Temperature control equipment, lubricating oil separation method, apparatus and readable storage medium

Abstract

This application relates to a temperature control device, a lubricating oil separation method, an apparatus, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. The temperature control device includes a condenser, a subcooler, a pump, an evaporator, and a compressor. The condenser, subcooler, evaporator, and compressor are connected via a main flow pipeline. Temperature control is achieved through refrigerant in the main flow pipeline. The evaporator is connected to the subcooler via a transport pipeline. The pump is located in the transport pipeline and is used to pump the mixture to be separated from the evaporator into the subcooler, allowing heat exchange between the mixture and the main flow pipeline in the subcooler. Using this temperature control device can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of temperature control equipment technology, and in particular to a temperature control device, a lubricating oil separation method, an apparatus, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of temperature control technology, most temperature control units on the market use Freon as a refrigerant. Unlike ammonia refrigerant, the lubricating oil in the compressor has a higher solubility in Freon. The heat transfer coefficient between the liquid Freon containing dissolved lubricating oil and the heat exchange wall will decrease, affecting the heat exchange capacity of the evaporator.

[0003] In traditional solutions, refrigerants with higher heat transfer coefficients are usually selected, or the heat transfer area of ​​the heat exchange wall is increased, thereby increasing the subcooling of the refrigerant in the temperature control loop and increasing the unit cooling capacity of the refrigerant to improve the heat exchange capacity of the temperature control unit.

[0004] However, when the temperature control unit is working, as the lubricating oil in the compressor continues to dissolve into the refrigerant, the heat transfer coefficient of the refrigerant continues to decrease, and the heat transfer capacity of the temperature control unit also continues to decline. In other words, the traditional solution is still unable to fundamentally solve the problem of the unit's low heat transfer capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a temperature control device, a lubricating oil separation method, an apparatus, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product that can improve the heat exchange capacity of the unit, in order to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a temperature regulating device, which includes a condenser, a subcooler, a pump, an evaporator, and a compressor;

[0007] The condenser, the subcooler, the evaporator, and the compressor are connected by a main pipeline, and the temperature is regulated by the refrigerant in the main pipeline.

[0008] The evaporator is connected to the subcooler via a transport pipeline, and the pump is installed in the transport pipeline to pump the mixture to be separated in the evaporator into the subcooler so that the mixture to be separated exchanges heat with the main flow pipeline in the subcooler.

[0009] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating device further includes a first valve, and the subcooler is connected to the compressor via an exhaust pipe, wherein the first valve is disposed in the exhaust pipe.

[0010] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating device further includes a second valve, wherein the subcooler is connected to the compressor via an oil drain pipe, and the second valve is disposed on the oil drain pipe.

[0011] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating device further includes an oil separator and a third valve. The oil separator is disposed on the main flow pipeline between the compressor and the condenser. The oil separator is connected to the subcooler via a pressurization pipeline. The third valve is disposed on the pressurization pipeline.

[0012] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating device further includes a controller connected to the pump.

[0013] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating device further includes a first temperature detection device and a second temperature detection device respectively disposed at both ends of the main flow pipe in the subcooler, and both the first temperature detection device and the second temperature detection device are connected to the controller;

[0014] The first temperature detection device is used to detect the first temperature at the first end of the main flow pipe in the subcooler and send it to the controller; the second temperature detection device is used to detect the second temperature at the second end of the main flow pipe in the subcooler and send it to the controller.

[0015] The controller is used to control the operating state of the pump based on the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0016] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating device further includes a controller connected to the second valve.

[0017] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating device further includes a liquid level detection device disposed within the subcooler, the liquid level detection device being connected to the controller;

[0018] The liquid level detection device is used to detect the liquid level in the subcooler and send the data to the controller;

[0019] The controller is used to control the operating state of the second valve according to the liquid level.

[0020] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating device further includes a pressure detection device disposed in the oil drain pipe, the pressure detection device being connected to the controller;

[0021] The pressure detection device is used to detect the liquid pressure in the oil drain pipe and send it to the controller;

[0022] The controller is used to control the operating state of the second valve according to the liquid pressure.

