Air conditioner, waste heat recovery control method and system thereof and air conditioner controller

Abstract

The invention discloses an air conditioner, a waste heat recovery control method and system thereof and an air conditioner controller, the air conditioner is provided with a thermoelectric conversion module, and the thermoelectric conversion module is configured to convert waste heat generated by the air conditioner into electric energy according to the temperature difference between a high-temperature part and a low-temperature part of the air conditioner; the method comprises the steps that the working mode of the air conditioner is determined, and a power generation temperature difference threshold value is determined according to the working mode; and under the condition that the temperature difference between the high-temperature part and the low-temperature part reaches a power generation temperature difference threshold value, the air conditioner is controlled to execute a thermoelectric conversion process, so that a thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of loads of the air conditioner, and the at least part of loads are determined according to the working mode. Therefore, according to the method, the electric energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner is supplied to the load of the air conditioner, the working requirements in different working modes are met, meanwhile, the application cost is reduced, and the waste heat recycling rate is increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular to a waste heat recovery control method for an air conditioner, a computer-readable storage medium, an air conditioner controller, a waste heat recovery system for an air conditioner, and an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, waste heat recovery of air conditioners is achieved by designing the flow direction of the refrigeration system, such as through a technical solution of connecting heat exchangers in parallel or in series and then exchanging heat with the water circuit through the heat exchanger. However, this technical solution requires changing the structure of the refrigeration system, increasing the application cost, and also dissipating the waste heat generated by the heat exchanger of the air conditioner outdoor unit into the air, reducing the waste heat recovery performance. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve one of the technical problems in the related art to at least a certain extent. To this end, the first purpose of the present invention is to propose a waste heat recovery control method for an air conditioner, which controls the air conditioner to execute a corresponding thermoelectric conversion process according to the working mode of the air conditioner, so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, thereby converting the electric energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner to supply power to the load of the air conditioner, which not only meets the working requirements under different working modes, but also reduces the application cost and improves the waste heat recovery utilization rate.

[0004] A second object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium.

[0005] A third objective of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning controller.

[0006] A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a waste heat recovery system for an air conditioner.

[0007] A fifth object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner.

[0008] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention proposes a waste heat recovery control method for an air conditioner, wherein the air conditioner is provided with a thermoelectric conversion module, which is configured to convert the waste heat generated by the air conditioner into electrical energy according to the temperature difference between a high temperature part and a low temperature part of the air conditioner. The waste heat recovery control method for the air conditioner comprises: determining an operating mode of the air conditioner, and determining a power generation temperature difference threshold according to the operating mode; when the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, controlling the air conditioner to execute a thermoelectric conversion process so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, wherein at least part of the load is determined according to the operating mode.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner is provided with a thermoelectric conversion module, which is configured to convert waste heat generated by the air conditioner into electrical energy according to the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part of the air conditioner. The waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner first determines the working mode of the air conditioner, and determines the power generation temperature difference threshold according to the working mode, and when the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the thermoelectric conversion process so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, wherein at least part of the load is determined according to the working mode. Thus, the method controls the air conditioner to execute the corresponding thermoelectric conversion process according to the working mode of the air conditioner so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, thereby converting the electrical energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner into power for the load of the air conditioner, which not only meets the working requirements under different working modes, but also reduces the application cost and improves the waste heat recovery utilization rate.

[0010] In addition, the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner according to the above embodiment of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner is further provided with an energy storage module, the energy storage module is configured to supply power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, the thermoelectric conversion module is configured to charge the energy storage module, and the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner also includes: obtaining the power of the energy storage module; when the power is greater than or equal to a first preset power threshold, controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to stop working, and supplying power to at least part of the load through the energy storage module.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the power level is less than or equal to a second preset power threshold, the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner also includes: controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to charge the energy storage module, and controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to supply power to at least part of the load, wherein the second preset power threshold is less than the first preset power threshold.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the power level is greater than a second preset power threshold and less than a first preset power threshold, the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner further includes: controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to supplement power to the energy storage module, and supplying power to at least part of the load through the energy storage module.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the working mode includes a heating mode and a cooling mode, wherein the power generation temperature difference threshold corresponding to the heating mode is 50-100°C; and the power generation temperature difference threshold corresponding to the cooling mode is 40-80°C.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioner includes an electric auxiliary heating module and an electric defrost module. When the working mode is a heating mode, the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner also includes: if the return air temperature of the air conditioner is lower than a preset return air temperature threshold, controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to supply power to the electric defrost module; if the return air temperature of the air conditioner is greater than or equal to the preset return air temperature threshold, controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to supply power to the electric auxiliary heating module.

