Water vapor compressor, air conditioner and control method

Abstract

Provided herein are a water vapor compressor, an air conditioner and a control method. The water vapor compressor comprises: a compressor body comprising a primary compression unit, a secondary compression unit and a driving unit drivingly connected to the primary compression unit and the secondary compression unit, the driving unit being provided with a cooling passage; a connecting passage, a first port of the connecting passage being in communication with a second port of the primary compression unit, and a second port of the connecting passage being in communication with a first port of the secondary compression unit; and a first flow regulating passage, a first port of the first flow regulating passage being in communication with the connecting passage, and a second port of the first flow regulating passage being in communication with a first port of the cooling passage, and a second port of the cooling passage being in communication with a first port of the primary compression unit. The water vapor compressor is applied to an air conditioner, and the water vapor inside the air conditioner is used to cool the driving unit, so that the air conditioner does not need to be externally connected to a water cooling tower, and thus the air conditioner will not have the problems of liquid suction and increase of non-condensable gas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to, but is not limited to, the field of air conditioning technology, specifically to a steam compressor, an air conditioner, and a control method. Background Technology

[0002] In the air conditioning industry, CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) have been widely used. With increasing attention to ozone layer depletion and greenhouse gas issues both domestically and internationally, countries around the world are accelerating the pace of research and development of new refrigerants in order to address the climate threats brought about by the continuous growth in market demand.

[0003] Among various alternative refrigerants, hydrocarbons, ammonia, and carbon dioxide have received considerable attention because they are naturally derived and pose no harm to the environment. The main issue with hydrocarbons is their flammability; currently, they are used in small household refrigeration units and some industrial refrigeration systems. Ammonia, due to the potential for human safety risks from leaks, has not yet been used in household or central air conditioning systems. Carbon dioxide does not have flammability or toxicity issues, but it has a high circulation pressure and a low COP (coefficient of performance). Water, on the other hand, is non-toxic, easy to produce, operates in a vacuum environment with high safety, has a high latent heat of vaporization, allows for direct heat exchange, and has a high system COP, giving it significant advantages in refrigerant replacement.

[0004] Currently, for conventional refrigerant refrigeration systems, most household systems use rotary or piston compressors, and the cooling method mostly involves refrigerant heat dissipation, with the refrigerant undergoing heat dissipation and compression within the compression chamber. Commercial systems mostly use external water-cooled towers for heat dissipation.

[0005] For water-cooled systems, the steam compressor used is a high-speed centrifugal compressor, and heat dissipation is particularly important for the normal operation of the system. Water is used as a refrigerant and operates under negative pressure. Using an external water cooling tower for cooling will cause the system to absorb liquid or increase non-condensable gases. Therefore, this cooling method cannot be applied to steam compressors. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a steam compressor that can achieve cooling under normal and stable operation.

[0007] This application also provides an air conditioner and a method for controlling the air conditioner.

[0008] The steam compressor proposed in this invention includes: a compressor body, comprising a primary compression unit, a secondary compression unit, and a drive unit drivingly connecting the primary compression unit and the secondary compression unit, wherein the drive unit is provided with a cooling passage; a connecting passage, wherein a first port is connected to a second port of the primary compression unit and a second port is connected to a first port of the secondary compression unit; and a first flow regulating passage, wherein a first port is connected to the connecting passage and a second port is connected to a first port of the cooling passage, wherein the second port of the cooling passage is connected to a first port of the primary compression unit; and a cooling mechanism connected to the connecting passage and located upstream of the first port of the first flow regulating passage.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the cooling mechanism includes: a second flow regulation passage, the second port of which is located upstream of the first port of the first flow regulation passage and communicates with the second port of the primary compression unit, the first port of which is configured to communicate with water formed by cooling water vapor.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the second flow regulation path includes a second regulation path and a second regulation valve disposed in the second regulation path.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the steam compressor further includes a third flow regulation passage, the second port of which is connected to the second port of the secondary compression unit, and the first port of which is configured to connect to water formed by cooling steam.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the third flow regulation path includes a third regulation path and a third regulation valve disposed in the third regulation path.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the first flow regulation path includes a first regulation path and a first regulation valve disposed in the first regulation path.