[0023] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating device further includes an expansion valve disposed in the main flow pipe between the subcooler and the evaporator.

[0024] Secondly, this application also provides a lubricating oil separation method, applied to any of the above-described temperature control device embodiments, the method comprising:

[0025] Upon receiving a separation start signal, the transport pipeline is controlled to open;

[0026] The pump is started to pump the mixture to be separated in the evaporator into the subcooler, so that the mixture to be separated exchanges heat with the main flow pipe in the subcooler.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0028] Control the connection of the exhaust pipe between the subcooler and the compressor;

[0029] If the temperature difference between the two ends of the main flow pipeline in the supercooler is less than a preset temperature difference threshold, the pump is shut down.

[0030] In one embodiment, after the pump is turned off, the method further includes:

[0031] After a preset exhaust time period, the exhaust pipe is blocked, and the oil drain pipe between the subcooler and the compressor is opened.

[0032] If the liquid level in the subcooler is less than a preset liquid level threshold, or if the liquid pressure in the drain pipe is less than a preset liquid pressure threshold, the drain pipe is controlled to be blocked.

[0033] In one embodiment, after controlling the connection of the oil drain pipe between the subcooler and the compressor, the method further includes:

[0034] The pressurization pipeline between the subcooler and the oil separator is controlled to be open, so that the oil separator delivers high-pressure gas to the subcooler, and the liquid in the subcooler is discharged into the compressor through the oil discharge pipeline under the action of the high-pressure gas.

[0035] Thirdly, this application also provides a lubricating oil separation device, applied in any of the above-described temperature control equipment embodiments, the device comprising:

[0036] The pipeline control module is used to control the operation of the transport pipeline upon receiving a separation start signal;

[0037] The pump control module is used to control the pump to start, pumping the mixture to be separated in the evaporator into the subcooler, so that the mixture to be separated exchanges heat with the main flow pipe in the subcooler.

[0038] Fourthly, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in any of the above embodiments of the lubricating oil separation method.

[0039] Fifthly, this application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in any of the above-described embodiments of the lubricating oil separation method.

[0040] The aforementioned temperature control equipment, lubricating oil separation method, apparatus, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product are connected to the condenser, subcooler, evaporator, and compressor via a main flow pipeline. The temperature is regulated by the refrigerant in the main flow pipeline. When it is necessary to separate the refrigerant and lubricating oil, the pump in the temperature control equipment pumps the mixture to be separated from the evaporator into the condenser. Utilizing the temperature difference between the mixture to be separated and the liquid in the main flow pipeline of the temperature control equipment, the mixture to be separated exchanges heat with the main flow pipeline, causing the refrigerant in the mixture to evaporate. The remaining lubricating oil is stored in the subcooler, thereby achieving the separation of lubricating oil and refrigerant. Unlike traditional solutions that increase heat exchange area, this solution uses a subcooler as the oil separation site. A pump draws the mixture to be separated from the evaporator into the subcooler to exchange heat with the main flow pipeline. This not only cools the refrigerant in the main flow pipeline, increasing its subcooling and heat exchange efficiency, but also allows the refrigerant in the mixture to absorb heat and evaporate, separating from the lubricating oil. This reduces the amount of lubricating oil dissolved in the refrigerant, fundamentally improving the problem of reduced heat exchange efficiency caused by lubricating oil dissolving in the refrigerant. Therefore, this solution can significantly improve the heat exchange efficiency of the unit. Attached Figure Description

[0041] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a temperature control device in one embodiment;

[0043] Figure 2This is a structural block diagram of the temperature regulating device in another embodiment;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of the temperature control device in yet another embodiment;

[0045] Figure 4 Here is a structural block diagram of the temperature regulating device in one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of part of the temperature control device in one embodiment;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of a portion of the temperature control device in another embodiment;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of the temperature control device in a detailed embodiment;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart of a lubricating oil separation method in one embodiment;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic flowchart of a lubricating oil separation method in a detailed embodiment;

[0051] Figure 10 This is a structural block diagram of a lubricating oil separation device in one embodiment;

[0052] Figure 11 This is an internal structural diagram of a computer device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0054] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0056] It is understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., used herein may be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, a first resistor may be referred to as a second resistor, and similarly, a second resistor may be referred to as a first resistor. Both the first resistor and the second resistor are resistors, but they are not the same resistor.