[0016] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the second aspect of the embodiment of the present invention proposes a computer-readable storage medium, on which a waste heat recovery control program of an air conditioner is stored. When the waste heat recovery control program of the air conditioner is executed by a processor, the above-mentioned waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner is implemented.

[0017] According to the computer-readable storage medium of an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner is implemented when the waste heat recovery control program of the air conditioner is executed by the processor. Based on the above-mentioned waste heat recovery control method, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the corresponding thermoelectric conversion process according to the working mode of the air conditioner, so that the thermoelectric conversion module powers at least part of the load of the air conditioner, thereby converting the electric energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner to power the load of the air conditioner, which not only meets the working requirements under different working modes, but also reduces the application cost and improves the waste heat recovery utilization rate.

[0018] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the third aspect of the embodiment of the present invention proposes an air-conditioning controller, including a memory, a processor, and a waste heat recovery program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the waste heat recovery program, the above-mentioned waste heat recovery method of the air conditioner is implemented.

[0019] According to the air-conditioning controller of an embodiment of the present invention, when the processor executes the waste heat recovery program, the above-mentioned waste heat recovery method of the air conditioner is implemented. Based on the above-mentioned waste heat recovery method, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the corresponding thermoelectric conversion process according to the working mode of the air conditioner, so that the thermoelectric conversion module powers at least part of the load of the air conditioner, thereby converting the electric energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner to power the load of the air conditioner, which not only meets the working requirements under different working modes, but also reduces the application cost and improves the waste heat recovery utilization rate.

[0020] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the fourth aspect of the present invention proposes a waste heat recovery system for an air conditioner, comprising: a temperature detection module, configured to detect the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part of the air conditioner; a thermoelectric conversion module, configured to convert the waste heat generated by the air conditioner into electrical energy according to the temperature difference; a control module, configured to determine the working mode of the air conditioner, and determine the power generation temperature difference threshold according to the working mode, and when the temperature difference reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, control the air conditioner to execute the thermoelectric conversion process, so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, wherein at least part of the load is determined according to the working mode.

[0021] According to the waste heat recovery system of the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part of the air conditioner is detected by the temperature detection module, the waste heat generated by the air conditioner is converted into electric energy according to the temperature difference by the thermoelectric conversion module, the control module determines the working mode of the air conditioner, and determines the power generation temperature difference threshold according to the working mode, and when the temperature difference reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the thermoelectric conversion process so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, wherein at least part of the load is determined according to the working mode. Thus, the waste heat recovery system controls the air conditioner to execute the corresponding thermoelectric conversion process according to the working mode of the air conditioner so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, thereby converting the electric energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner into power for the load of the air conditioner, which not only meets the working requirements under different working modes, but also reduces the application cost and improves the waste heat recovery utilization rate.

[0022] In addition, the waste heat recovery system of the air conditioner according to the above embodiment of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a thermoelectric conversion module includes a high-temperature end heat sink, a TEC thermoelectric converter and a low-temperature end heat sink, one end of the high-temperature end heat sink is connected to the exhaust pipe of the air conditioner, the other end of the high-temperature end heat sink is connected to the high-temperature input end of the TEC thermoelectric converter, one end of the low-temperature end heat sink is connected to the liquid storage tank of the air conditioner, and the other end of the low-temperature end heat sink is connected to the low-temperature input end of the TEC thermoelectric converter.

[0024] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a fifth embodiment of the present invention provides an air conditioner, comprising the above-mentioned waste heat recovery system.

[0025] According to the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention, based on the above-mentioned waste heat recovery system, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the corresponding thermoelectric conversion process according to the working mode of the air conditioner, so that the thermoelectric conversion module powers at least part of the load of the air conditioner, thereby converting the electric energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner to power the load of the air conditioner, which not only meets the working requirements under different working modes, but also reduces the application cost and improves the waste heat recovery utilization rate.

