchange can be switched to achieve heat recovery. If the fluid in the water tank uses a liquid containing waste heat, not only heat recovery can be achieved, but also the heat exchange efficiency can be improved to achieve the purpose of improving energy efficiency and reducing energy consumption.

[0117] According to another aspect of the present application, an air conditioner is provided, comprising the air conditioning unit as described above or an air conditioning unit operated according to the control method as described above.

[0118] It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the above-mentioned implementation modes can be freely combined and superimposed without conflict.

[0119] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application. The above is only a preferred implementation of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and variations can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present application, and these improvements and variations should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An air conditioning unit, comprising a compressor (1), a four-way valve (2), an indoor heat exchanger (4) and an outdoor heat exchanger (3), wherein the four valve ports of the four-way valve (2) are respectively connected to the inlet and outlet of the compressor (1), the first end of the indoor heat exchanger (4) and the first end of the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and a first throttling device (5) is provided on the connecting pipeline between the second end of the indoor heat exchanger (4) and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger (3), thereby forming a circulation loop of the air conditioning unit; characterized in that: The air conditioning unit also includes: A water tank (6) is provided with a heat exchange pipe therein, one end of the heat exchange pipe being connected between the second end of the indoor heat exchanger (4) and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and the other end of the water tank is provided with parallel pipelines: a first pipeline (10) and a second pipeline (11), the first pipeline (10) being connected between the outlet of the compressor (1) and the four-way valve (2), and the second pipeline (11) being connected between the four-way valve (2) and the inlet of the compressor (1).

2. The air conditioning unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first control valve (8) is provided between the first throttling device (5) and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger (3), and one end of the heat exchange pipe is connected between the first control valve (8) and the first throttling device (5).

3. The air conditioning unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: One end of the heat exchange tube is connected between the first control valve (8) and the first throttling device (5) via a second throttling device (7).

4. The air conditioning unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: A second control valve (9) is provided on the pipeline connecting the outlet of the compressor (1) and the four-way valve (2); the first pipeline (10) is connected between the outlet of the compressor (1) and the second control valve (9); a third control valve (12) is provided on the first pipeline (10); and a fourth control valve (13) is provided on the second pipeline (11).

5. The air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The outdoor heat exchanger (3) comprises at least one of an air-cooled heat exchanger and a water-cooled heat exchanger (31).

6. The air conditioning unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The outdoor heat exchanger (3) comprises the air-cooled heat exchanger and the water-cooled heat exchanger (31) which are arranged in parallel, and regulating valves are arranged at both ends of the water-cooled heat exchanger (31).

7. A control method for an air conditioning unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: include: Hot water cycle: the refrigerant flows from the outlet of the compressor (1) through the first pipeline (10) and the heat exchange tube to heat the water in the water tank (6), then passes through the outdoor heat exchanger (3) or the indoor heat exchanger (4), and finally flows into the inlet of the compressor (1) through the four-way valve (2); Refrigeration water circulation: The refrigerant flows from the outlet of the compressor (1) through the four-way valve (2), then flows through the outdoor heat exchanger (3) or the indoor heat exchanger (4), then passes through the heat exchange pipe to absorb heat from the water in the water tank (6), and finally flows into the inlet of the compressor (1).

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: When a second control valve (9) is provided on the pipeline between the outlet of the compressor (1) and the four-way valve (2), the second control valve (9) is regulated so that part of the refrigerant flowing out of the outlet of the compressor (1) is subjected to the hot water heating cycle, and another part of the refrigerant passes through the four-way valve (2) and then sequentially flows through the indoor heat exchanger (4), the outdoor heat exchanger (3), the four-way valve (2) and the inlet of the compressor (1) to complete the heat pump heating cycle, or another part of the refrigerant passes through the four-way valve (2) and then sequentially flows through the outdoor heat exchanger (3), the indoor heat exchanger (4), the four-way valve (2) and the inlet of the compressor (1) to complete the heat pump refrigeration cycle.

9. The control method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: When a second throttling device (7) is provided at one end of the heat exchange tube, the refrigerant flowing out of the outlet of the compressor (1) is regulated to flow through the four-way valve (2) and the indoor heat exchanger (4) in sequence, and a portion of the refrigerant flows through the second throttling device (7), the heat exchange tube and the inlet of the compressor (1) in sequence, forming the refrigeration water cycle; the other portion flows through the outdoor heat exchanger (3), the four-way valve (2) and the inlet of the compressor (1) in sequence, forming a heat pump heating cycle; Or the refrigerant flowing out from the outlet of the compressor (1) is regulated to flow through the four-way valve (2) and the outdoor heat exchanger (3) in sequence, and a part of the refrigerant flows through the second throttling device (7), the heat exchange tube and the inlet of the compressor (1) in sequence to form the refrigeration water cycle; the other part flows through the indoor heat exchanger (4), the four-way valve (2) and the inlet of the compressor (1) in sequence to form a heat pump refrigeration cycle.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that: It comprises an air conditioning unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 6 or an air conditioning unit operated according to the control method as described in any one of claims 7 to 9.

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