[0057] It is understandable that "at least one" refers to one or more, and "multiple" refers to two or more. "At least a part of an element" refers to part or all of an element.

[0058] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising / including” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Meanwhile, the term “and / or” as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0059] In one embodiment, a temperature regulating device 100 is provided, such as Figure 1 As shown, the temperature regulating device 100 includes a condenser 110, a subcooler 120, a pump 130, an evaporator 140, and a compressor 150. The condenser 110, subcooler 120, evaporator 140, and compressor 150 are connected by a main flow pipeline, and the temperature is regulated by the refrigerant in the main flow pipeline. The evaporator 140 is connected to the subcooler 120 through a transport pipeline. The pump 130 is located in the transport pipeline and is used to pump the mixture to be separated in the evaporator 140 into the subcooler 120 so that the mixture to be separated exchanges heat with the main flow pipeline in the subcooler 120.

[0060] The condenser 110 exchanges heat with the external fluid, cooling the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas in the main flow pipe of the condenser 110 into a normal-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant liquid. The subcooler 120 is a heat exchanger through which the main flow pipe passes. The mixture to be separated within the subcooler 120 exchanges heat with the main flow pipe, thereby lowering the temperature of the refrigerant in the main flow pipe and increasing the unit cooling capacity of the refrigerant. The liquid in the main flow pipe and the mixture to be separated in the subcooler 120 do not directly contact each other but are isolated by the pipe wall. The pump 130 is a device for transporting the mixture to be separated. It generates suction or pressure through a motor or other drive device, pumping the mixture to be separated from the evaporator 140 into the subcooler 120 via the transport pipe. The evaporator 140 exchanges heat with the external fluid, evaporating the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid into a normal-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas. The compressor 150 compresses the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas.

[0061] Specifically, taking Freon refrigerant as an example, the condenser 110, subcooler 120, evaporator 140, and compressor 150 are connected via a main flow pipeline, and temperature regulation is achieved through the Freon refrigerant in the main flow pipeline. In the temperature regulation loop, lubricating oil in the compressor 150 dissolves into the Freon refrigerant, forming a mixture to be separated (hereinafter referred to as the oil-fluorine mixture). As more and more lubricating oil dissolves, the proportion of lubricating oil in the oil-fluorine mixture in the evaporator 140 increases, ultimately leading to a decrease in the heat exchange performance of the evaporator 140. Therefore, the entire main flow pipeline contains the oil-fluorine mixture. By separating the oil-fluorine mixture in the evaporator 140, the amount of lubricating oil dissolved in the refrigerant in the main flow pipeline can be effectively reduced.

[0062] For example, taking the temperature regulating device as being in a cooling state, the main flow pipe in the subcooler 120 can be bent in a disc shape to increase the contact area with the oil-refrigerant mixture and improve heat exchange efficiency. The temperature regulating device may also include a controller connected to the pump 130. When the controller receives a separation start signal, it means that the oil-refrigerant mixture in the evaporator 140 needs to be separated. At this time, the controller starts the pump 130 to pump the oil-refrigerant mixture in the evaporator 140 into the subcooler 120. Since the temperature of the oil-refrigerant mixture in the evaporator 140 is lower than the temperature of the liquid in the main flow pipe, the oil-refrigerant mixture in the subcooler 120 absorbs heat from the liquid in the main flow pipe. Due to the difference in boiling points between the lubricating oil and the refrigerant, the refrigerant in the oil-refrigerant mixture absorbs heat and evaporates, becoming refrigerant gas. The lubricating oil is temporarily stored in the subcooler 120, thus achieving oil-refrigerant separation.