[0026] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and in part will be obvious from the following description, or will be learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a waste heat recovery control method for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 A thermoelectric conversion circuit diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 is a flow chart of a waste heat recovery control method for an air conditioner according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an air-conditioning controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a waste heat recovery system for an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0035] The following describes a waste heat recovery control method for an air conditioner, a computer-readable storage medium, an air conditioner controller, a waste heat recovery system for an air conditioner, and an air conditioner according to embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] In the related art, the waste heat of the air conditioner is recovered by designing the flow direction of the refrigeration system, such as by connecting heat exchangers in parallel or in series, and then exchanging heat with the water circuit. However, this technical solution has the following technical defects:

[0037] (1) The use of multiple heat exchangers changes the structure of the refrigeration system, making the air conditioner structure more complicated, resulting in an increase in pipelines and heat exchangers, which increases the development and manufacturing costs of the air conditioner and reduces production efficiency;

[0038] (2) The heat exchanger of the air conditioner outdoor unit will radiate a large amount of heat into the air, resulting in low recovery efficiency and energy waste.

[0039] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application proposes a waste heat recovery control method for an air conditioner. The waste heat recovery control method for the air conditioner of the present application is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present application, the air conditioner is provided with a thermoelectric conversion module, which is configured to convert waste heat generated by the air conditioner into electrical energy according to the temperature difference between a high temperature part and a low temperature part of the air conditioner.

[0041] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 As shown, the thermoelectric conversion device 10 of the air conditioner is composed of a high-temperature end heat sink 11, a TEC thermoelectric converter 12 and a low-temperature end heat sink 13, wherein one end of the high-temperature end heat sink 11 is connected to the exhaust pipe 20 of the air conditioner, the other end of the high-temperature end heat sink 11 is connected to the high-temperature input end of the TEC thermoelectric converter 12, one end of the low-temperature end heat sink 11 is connected to the liquid storage tank 30 of the air conditioner, and the other end of the low-temperature end heat sink 11 is connected to the low-temperature input end of the TEC thermoelectric converter 12. Air conditioning pipeline, high-temperature end heat sink, TEC thermoelectric converter, low-temperature end heat sink, air conditioning liquid storage tank. That is, the high-temperature end heat sink 11 is fixed to the exhaust pipe 20, the low-temperature end heat sink 13 is fixed on the liquid storage tank 30, and the TEC thermoelectric converter 12 is fixed between the low-temperature end heat sink 13 and the high-temperature end heat sink 11, so that the three are fastened together, and the temperature of the exhaust pipe 20 and the liquid storage tank 30 is transmitted to the TEC thermoelectric converter 12 through the heat sinks at both ends. In addition, the exhaust pipe 20 and the liquid storage tank 30 can be fixed together based on the structural connection, which can suppress the vibration of the exhaust pipe 20, greatly reduce the vibration of the exhaust pipe 20 at the natural frequency, and greatly reduce the risk of pipe breakage caused by the air conditioner running at the natural frequency.

[0042] During application, the heat of the exhaust pipe 20 is conducted to the high-temperature input end of the TEC thermoelectric converter 12 through the high-temperature heat sink 11, and the temperature of the liquid storage tank 30 is conducted to the low-temperature input end of the TEC thermoelectric converter 12 through the low-temperature end heat sink 13. The temperature difference between the exhaust pipe 20 and the liquid storage tank 30 will cause a corresponding temperature difference between the high-temperature input end and the low-temperature input end of the TEC thermoelectric converter 12. When there is a temperature difference between the two ends of the TEC thermoelectric converter 12 due to the contact between two different materials, an electromotive force will be generated, thereby generating electrical energy output and realizing waste heat recovery.

[0043] It can be understood that the above embodiment is an example of the structure of the air conditioner using the high temperature part as the exhaust pipe and the low temperature part as the liquid storage tank. The high temperature part and the low temperature part can be selected according to the actual situation, such as the position of the compressor body, the liquid storage tank, the return air pipe, etc. It is necessary to ensure that the thermoelectric conversion device is set in a place with a large temperature difference to achieve thermoelectric conversion.

[0044] Reference Figure 2 As shown, the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps:

[0045] S1, determining the working mode of the air conditioner, and determining the power generation temperature difference threshold according to the working mode;

[0046] S2, when the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, control the air conditioner to execute the thermoelectric conversion process so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, wherein at least part of the load is determined according to the working mode.