[0014] The air conditioner proposed in this embodiment includes a steam compressor, a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, and a throttling component as described in any of the above embodiments. The first port of the first heat exchanger is connected to the second port of the secondary compression unit, and the second port is connected to the first port of the second heat exchanger through the throttling component. The second port of the second heat exchanger is connected to the first port of the primary compression unit.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the cooling mechanism includes a second flow regulating passage, the steam compressor includes a third flow regulating passage, the second port of the second flow regulating passage is located upstream of the first port of the first flow regulating passage and communicates with the second port of the primary compression unit, and the second port of the third flow regulating passage communicates with the second port of the secondary compression unit; the air conditioner further includes a water pump disposed between the first heat exchanger and the throttling component, and the first ports of the second flow regulating passage and the third flow regulating passage are both connected between the water pump and the throttling component.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the cooling mechanism includes a second flow regulation passage, the second port of which is located upstream of the first port of the first flow regulation passage and communicates with the second port of the primary compression unit; the air conditioner further includes a water pump disposed between the first heat exchanger and the throttling component, and the first port of the second flow regulation passage is connected between the water pump and the throttling component.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the steam compressor includes a third flow regulating passage, the second port of which is connected to the second port of the secondary compression unit; the air conditioner further includes a water pump disposed between the first heat exchanger and the throttling component, the first port of the third flow regulating passage being connected between the water pump and the throttling component.

[0018] The air conditioner control method proposed in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0019] The temperature T of the drive unit and the superheat C of the water vapor in the first port of the primary compression unit are obtained.

[0020] The flow rate of the first flow regulation path is controlled according to T and C.

[0021] In some exemplary implementations, the step of controlling the flow rate of the first flow regulation path according to T and C includes:

[0022] If at least one of the two determination conditions, namely, the first temperature threshold T1≤T≤ the second temperature threshold T2 and the first superheat threshold C1≤C≤ the second superheat threshold C2, is not met, then the opening of the first regulating valve is adjusted so that T1≤T≤T2, C1≤C≤C2, T1<T2, and C1<C2.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the control method further includes:

[0024] Obtain the superheat A of the water vapor within the connection passage;

[0025] According to A, control the flow rate of the second flow regulation path.

[0026] In some exemplary implementations, the step of controlling the flow rate of the second flow regulation path includes:

[0027] Adjust the opening of the second regulating valve to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the connecting passage to A1~A2, where A1<A2.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the control method further includes:

[0029] Obtain the superheat B of the water vapor in the pipeline between the second port of the secondary compression unit and the first port of the first heat exchanger;

[0030] According to B, control the flow rate of the third flow regulation path.

[0031] In some exemplary embodiments, the step of controlling the flow rate of the third flow regulation path includes:

[0032] Adjust the opening of the third regulating valve to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the pipeline to B1~B2, where B1 < B2.

[0033] The air conditioner control method proposed in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0034] Obtain the superheat A of the water vapor within the connection passage;

[0035] According to A, adjust the opening of the second regulating valve to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the connecting passage to A1~A2, where A1<A2.

[0036] The air conditioner control method proposed in this embodiment of the invention includes:

[0037] Obtain the superheat B of the water vapor in the pipeline between the second port of the secondary compression unit and the first port of the first heat exchanger;

[0038] According to B, adjust the opening of the third regulating valve to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the pipeline to B1~B2, where B1<B2.

[0039] The technical solution provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a compressor body comprising a primary compression unit, a secondary compression unit, and a drive unit that drives the primary and secondary compression units. The drive unit has a cooling passage; a first port of the connecting passage is connected to a second port of the primary compression unit; a second port of the connecting passage is connected to a first port of the secondary compression unit; a first port of a first flow regulating passage is connected to the connecting passage; a second port of the first flow regulating passage is connected to a first port of the cooling passage; and a second port of the cooling passage is connected to the first port of the primary compression unit. A cooling mechanism is connected to the connecting passage and located upstream of the first port of the first flow regulating passage, for cooling the primary compression unit. The water vapor in the cooling circuit is used for cooling. The water vapor compressor is used in air conditioners. It uses the water vapor inside the air conditioner to cool the drive unit. The air conditioner does not need an external water cooling tower, so the air conditioner will not have problems with liquid absorption or the increase of non-condensable gases. In addition, the water vapor that cools the drive unit is introduced into the first port of the first-stage compression unit, which can also increase the superheat of the intake gas at the first port of the first-stage compression unit. This allows the liquid water carried by the water vapor entering the first-stage compression unit to be flashed, ensuring that the refrigerant entering the first-stage compression unit is all water vapor. This prevents wet compression, which can damage the compressor and reduce the cooling effect. Therefore, this solution makes the water vapor compressor more stable in operation. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 Schematic block diagrams of the structure of an air conditioner provided for some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 2 Flowcharts of air conditioner control methods provided for some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 3 Flowcharts of control methods for air conditioners provided for other embodiments;