[0063] In this embodiment, the condenser, subcooler, evaporator, and compressor are connected by a main flow pipeline. The temperature is regulated by the refrigerant in the main flow pipeline. When it is necessary to separate the refrigerant and lubricating oil, the pump in the temperature regulation device pumps the mixture to be separated from the evaporator into the condenser. Utilizing the temperature difference between the mixture to be separated and the liquid in the main flow pipeline of the temperature regulator, the mixture to be separated exchanges heat with the main flow pipeline, causing the refrigerant in the mixture to evaporate. The remaining lubricating oil is stored in the subcooler, thereby achieving the separation of lubricating oil and refrigerant. Unlike traditional solutions that increase heat exchange area, this solution uses a subcooler as the oil separation site. A pump draws the mixture to be separated from the evaporator into the subcooler to exchange heat with the main flow pipeline. This not only cools the refrigerant in the main flow pipeline, increasing its subcooling and heat exchange efficiency, but also allows the refrigerant in the mixture to absorb heat and evaporate, separating from the lubricating oil. This reduces the amount of lubricating oil dissolved in the refrigerant, fundamentally improving the problem of reduced heat exchange efficiency caused by lubricating oil dissolving in the refrigerant. Therefore, this solution can significantly improve the heat exchange efficiency of the unit.

[0064] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the temperature regulating device 100 also includes a first valve 01. The subcooler 120 is connected to the compressor 150 through an exhaust pipe, and the first valve 01 is located in the exhaust pipe.

[0065] The first valve 01 is used to control the opening and closing of the exhaust pipe, and can also be other devices that can control the exhaust pipe, including but not limited to ball valves, gate valves, solenoid valves and other structures.

[0066] Following the above embodiment, the controller is also connected to the first valve 01 and can control the opening and closing of the first valve 01. During the heat exchange process between the oil-refrigerant mixture in the subcooler 110 and the main flow pipeline, the first valve 01 is opened, so that the evaporated refrigerant gas can enter the compressor through the exhaust pipeline, realizing refrigerant recovery. It should be noted that when there is still refrigerant being evaporated in the oil-refrigerant mixture, the first valve 01 needs to be in the open state to prevent excessive refrigerant gas or excessive pressure in the subcooler 110, which could lead to safety risks.

[0067] In this embodiment, by setting an exhaust channel in the subcooler and compressor, and opening the first valve during the heat exchange process between the oil-fluorine mixture and the main flow pipeline, the evaporated refrigerant gas is promptly recovered to the compressor through the exhaust channel, thereby improving the refrigerant recovery efficiency and the safety of the lubricating oil separation process.

[0068] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, the temperature regulating device 100 also includes a second valve 02. The subcooler 120 is connected to the compressor 150 through an oil drain pipe, and the second valve 02 is located in the oil drain pipe.

[0069] The second valve 02 is used to control the opening and closing of the oil drain pipe, similar to the first valve 01. The second valve 02 can also be other devices that can control the oil drain pipe, including but not limited to ball valves, gate valves, etc.

[0070] Following the above embodiments, when there is enough lubricating oil stored in the subcooler 120, the separated lubricating oil needs to be discharged in a timely manner. For example, when the amount of lubricating oil separated in the subcooler 120 reaches a threshold, the controller needs to shut down the pump 130 to prevent any new oil-fluorine mixture from being pumped into the subcooler 120. Simultaneously, the controller opens the second valve 02, allowing the lubricating oil to be recovered into the compressor through the drain channel, thus preventing the compressor from burning out due to insufficient lubricating oil.

[0071] In this embodiment, by using the oil drain channel and the second valve, when there is enough lubricating oil separated in the subcooler, the lubricating oil can be recovered into the compressor in a timely manner, reducing the risk of compressor damage. Furthermore, when too much lubricating oil is separated, the heat exchange efficiency between the oil-fluorine mixture in the subcooler and the main flow pipeline will also decrease. Therefore, timely discharge of the lubricating oil can improve the heat exchange efficiency of the subcooler.

[0072] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the temperature control device 100 also includes an oil separator 160 and a third valve 03. The oil separator 160 is located in the main pipeline between the compressor 150 and the condenser 110. The oil separator 160 is connected to the condenser 120 through a pressurization pipeline. The third valve 03 is located in the pressurization pipeline.