[0047] Specifically, the relationship between the working mode of the air conditioner and the power generation temperature threshold can be pre-set based on the operating parameters of the air conditioner, user needs, etc., and stored in the air conditioner in the form of a table. When the air conditioner receives a control instruction sent by the user, the control instruction is identified to determine the working mode to be started, and the stored working mode-power generation temperature threshold relationship table is called to query and determine the corresponding power generation temperature threshold. Among them, the power generation temperature threshold is used as the starting condition of the air conditioner thermoelectric conversion process, that is, the trigger condition of the thermoelectric conversion module. The power generation temperature threshold can correspond to the working mode one by one, and can also be adjusted accordingly according to the control parameters selected in the control instruction. The control parameters may include: set temperature, set wind speed, set humidity, etc., which are not limited here. The specific adjustment strategy can be set according to the actual situation to meet the needs of different scenarios and improve the thermoelectric conversion efficiency.

[0048] When the air conditioner is running according to the received control instruction, the temperature of the high temperature part and the low temperature part is obtained. When it is determined that the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part reaches the power generation temperature threshold, the thermoelectric conversion module is controlled to start so that the air conditioner performs the thermoelectric conversion process. The thermoelectric conversion module after startup outputs electrical energy to at least part of the load of the air conditioner according to the temperature difference between the two ends to power the load, realize the waste heat recovery and reuse of the air conditioner, improve the energy utilization rate, and reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioner.

[0049] It should be noted that the above loads can be selected according to the working mode of the air conditioner to assist in improving the working performance of the air conditioner. For example, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the load can be indoor electric auxiliary heating; when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the load can be an auxiliary fan, etc. Among them, the load powered by the air conditioner when executing the thermoelectric conversion process can be one or more, which is not limited here.

[0050] Furthermore, in addition to being directly obtained through the corresponding temperature sensors, the temperatures of the high temperature part and the low temperature part can also be determined based on the existing temperature sensors of the air conditioner itself. For example, when the high temperature part is the exhaust pipe of the air conditioner and the low temperature part is the liquid storage tank of the air conditioner, the exhaust pipe temperature and the return pipe temperature obtained by the existing exhaust pipe temperature sensor and the return pipe temperature sensor of the air conditioner can be used to determine whether the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, which further reduces the application cost. It can be understood that the power generation temperature difference threshold is used as the start judgment condition of the thermoelectric conversion process. Therefore, when the obtained exhaust pipe temperature and return pipe temperature are used to determine whether the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, that is, when the temperature value obtained by the existing temperature sensor is used to determine whether the start condition of the thermoelectric conversion process is reached, in one embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust pipe temperature and the return pipe temperature are used to determine the power generation temperature difference threshold, and then in the actual application process, the difference between the exhaust pipe temperature and the return pipe temperature is compared with the power generation temperature threshold to determine whether the start condition of the hot spot conversion process is reached. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the power generation temperature difference threshold corresponding to the heating mode is 50-100°C; the power generation temperature difference threshold corresponding to the cooling mode is 40-80°C.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner is further provided with an energy storage module, the energy storage module is configured to supply power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, and the thermoelectric conversion module is configured to charge the energy storage module.

[0052] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the thermoelectric conversion module 10, as an AC source, converts the waste heat of the air conditioner into AC output, and the AC is rectified by the rectifier module 40 to output DC, and the filtered DC is used to charge the energy storage module 50. In other words, the electric energy output by the thermoelectric conversion module 10 can directly power the load of the air conditioner, or the converted output electric energy can be stored through the energy storage module 50 to achieve the purpose of storing the electric energy converted from thermal energy. Then, the energy storage module 50 is controlled based on the power demand or the corresponding control strategy, and the corresponding load is powered by the energy storage module 50.

[0053] That is to say, this embodiment can store the electric energy output by the thermoelectric conversion module based on the setting of the energy storage module, and realize the separation of the thermoelectric conversion output process and the load power supply process, that is, the two tasks can be carried out simultaneously or in steps, which improves the application flexibility. In addition, the storage of electric energy based on the energy storage module can not only ensure the continuity of the load power supply, but also be more conducive to the stability of the load power supply and ensure the operation effect of the load. At the same time, based on the capacity setting of the energy storage module, it can also realize the driving of large loads and improve the scope of application of waste heat recovery.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner further includes: obtaining the power of the energy storage module; when the power is greater than or equal to a first preset power threshold, controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to stop working, and supplying power to at least part of the load through the energy storage module. The first preset power threshold can be set according to actual conditions.