[0043] Figure 4 A flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner provided for some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 5 A flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner provided in some further embodiments;

[0045] Figure 6 A flowchart of a control method for an air conditioner provided in some further embodiments.

[0046] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0047] 100 First heat exchanger, 200 Second heat exchanger, 300 Throttling component, 400 First-stage compression unit, 500 Second-stage compression unit, 600 Drive unit, 610 Cooling passage, 700 Connection passage, 810 First regulating valve, 820 First regulating passage, 910 Second regulating passage, 920 Second regulating valve, 1010 Third regulating passage, 1020 Third regulating valve, 1100 Water pump, 1200 Piping. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0049] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0050] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0051] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixing" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. "Connection" can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0053] The air conditioner proposed in the embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a steam compressor, a first heat exchanger 100, a second heat exchanger 200, and a throttling component 300. The steam compressor includes: a compressor body, comprising a primary compression unit 400, a secondary compression unit 500, and a drive unit 600 drivingly connecting the primary compression unit 400 and the secondary compression unit 500; the drive unit 600 having a cooling passage 610; a connecting passage 700, the first port of which is connected to the second port of the primary compression unit 400, and the second port of which is connected to the first port of the secondary compression unit 500; a first flow regulating passage, the first port of which is connected to the connecting passage 700, and the second port of which is connected to the first port of the cooling passage 610, and the second port of the cooling passage 610 is connected to the first port of the primary compression unit 400; and a cooling mechanism connected to the connecting passage 700 and located upstream of the first port of the first flow regulating passage, for cooling the steam within the connecting passage 700. In this configuration, the first port of the first heat exchanger 100 is connected to the second port of the secondary compression unit 500, the second port of the first heat exchanger 100 is connected to the first port of the second heat exchanger 200 through a throttling device 300, and the second port of the second heat exchanger 200 is connected to the first port of the primary compression unit 400. Alternatively, the throttling device can be configured as an expansion valve.

[0054] This air conditioner uses water vapor cooled by an internal cooling mechanism to cool the drive unit 600. It does not require an external water-cooling tower (or other cooling device), thus avoiding issues like liquid absorption and the accumulation of non-condensable gases. Furthermore, the water vapor cooling the drive unit 600 is introduced into the first port of the primary compression unit 400, increasing the superheat of the intake air. This allows for flash evaporation of the liquid water carried by the water vapor entering the primary compression unit 400, ensuring that all refrigerant entering the unit is water vapor. This prevents wet compression, which could damage the compressor and reduce cooling efficiency. Therefore, this design results in more stable air conditioner operation.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, in this application, the first port is set as an inlet and the second port is set as an outlet.

[0056] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first flow regulation passage includes a first regulation passage 820 and a first regulation valve 810. The first regulation valve 810 is located in the first regulation passage 820. By adjusting the opening of the first regulation valve 810, the flow rate of the first regulation passage 820 can be adjusted, thereby achieving the purpose of regulating the temperature of the drive unit 600 and the superheat of the water vapor in the first port of the first-stage compression unit 400.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first regulating valve 810 is configured as a throttle valve.

[0058] In some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cooling mechanism includes a second flow regulating passage, and the steam compressor includes a third flow regulating passage. The second port of the second flow regulating passage is located upstream of the first port of the first flow regulating passage, and the second port of the second flow regulating passage is connected to the second port of the first-stage compression unit 400. The second port of the third flow regulating passage is connected to the second port of the second-stage compression unit 500. The air conditioner also includes a water pump 1100, which is located between the first heat exchanger 100 and the throttling component 300. The first ports of the second and third flow regulating passages are both connected between the water pump 1100 and the throttling component 300.