[0073] The third valve 03 is used to control the opening and closing of the pressurized pipeline. It can also be other devices capable of controlling the pressurized pipeline, including but not limited to ball valves, gate valves, solenoid valves, etc. Taking the temperature regulating device 100 in the refrigeration state as an example, when the refrigerant flows through the oil separator 160 in the main pipeline, the oil separator 160 initially separates and stores the lubricating oil in the oil-fluorine mixture discharged from the compressor 150. In addition, the oil separator 160 can also deliver high-pressure gas to the subcooler 120 through the pressurized pipeline. This high-pressure gas is immiscible with the oil-fluorine mixture and does not undergo chemical reaction.

[0074] Following the above embodiment, when the oil drain pipe is open, in order to accelerate the discharge speed of the lubricating oil, the controller controls the third valve 03 to open, and the oil separator 160 delivers high-pressure gas to the subcooler 120 through the pressurization channel. Under the action of the high-pressure gas, the lubricating oil will be discharged from the oil drain pipe more quickly.

[0075] In this embodiment, when lubricating oil needs to be discharged from the subcooler through the oil drain pipe, high-pressure gas can be delivered to the subcooler through the oil separator, the third valve, and the exhaust channel to accelerate the discharge of lubricating oil and further improve the subsequent separation efficiency of lubricating oil.

[0076] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the temperature regulating device 100 also includes a controller 160, which is connected to the pump 130 and used to control the switching of the pump 130. The controller 160 in the temperature regulating device 100 is also connected to the first valve 01, the second valve 02, and the third valve 03, and used to control the switching of these valves. The controller 160 can be a standalone physical server, a server cluster or distributed system composed of multiple physical servers, or a cloud server providing cloud computing services.

[0077] In this embodiment, the controller in the temperature regulating device can control the opening and closing of the first valve, the second valve, and the third valve of the pump, thereby flexibly adjusting the operating conditions of the temperature regulating device without manual intervention and improving the separation efficiency of the lubricating oil.

[0078] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the temperature regulating device 100 also includes a first temperature detection device 170 and a second temperature detection device 180 respectively disposed at both ends of the main flow pipe in the subcooler. The first temperature detection device 170 and the second temperature detection device 180 are both connected to the controller 160. The first temperature detection device 170 is used to detect the first temperature at the first end of the main flow pipe in the subcooler 120 and send it to the controller. The second temperature detection device 180 is used to detect the second temperature at the second end of the main flow pipe in the subcooler 120 and send it to the controller. The controller 160 is used to control the working state of the pump 130 according to the first temperature and the second temperature.

[0079] Specifically, the higher the content of lubricating oil in the oil-fluorine mixture in the subcooler 120, the lower the heat exchange efficiency with the main flow pipeline. Consequently, the temperature difference between the liquids at both ends of the main flow pipeline in the subcooler 120 is smaller. Therefore, the temperature difference can be used as a basis to determine the working state of the pump 130, the timing of oil discharge, etc.

[0080] For example, the controller receives a first temperature detected by a first temperature detection device 170 at the first end of the main flow pipe in the subcooler 120, and a second temperature detected by a second temperature detection device 180 at the second end of the main flow pipe in the subcooler 120. Based on the first and second temperatures, a temperature difference is determined. When the temperature difference is less than a preset temperature difference threshold, it is considered that the lubricating oil content in the oil-fluorine mixture in the subcooler 120 is sufficient, and the oil discharge mode needs to be entered. At this time, the controller first controls the pump 130 to shut down, ceasing the pumping of the oil-fluorine mixture into the evaporator 140, and further closes the first valve 01 while opening the second valve 02 and the third valve 03. High-pressure gas is then used to recover the lubricating oil in the subcooler 120 to the compressor 150 through the oil discharge pipe. It should be noted that, in addition to comparing the temperature difference with the preset temperature difference threshold, intelligent algorithms, such as deep learning models, can be deployed in the controller to determine the oil discharge timing by analyzing the first and second temperatures, and intelligently control the opening and closing of the pump 120 and each valve.