[0055] Specifically, when the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, the thermoelectric conversion module is controlled to start working, and the electric energy output by the thermoelectric conversion module is used to charge the energy storage module. When it is determined that the power of the energy storage module has reached the first preset power threshold, the thermoelectric conversion module is controlled to stop working, that is, stop charging the energy storage module to avoid overcharging the energy storage module, realize the protection of the battery cell of the energy storage module, and power at least part of the load of the air conditioner through the energy storage module.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the power is less than or equal to the second preset power threshold, the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner further includes: controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to charge the energy storage module, and controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to supply power to at least part of the load, wherein the second preset power threshold is less than the first preset power threshold. The first preset power threshold and the second preset power threshold can be set according to actual conditions.

[0057] That is to say, when the power of the energy storage module is less than or equal to the second preset power threshold, it is determined that the power of the energy storage module cannot continuously supply power to the load, then the power supply circuit between the thermoelectric conversion module and the energy storage module is controlled to be turned on, the thermoelectric conversion module is started, the energy storage module is charged, and the thermoelectric conversion module is used to assist in supplying power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner to ensure the continuous operation of the load.

[0058] For example, when it is determined according to the working mode of the air conditioner that power needs to be supplied to the first load and the second load of the air conditioner, when it is determined that the power of the energy storage module is less than or equal to the second preset power threshold, the thermoelectric conversion module starts to work, and controls the power supply circuits between the energy storage module and the first load and the second load to be disconnected, the power supply circuits between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first load and the second load to be connected, and the charging circuit between the thermoelectric conversion module and the energy storage module to be connected. At this time, the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to the first load and the second load on the one hand to ensure the continuous operation of the loads, and charges the energy storage module on the other hand. The energy storage module only performs charging operations during this process. In another embodiment, when it is determined that the power of the energy storage module is less than or equal to the second preset power threshold, after starting the thermoelectric conversion module, only the power supply circuit between the energy storage module and the first load can be controlled to be disconnected, and the power supply circuit between the energy storage module and the second load can be kept connected, and the power supply circuit between the thermoelectric conversion module and the first load can be controlled to be connected, and the charging circuit between the thermoelectric conversion module and the energy storage module can be controlled to be connected. At this time, the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to the first load to achieve load sharing of the energy storage module, reduce the power consumption of the energy storage module, and charge the energy storage module at the same time. The energy storage module performs charging and discharging operations simultaneously in this process, and the specific allocation can be set according to actual conditions.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the power level is greater than the second preset power threshold and less than the first preset power threshold, the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner also includes: controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to supplement power to the energy storage module, and supplying power to at least part of the load through the energy storage module.

[0060] That is to say, when the power of the energy storage module is greater than the second preset threshold and less than the first preset power threshold, the charging circuit between the thermoelectric conversion module and the energy storage module is controlled to be turned on, and the thermoelectric conversion module is controlled to charge the energy storage module. At the same time, the energy storage module is controlled to discharge to supply power to at least part of the load, that is, the energy storage module performs charging and discharging actions at the same time.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner includes an electric auxiliary heating module and an electric defrosting module. When the working mode is a heating mode, the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner further includes: if the return air temperature of the air conditioner is less than a preset return air temperature threshold, controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to supply power to the electric defrosting module; if the return air temperature of the air conditioner is greater than or equal to the preset return air temperature threshold, controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to supply power to the electric auxiliary heating module. The preset return air temperature threshold can be set based on the normal return air temperature of the air conditioner.

[0062] That is to say, when the air conditioner is running in the heating mode, the return air temperature of the air conditioner is obtained. When it is determined that the return air temperature is less than the preset return air temperature threshold, it is determined that the condenser is frosted, and the electric energy output by the thermoelectric conversion module is controlled to power the electric heating defrosting device to perform the defrosting process of the condenser. Otherwise, the electric energy output by the thermoelectric conversion module is controlled to power the electric auxiliary heating module set in the indoor unit to assist in the realization of the indoor heating function and improve the heating effect of the air conditioner.