[0059] like Figure 1As shown, the water vapor discharged after compression in the secondary compression unit 500 flows into the first heat exchanger 100 for condensation, forming liquid water and subcooled water. The liquid water and subcooled water then pass through the throttling device 300 for pressure reduction and throttling, lowering the pressure to the saturation temperature corresponding to the evaporation temperature. The water then flows into the second heat exchanger 200 for cooling. The second heat exchanger 200 is a flooded indirect heat exchanger. Liquid refrigerant water evaporates in the second heat exchanger 200, absorbing heat from the room and lowering the room temperature. Inside the second heat exchanger 200, liquid water evaporates, absorbing heat from the room and becoming saturated water vapor. This saturated water vapor then flows sequentially through the primary compression unit 400 and the secondary compression unit 500 for compression, increasing the pressure and temperature of the water vapor. Since the superheat of water vapor is relatively high after primary and secondary compression, a portion of the water, such as subcooled water, passing through water pump 1100 is supplied to the connecting passage 700 through the second flow regulation passage to perform interstage cooling of the water vapor compressed by primary compression unit 400, thereby reducing the superheat of the water vapor after primary compression. Another portion of the water, such as subcooled water, passing through water pump 1100 is supplied to the pipeline 1200 between the second port of secondary compression unit 500 and the first port of first heat exchanger 100 through the third flow regulation passage to cool the water vapor compressed by secondary compression unit 500, thereby reducing the superheat of the water vapor after secondary compression. This scheme not only reduces the power consumption of the water vapor compressor and improves the system performance, but also reduces the design difficulty and processing requirements of the water vapor compressor. A further portion of the water, such as subcooled water, passing through water pump 1100 is pressure-reduced and throttled through throttling component 300 to reduce the pressure to the saturation temperature corresponding to the evaporation temperature, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 200 for refrigeration. In the connecting passage 700, part of the water vapor that has been cooled by interstage cooling enters the cooling passage 610 through the first flow regulation passage (the other part enters the second-stage compression unit 500 from the first port of the second-stage compression unit 500) to cool the drive unit 600, and then enters the first port of the first-stage compression unit 400. This can increase the superheat of the intake air at the first port of the first-stage compression unit 400, and realize the flash evaporation of the liquid water carried by the water vapor entering the first-stage compression unit 400. This ensures that all the refrigerant entering the first-stage compression unit 400 is water vapor, and prevents wet compression from causing damage to the compressor and reducing the cooling effect.

[0060] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the second flow regulation path includes a second regulation path 910 and a second regulation valve 920, with the second regulation valve 920 disposed in the second regulation path 910; the third flow regulation path includes a third regulation path 1010 and a third regulation valve 1020, with the third regulation valve 1020 disposed in the third regulation path 1010.

[0061] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1As shown, both the second regulating valve 920 and the third regulating valve 1020 are configured as throttle valves.

[0062] Of course, it is also possible to only set up a second flow regulation path and not set up a third flow regulation path; it is also possible to only set up a third flow regulation path and not set up a second flow regulation path, etc. In this case, the cooling mechanism can be set up as a semiconductor cooler; all of the above can achieve the purpose of this application, and their purpose has not departed from the design concept of this invention, and will not be elaborated here, and should all fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the primary compression unit 400 includes a primary impeller, the secondary compression unit 500 includes a secondary impeller, and the drive unit 600 is a drive motor. The drive shaft of the drive motor is located between the primary impeller and the secondary impeller and connects the primary impeller and the secondary impeller. The primary impeller and the secondary impeller are symmetrically arranged. The second port of the primary compression unit 400 and the second port of the secondary compression unit 500 are located between the first port of the primary compression unit 400 and the first port of the secondary compression unit 500.

[0064] The air conditioner control method proposed in the embodiments of the present invention, such as 2 to 3, is as follows. Figure 4 As shown, it includes:

[0065] The temperature T of the drive unit 600 and the superheat C of the water vapor in the first port of the primary compression unit 400 are obtained.

[0066] Based on T and C, control the flow rate of the first flow regulation path.