[0081] In this embodiment, by using the temperature difference between the two ends of the main flow pipe of the subcooler as the basis for determining the timing of oil discharge, the lubricating oil separation status in the subcooler can be analyzed more accurately. When the heat exchange efficiency in the subcooler decreases and the lubricating oil accumulation is sufficient, the pump is controlled to shut down, the exhaust channel is closed, and the oil discharge channel and pressurization channel are opened to discharge the lubricating oil in a timely manner and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0082] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the temperature regulating device 100 also includes a liquid level detection device 190 disposed in the subcooler 120. The liquid level detection device 190 is connected to the controller 160. The liquid level detection device is used to detect the liquid level in the subcooler 120 and send it to the controller 160. The controller is used to control the working state of the second valve 02 according to the liquid level.

[0083] The liquid level detection device 190 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid level gauge, a liquid level photoelectric switch, or other devices that can be used to detect the liquid level height.

[0084] Following the above embodiments, when the temperature regulating device 100 is in the oil draining mode, it is also necessary to monitor the liquid level in the subcooler 120 in real time. When the liquid level drops to a certain value, it is necessary to close the oil draining channel and the pressurizing channel in time.

[0085] For example, the liquid level detection device 190 detects the liquid level in the subcooler 120 and sends the liquid level to the controller. The controller determines the amount of remaining lubricating oil in the subcooler 120 based on the liquid level. When the liquid level is less than a preset liquid pressure threshold, it controls the second valve 02 and the third valve 03 to close, and the oil draining ends. Alternatively, intelligent algorithms such as deep learning can be introduced to intelligently determine the timing of oil draining based on the liquid level.

[0086] In this embodiment, the liquid level in the subcooler is monitored in real time by a liquid level detection device, and the timing of oil draining is determined based on the liquid level. This allows for quick and accurate control of the end of oil draining. When the lubricating oil is about to be drained, the oil draining channel is closed in time to facilitate the rapid entry into the next round of oil-fluorine separation and improve the separation efficiency of the lubricating oil.

[0087] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the temperature regulating device 100 also includes a pressure detection device 200 installed in the oil drain pipe. The pressure detection device 200 is connected to the controller 160. The pressure detection device 200 is used to detect the liquid pressure in the oil drain pipe and send it to the controller 160. The controller is used to control the working state of the second valve 02 according to the liquid pressure.

[0088] The pressure detection device 200 includes, but is not limited to, pressure gauges, pressure sensors, capillary pressure detection devices, etc., used to detect the liquid pressure in the oil discharge pipeline.

[0089] Specifically, when the lubricating oil in the subcooler 120 is discharged through the drain pipe, the less lubricating oil remains in the subcooler 120, the smaller the liquid pressure (or the pressure difference between atmospheric pressure and liquid pressure in the drain pipe) detected by the pressure detection device 200 in the drain pipe. When the liquid pressure received by the controller 160 is less than the preset liquid pressure threshold, it means that the lubricating oil in the subcooler 120 is sufficiently low. At this time, the second valve 02 can be closed, the drain pipe can be blocked, and the draining mode can be ended.

[0090] In this embodiment, the liquid pressure in the oil drain pipe is monitored in real time by a liquid level detection device, and the timing of the oil draining is determined based on the liquid pressure. This allows for quick and accurate control of the oil draining process. When the lubricating oil is about to be drained, the oil draining channel is closed in time to facilitate the rapid entry into the next round of oil-fluorine separation and improve the separation efficiency of the lubricating oil.