[0063] As a specific embodiment of the present application, Figure 4 As shown, the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner may include the following steps:

[0064] S401, determining the operating mode of the air conditioner.

[0065] S402, determining a power generation temperature difference threshold according to the working mode, and determining a minimum load of the air conditioner.

[0066] S403, obtaining the temperature difference between the high temperature portion and the low temperature portion.

[0067] S404, determine whether the temperature difference reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold. If yes, execute step S405; if no, execute step S403.

[0068] S405, controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to start working.

[0069] Specifically, the thermoelectric conversion module generates a thermoelectric effect to convert waste heat generated by the air conditioner into electrical energy to charge the energy storage module.

[0070] S406, obtaining the SOC of the energy storage module.

[0071] S407, determine whether the power SOC is greater than or equal to a first preset power threshold SOC1. If yes, execute step S408; if not, execute step S409.

[0072] S408, controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to stop working, and supplying power to at least part of the load through the energy storage module. Execute step S406.

[0073] S409, determining whether the power SOC is less than or equal to a second preset power threshold SOC2. If so, executing step S410; if not, executing step S411.

[0074] S410, controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to charge the energy storage module, and controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to supply power to at least part of the load. Execute step S406.

[0075] S411, control the thermoelectric conversion module to supplement the energy storage module with electricity, and supply power to at least part of the load through the energy storage module. Execute step S406.

[0076] In summary, the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a thermoelectric conversion module, and the thermoelectric conversion module is configured to convert the waste heat generated by the air conditioner into electrical energy according to the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part of the air conditioner. The waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner first determines the working mode of the air conditioner, and determines the power generation temperature difference threshold according to the working mode, and when the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the thermoelectric conversion process so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, wherein at least part of the load is determined according to the working mode. Therefore, the method controls the air conditioner to execute the corresponding thermoelectric conversion process according to the working mode of the air conditioner, so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, thereby converting the electrical energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner to supply power to the load of the air conditioner, which not only meets the working requirements under different working modes, but also reduces the application cost and improves the waste heat recovery utilization rate.

[0077] Corresponding to the above embodiment, the present invention also proposes a computer-readable storage medium.

[0078] The computer-readable storage medium of the embodiment of the present invention stores a waste heat recovery control program for an air conditioner, and when the waste heat recovery control program for the air conditioner is executed by a processor, the waste heat recovery control method for the air conditioner is implemented.

[0079] According to the computer-readable storage medium of an embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner is implemented when the waste heat recovery control program of the air conditioner is executed by the processor. Based on the above-mentioned waste heat recovery control method, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the corresponding thermoelectric conversion process according to the working mode of the air conditioner, so that the thermoelectric conversion module powers at least part of the load of the air conditioner, thereby converting the electric energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner to power the load of the air conditioner, which not only meets the working requirements under different working modes, but also reduces the application cost and improves the waste heat recovery utilization rate.

[0080] Corresponding to the above embodiment, the present invention further proposes an air-conditioning controller.

[0081] like Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioning controller 100 of the embodiment of the present invention includes a memory 110, a processor 120, and a waste heat recovery program stored in the memory 110 and executable on the processor 120. When the processor 120 executes the waste heat recovery program, the above-mentioned waste heat recovery method of the air conditioner is implemented.

[0082] According to the air-conditioning controller of an embodiment of the present invention, when the processor executes the waste heat recovery program, the above-mentioned waste heat recovery method of the air conditioner is implemented. Based on the above-mentioned waste heat recovery method, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the corresponding thermoelectric conversion process according to the working mode of the air conditioner, so that the thermoelectric conversion module powers at least part of the load of the air conditioner, thereby converting the electric energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner to power the load of the air conditioner, which not only meets the working requirements under different working modes, but also reduces the application cost and improves the waste heat recovery utilization rate.

[0083] Corresponding to the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention further proposes a waste heat recovery system for an air conditioner.

[0084] like Figure 6 As shown, the waste heat recovery system of the air conditioner according to the embodiment of the present invention comprises: a temperature detection module 60 , a thermoelectric conversion module 10 and a control module 70 .