[0067] The control method of this air conditioner controls the flow rate of the first flow regulation passage based on the temperature T of the drive unit 600 and the superheat C of the water vapor in the first port of the first-stage compression unit 400. This regulates the temperature of the water vapor in the cooling passage 610 and the superheat of the water vapor in the first port of the first-stage compression unit 400, so that the drive unit 600 operates within the operating temperature range and ensures that all the refrigerant entering the first-stage compression unit 400 from the first port of the first-stage compression unit 400 is water vapor.

[0068] In some examples, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, according to T and C, the steps for controlling the flow rate of the first flow regulation path include:

[0069] Based on the condition that at least one of the following two criteria is not met: first temperature threshold T1≤T≤second temperature threshold T2 and first superheat threshold C1≤C≤second superheat threshold C2, the opening of the first regulating valve 810 is adjusted so that T1≤T≤T2, C1≤C≤C2, T1<T2, and 0<C1<C2. This ensures that the drive unit 600 operates within the operating temperature range [T1,T2] and that all refrigerant entering the first-stage compression unit 400 from the first port is water vapor. This results in better performance of the water vapor compressor and higher operating efficiency of the air conditioner. The specific values ​​of C1, C2, T1, and T2 can be reasonably set by those skilled in the art as needed. For example, C1 can be set to 2℃ and C2 to 5℃.

[0070] In some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the control method also includes:

[0071] Obtain the superheat A of the water vapor within the connection passage 700 (e.g., obtain the superheat of the water vapor at the first port of the secondary compression unit 500);

[0072] According to A, control the flow rate of the second flow regulation path.

[0073] Based on the superheat A of the water vapor in the connection passage (such as the water vapor at the first port of the secondary compression unit 500), the flow rate of the second flow regulation passage is controlled to regulate the superheat of the water vapor flowing into the secondary compression unit 500, thereby reducing the superheat of the water vapor entering the secondary compression unit 500.

[0074] In some examples, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, according to A, the steps for controlling the flow rate of the second flow regulation path include:

[0075] Since A1≤A≤A2 is not true, the opening of the second regulating valve 920 is adjusted to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the connecting passage 700 (such as the water vapor at the first port of the secondary compression unit 500) to A1~A2, where A1<A2. A1 and A2 can be reasonably set by those skilled in the art as needed; for example, A1 can be set to 1℃ and A2 can be set to 2℃.

[0076] In some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the control method also includes:

[0077] Obtain the superheat B of the water vapor in the pipe 1200 between the second port of the secondary compression unit 500 and the first port of the first heat exchanger 100 (e.g., obtain the superheat of the water vapor at the first port of the first heat exchanger 100).

[0078] According to B, control the flow rate of the third flow regulation path.

[0079] Based on the superheat B of the water vapor in the pipeline 1200 (such as the water vapor at the first port of the first heat exchanger 100), the flow rate of the third flow regulation passage is controlled to regulate the superheat of the water vapor flowing into the first heat exchanger 100, thereby reducing the superheat of the water vapor entering the first heat exchanger 100.

[0080] In some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, according to B, the steps for controlling the flow rate of the third flow regulation path include:

[0081] Since B1≤B≤B2 is not true, the opening of the third regulating valve 1020 is adjusted to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the pipeline 1200 (such as the water vapor at the first port of the first heat exchanger 100) to B1~B2, where B1<B2. Those skilled in the art can set B1 and B2 reasonably as needed; for example, B1 can be set to 1℃ and B2 to 2℃.

[0082] This invention provides a control method for an air conditioner, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, it includes:

[0083] Obtain the superheat A of the water vapor at the first port of the secondary compression unit 500;

[0084] Since A1≤A≤A2 is not true, the opening of the second regulating valve 920 is adjusted so that the superheat of the water vapor at the first port of the secondary compression unit 500 (that is, the superheat of the first port of the first flow regulating passage) is adjusted to A1~A2, where A1<A2.

[0085] The temperature T of the drive unit 600 and the superheat C of the water vapor in the first port of the primary compression unit 400 are obtained.

[0086] Based on the fact that at least one of the two judgment conditions, namely the first temperature threshold T1≤T≤ the second temperature threshold T2 and the first superheat threshold C1≤C≤ the second superheat threshold C2, is not met, the opening of the first regulating valve 810 is adjusted so that T1≤T≤T2, C1≤C≤C2, T1<T2, and 0<C1<C2.

[0087] Obtain the superheat B of the water vapor at the first port of the first heat exchanger 100;

[0088] Since B1≤B≤B2 is not true, the opening of the third regulating valve 1020 is adjusted so that the superheat of the water vapor at the first port of the first heat exchanger 100 is adjusted to B1~B2, where B1<B2.

[0089] The air conditioner control method proposed in the embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 5 As shown, it includes:

[0090] Obtain the superheat A of the water vapor within the connection passage 700 (e.g., obtain the superheat of the water vapor at the first port of the secondary compression unit 500);

[0091] According to A, control the flow rate of the second flow regulation path.

[0092] Based on the superheat A of the water vapor in the connection passage (such as the water vapor at the first port of the secondary compression unit 500), the flow rate of the second flow regulation passage is controlled to regulate the superheat of the water vapor flowing into the secondary compression unit 500, thereby reducing the superheat of the water vapor entering the secondary compression unit 500.

[0093] In some examples, such as Figure 5 As shown, according to A, the steps for controlling the flow rate of the second flow regulation path include:

[0094] Since A1≤A≤A2 is not true, the opening of the second regulating valve 920 is adjusted to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the connecting passage 700 (such as the water vapor at the first port of the secondary compression unit 500) to A1~A2, where A1<A2. A1 and A2 can be reasonably set by those skilled in the art as needed; for example, A1 can be set to 1℃ and A2 can be set to 2℃.

[0095] The air conditioner control method proposed in the embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 6 As shown, it includes:

[0096] Obtain the superheat B of the water vapor in the pipe 1200 between the second port of the secondary compression unit 500 and the first port of the first heat exchanger 100 (e.g., obtain the superheat of the water vapor at the first port of the first heat exchanger 100).

[0097] According to B, control the flow rate of the third flow regulation path.

[0098] Based on the superheat B of the water vapor in the pipeline 1200 (such as the water vapor at the first port of the first heat exchanger 100), the flow rate of the third flow regulation passage is controlled to regulate the superheat of the water vapor flowing into the first heat exchanger 100, thereby reducing the superheat of the water vapor entering the first heat exchanger 100.

[0099] In some exemplary implementations, such as Figure 6 As shown, according to B, the steps for controlling the flow rate of the third flow regulation path include:

[0100] Since B1≤B≤B2 is not true, the opening of the third regulating valve 1020 is adjusted to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the pipeline 1200 (such as the water vapor at the first port of the first heat exchanger 100) to B1~B2, where B1<B2. Those skilled in the art can set B1 and B2 reasonably as needed; for example, B1 can be set to 1℃ and B2 to 2℃.

[0101] In summary, the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention includes a compressor body comprising a primary compression unit, a secondary compression unit, and a drive unit that drives the primary and secondary compression units. The drive unit has a cooling passage; a first port of the connecting passage is connected to a second port of the primary compression unit; a second port of the connecting passage is connected to a first port of the secondary compression unit; a first port of a first flow regulation passage is connected to the connecting passage; a second port of the first flow regulation passage is connected to a first port of the cooling passage; a second port of the cooling passage is connected to the first port of the primary compression unit; and a cooling mechanism is connected to the connecting passage and located upstream of the first port of the first flow regulation passage, for use in... The water vapor in the connection passage is cooled. The water vapor compressor is used in air conditioners, where the water vapor inside the air conditioner is used to cool the drive unit. The air conditioner does not require an external water cooling tower, so it will not have problems with liquid absorption or the increase of non-condensable gases. In addition, the water vapor that cools the drive unit is introduced into the first port of the first-stage compression unit, which can also increase the superheat of the intake gas at the first port of the first-stage compression unit. This allows for flash evaporation of the liquid water carried by the water vapor entering the first-stage compression unit, ensuring that all the refrigerant entering the first-stage compression unit is water vapor. This prevents damage to the compressor and reduced cooling effect caused by wet compression. Therefore, this solution provides better operational stability for the water vapor compressor.