[0085] The temperature detection module 60 is configured to detect the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part of the air conditioner. The thermoelectric conversion module 10 is configured to convert the waste heat generated by the air conditioner into electrical energy according to the temperature difference. The control module 70 is configured to determine the working mode of the air conditioner, determine the power generation temperature difference threshold according to the working mode, and control the air conditioner to perform the thermoelectric conversion process when the temperature difference reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, so that the thermoelectric conversion module 10 supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, wherein at least part of the load is determined according to the working mode.

[0086] After the compressor of the air conditioner runs stably, the temperature difference between the corresponding high-temperature part and the low-temperature part remains stable, so that thermoelectric conversion can be performed, which is less affected by the environment and has high power generation efficiency.

[0087] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the thermoelectric conversion module 10 includes a high-temperature end heat sink 11, a TEC thermoelectric converter 12 and a low-temperature end heat sink 13, one end of the high-temperature end heat sink 11 is connected to the exhaust pipe 20 of the air conditioner, the other end of the high-temperature end heat sink 11 is connected to the high-temperature input end of the TEC thermoelectric converter 12, one end of the low-temperature end heat sink 13 is connected to the liquid storage tank 30 of the air conditioner, and the other end of the low-temperature end heat sink 13 is connected to the low-temperature input end of the TEC thermoelectric converter 12.

[0088] Specifically, the high-temperature end heat sink 11 is fixed to the exhaust pipe 20, the low-temperature end heat sink 13 is fixed to the liquid storage tank 30, and the TEC thermoelectric converter 12 is fixed between the low-temperature end heat sink 13 and the high-temperature end heat sink 11, so that the three are fastened together, and the high temperature of the exhaust pipe 20 and the low temperature of the liquid storage tank 30 are transmitted to the TEC thermoelectric converter 12 through the corresponding heat sinks. Therefore, by fixing the exhaust pipe 20 and the liquid storage tank 30 together through the thermoelectric conversion module 10, the vibration of the exhaust pipe 20 at the natural frequency can be greatly reduced, and the risk of pipe breakage caused by the operation of the air conditioner at the natural frequency can be greatly reduced.

[0089] In addition, in addition to the above-mentioned installation positions, the thermoelectric conversion module 10 can be set according to actual conditions, for example, between the compressor itself and the low-temperature return air pipe.

[0090] In summary, according to the waste heat recovery system of the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part of the air conditioner is detected by the temperature detection module, the waste heat generated by the air conditioner is converted into electrical energy according to the temperature difference by the thermoelectric conversion module, the control module determines the working mode of the air conditioner, and determines the power generation temperature difference threshold according to the working mode, and when the temperature difference reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the thermoelectric conversion process so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, wherein at least part of the load is determined according to the working mode. Thus, the waste heat recovery system controls the air conditioner to execute the corresponding thermoelectric conversion process according to the working mode of the air conditioner, so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, thereby converting the electrical energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner to supply power to the load of the air conditioner, which not only meets the working requirements under different working modes, but also reduces the application cost and improves the waste heat recovery utilization rate.

[0091] Corresponding to the above embodiment, the present invention also proposes an air conditioner.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, the air conditioner 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the waste heat recovery system 1100 described above.

[0093] According to the air conditioner of the embodiment of the present invention, based on the above-mentioned waste heat recovery system, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the corresponding thermoelectric conversion process according to the working mode of the air conditioner, so that the thermoelectric conversion module powers at least part of the load of the air conditioner, thereby converting the electric energy converted from the waste heat of the air conditioner to power the load of the air conditioner, which not only meets the working requirements under different working modes, but also reduces the application cost and improves the waste heat recovery utilization rate.

[0094] It should be noted that the logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be specifically implemented in any computer-readable medium for use by an instruction execution system, device or apparatus (such as a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other system that can fetch instructions from an instruction execution system, device or apparatus and execute instructions), or in combination with these instruction execution systems, devices or apparatuses. For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transmit a program for use by an instruction execution system, device or apparatus, or in combination with these instruction execution systems, devices or apparatuses. More specific examples of computer-readable media (a non-exhaustive list) include the following: an electrical connection portion with one or more wirings (electronic device), a portable computer disk box (magnetic device), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable and programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber device, and a portable compact disk read-only memory (CDROM). In addition, the computer-readable medium may even be paper or other suitable medium on which the program is printed, since the program may be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium and then editing, interpreting or processing in other suitable ways if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0095] It should be understood that the various parts of the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware or a combination thereof. In the above-mentioned embodiments, a plurality of steps or methods can be implemented by software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented by hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented by any one of the following technologies known in the art or their combination: a discrete logic circuit having a logic gate circuit for implementing a logic function for a data signal, a dedicated integrated circuit having a suitable combination of logic gate circuits, a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