[0102] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0103] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0104] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0105] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0106] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0107] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A steam compressor, characterized in that, include: The compressor body includes a primary compression unit, a secondary compression unit, and a drive unit that drives the primary compression unit and the secondary compression unit. The drive unit is provided with a cooling passage. The connection path has its first port connected to the second port of the first-stage compression unit, and its second port connected to the first port of the second-stage compression unit; and A first flow regulation path has a first port connected to the connection path and a second port connected to the first port of the cooling path, and the second port of the cooling path is connected to the first port of the first-stage compression unit. A cooling mechanism, which is connected to the connection passage and located upstream of the first port of the first flow regulation passage, is used to cool the water vapor in the connection passage; The cooling mechanism includes a second flow regulation passage. The first port of the second flow regulation passage is configured to connect to water formed by cooling water vapor. The second port of the second flow regulation passage is located upstream of the first port of the first flow regulation passage and is connected to the second port of the first-stage compression unit. It is used to supply subcooled water into the connecting passage to perform interstage cooling and temperature reduction on the water vapor after compression by the first-stage compression unit, thereby reducing the superheat of the water vapor after compression. A portion of the water vapor that has undergone interstage cooling and temperature reduction in the connecting passage enters the cooling passage through the first flow regulation passage to cool and temperature the drive unit, and then enters the first port of the first-stage compression unit to increase the superheat of the intake air at the first port of the first-stage compression unit, thereby achieving flash evaporation of the liquid water carried by the water vapor entering the first-stage compression unit.

2. The steam compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second flow regulation path includes a second regulation path and a second regulation valve disposed in the second regulation path.

3. The steam compressor according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: The third flow regulation passage has its second port connected to the second port of the secondary compression unit, and its first port is configured to connect to water formed by cooling water vapor.

4. The steam compressor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third flow regulation path includes a third regulation path and a third regulation valve disposed in the third regulation path.

5. The steam compressor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first flow regulation path includes a first regulation path and a first regulation valve disposed in the first regulation path.

6. An air conditioner, characterized in that, The system includes the steam compressor, first heat exchanger, second heat exchanger, and throttling device as described in claim 5. The first port of the first heat exchanger is connected to the second port of the secondary compression unit, and the second port is connected to the first port of the second heat exchanger through the throttling device. The second port of the second heat exchanger is connected to the first port of the primary compression unit.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The steam compressor includes a third flow regulation passage, and the second port of the third flow regulation passage is connected to the second port of the secondary compression unit. The air conditioner also includes: A water pump is located between the first heat exchanger and the throttling component. The first port of the second flow regulation passage and the first port of the third flow regulation passage are both connected between the water pump and the throttling component.

8. A control method for an air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, include: The temperature T of the drive unit and the superheat C of the water vapor in the first port of the primary compression unit are obtained. The flow rate of the first flow regulation path is controlled according to T and C.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of controlling the flow rate of the first flow regulation path according to T and C includes: If at least one of the two determination conditions, namely, the first temperature threshold T1≤T≤ the second temperature threshold T2 and the first superheat threshold C1≤C≤ the second superheat threshold C2, is not met, then the opening of the first regulating valve is adjusted so that T1≤T≤T2, C1≤C≤C2, T1<T2, and C1<C2.

10. The control method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the superheat A of the water vapor within the connection passage; According to A, control the flow rate of the second flow regulation path.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The step of controlling the flow rate of the second flow regulation path includes: Adjust the opening of the second regulating valve to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the connection passage to A1~A2, where A1 < A2.

12. The control method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain the superheat B of the water vapor in the pipeline between the second port of the secondary compression unit and the first port of the first heat exchanger; According to B, control the flow rate of the third flow regulation path.

13. The control method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The step of controlling the flow rate of the third flow regulation path includes: Adjust the opening of the third regulating valve to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the pipeline to B1~B2, where B1 < B2.

14. A control method for an air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, include: Obtain the superheat A of the water vapor within the connection passage; According to A, adjust the opening of the second regulating valve to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the connection passage to A1~A2, where A1<A2.

15. A control method for an air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, include: Obtain the superheat B of the water vapor in the pipeline between the second port of the secondary compression unit and the first port of the first heat exchanger; According to B, adjust the opening of the third regulating valve to adjust the superheat of the water vapor in the pipeline to B1~B2, where B1 < B2.

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