[0096] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representation of the above terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0097] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0098] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0099] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and are not to be construed as limitations of the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and vary the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A waste heat recovery control method for an air conditioner, characterized in that: The air conditioner is provided with a thermoelectric conversion module, and the thermoelectric conversion module is configured to convert waste heat generated by the air conditioner into electrical energy according to a temperature difference between a high temperature part and a low temperature part of the air conditioner, and the method includes: Determining an operating mode of the air conditioner, and determining a power generation temperature difference threshold according to the operating mode; When the temperature difference between the high temperature part and the low temperature part reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to execute the thermoelectric conversion process so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, wherein the at least part of the load is determined according to the working mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The air conditioner is further provided with an energy storage module, the energy storage module is configured to supply power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, the thermoelectric conversion module is configured to charge the energy storage module, and the method further comprises: Obtaining the power of the energy storage module; When the electric quantity is greater than or equal to a first preset electric quantity threshold, the thermoelectric conversion module is controlled to stop working, and the energy storage module is used to supply power to at least part of the load.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that When the power level is less than or equal to a second preset power level threshold, the method further includes: The thermoelectric conversion module is controlled to charge the energy storage module, and the thermoelectric conversion module is controlled to supply power to at least part of the load, wherein the second preset power threshold is less than the first preset power threshold.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that When the power level is greater than the second preset power level threshold and less than the first preset power level threshold, the method further includes: The thermoelectric conversion module is controlled to supplement the energy storage module with electricity, and the energy storage module is used to supply power to at least part of the load.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The working modes include heating mode and cooling mode, wherein: The power generation temperature difference threshold corresponding to the heating mode is 50-100°C; The power generation temperature difference threshold corresponding to the cooling mode is 40-80°C.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that The air conditioner includes an electric auxiliary heating module and an electric defrosting module. When the working mode is a heating mode, the method further includes: If the return air temperature of the air conditioner is lower than a preset return air temperature threshold, controlling the thermoelectric conversion module to supply power to the electric defrosting module; If the return air temperature of the air conditioner is greater than or equal to a preset return air temperature threshold, the thermoelectric conversion module is controlled to supply power to the electric auxiliary heating module.

7. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: A waste heat recovery control program of the air conditioner is stored thereon, and when the waste heat recovery control program of the air conditioner is executed by the processor, the waste heat recovery control method of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-6 is implemented.

8. An air conditioning controller, characterized in that: The invention comprises a memory, a processor and a waste heat recovery program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the waste heat recovery program, the waste heat recovery method of the air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6 is implemented.

9. A waste heat recovery system for an air conditioner, characterized in that: include: a temperature detection module configured to detect a temperature difference between a high temperature portion and a low temperature portion of the air conditioner; a thermoelectric conversion module configured to convert waste heat generated by the air conditioner into electrical energy according to the temperature difference; A control module is configured to determine an operating mode of the air conditioner, determine a power generation temperature difference threshold according to the operating mode, and control the air conditioner to execute a thermoelectric conversion process when the temperature difference reaches the power generation temperature difference threshold, so that the thermoelectric conversion module supplies power to at least part of the load of the air conditioner, wherein the at least part of the load is determined according to the operating mode.

10. The waste heat recovery system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The thermoelectric conversion module includes a high-temperature end heat sink, a TEC thermoelectric converter and a low-temperature end heat sink, one end of the high-temperature end heat sink is connected to the exhaust pipe of the air conditioner, the other end of the high-temperature end heat sink is connected to the high-temperature input end of the TEC thermoelectric converter, one end of the low-temperature end heat sink is connected to the liquid storage tank of the air conditioner, and the other end of the low-temperature end heat sink is connected to the low-temperature input end of the TEC thermoelectric converter.

11. An air conditioner, characterized in that: Comprising the waste heat recovery system according to claim 9.

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