[0091] In one embodiment, the temperature regulating device 100 further includes an expansion valve, which is disposed in the main flow pipeline (not shown) between the subcooler 120 and the evaporator 140. The expansion valve is used to throttle the refrigerant liquid at room temperature and high pressure into a refrigerant gas-liquid two-phase fluid at low temperature and low pressure, thereby reducing the temperature of the oil-fluorine mixture entering the evaporator and increasing the temperature difference between the oil-fluorine mixture pumped into the subcooler 120 and the main flow pipeline, thus improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0092] To provide a clearer explanation of the temperature regulating device 100 proposed in this solution, a specific embodiment will be used as an example, taking the temperature regulating device 100 in a cooling state as an example. Figure 7As shown, the temperature control device 100 includes a compressor 150, an oil separator 160, a condenser 110, a subcooler 120 with oil separation function, an expansion valve 04, and an evaporator 140. It also includes a solenoid valve 05 (used to control the opening and closing of the pipeline from which lubricating oil separated by the oil separator 160 is discharged into the compressor 150) installed on the pipeline between the oil separator 160 and the subcooler 120, a third valve 03 installed on the pressurization pipeline between the outlet of the oil separator 160 and the subcooler 120, a first valve 01 installed on the exhaust pipeline between the oil separator 160 and the inlet of the compressor 150, a second valve 02 installed on the oil discharge pipeline between the subcooler 120 and the oil return port of the compressor 150, a pump 130 connected to the pipeline between the evaporator 140 and the subcooler 120 for pumping the oil-fluorine mixture in the evaporator into the subcooler, and a solenoid valve 06 installed on the pipeline between the evaporator 140 and the subcooler 120.

[0093] In addition to separating the refrigerant and lubricating oil in the oil-fluorine mixture, the subcooler 120 can further cool the liquid before it enters the expansion valve 04, thereby increasing the degree of subcooling and thus increasing the unit cooling capacity of the refrigerant.

[0094] Specifically, the temperature control device 100 has three operating modes: gas injection mode, refrigerant-oil separation mode, and oil discharge mode. When the temperature control device 100 is in gas injection mode, the oil-refrigerant mixture in the evaporator 140 is pumped into the subcooler, and the liquid level submerges the coil portion of the main flow pipe in the subcooler 120, exchanging heat with the coil. While the refrigerant in the oil-refrigerant mixture evaporates, the liquid in the coil is further cooled, increasing the subcooling degree. The first valve 01 is open, and the evaporated refrigerant enters the compressor through the exhaust pipe. The lubricating oil in the subcooler 120 increases and accumulates there. When the temperature control device 100 is in refrigerant-oil separation mode, when the lubricating oil in the subcooler 120 reaches a certain amount, the pump 130 is shut off, while the first valve 01 remains open. After a preset time period, it is considered that all the refrigerant in the oil-refrigerant mixture in the subcooler 120 has evaporated and been discharged, leaving only lubricating oil. When only lubricating oil remains, the temperature control device 100 enters the oil discharge mode, closing the first valve 01, opening the third valve 03, and opening the second valve 02. The high-pressure gas in the oil separator 160 enters and is transported to the subcooler 120, which pressurizes the lubricating oil in the subcooler 120 into the compressor. Then, a new round of gas replenishment mode begins. This cycle continues, continuously reducing the lubricating oil in the evaporator 140 and discharging the lubricating oil into the compressor 150.

[0095] It should be noted that the switching timing of the above three modes can be determined based on the operating data of each component in the temperature regulating device 100. For example, refrigeration control algorithms such as deep model algorithms can be introduced into the temperature regulating device 100 to adaptively adjust the operating mode of the temperature regulating device 100 according to the operating data. For example, since the compressor load has a significant impact on the subcooling, the subcooler's efficiency is low when the compressor load is relatively low. Therefore, when the compressor load is less than a preset load threshold, the temperature regulating device 100 can be controlled to enter the oil discharge mode to improve the heat exchange efficiency of the subcooler 120. In addition, since the pressure in the subcooler 120 is determined by the condensing pressure, evaporating pressure, and compressor load, the compressor load can also be inferred based on the pressure changes in the subcooler 120, thereby determining the timing for switching to the oil discharge mode.

[0096] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, a lubricating oil separation method is proposed and applied to the controller of any of the above-mentioned temperature control devices. The method includes:

[0097] S100 controls the opening of the transport pipeline upon receiving a separation start signal.

[0098] S200, control pump starts, pumping the mixture to be separated in the evaporator into the subcooler, so that the mixture to be separated exchanges heat with the main flow pipe in the subcooler.

[0099] The separation start signal can be a signal sent by the user to the temperature control device via a button or remote transmission. When the separation start signal is received, it means that the oil-fluorine mixture in the evaporator needs to be separated.

[0100] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the method also includes:

[0101] S300 controls the connection of the exhaust pipe between the subcooler and the compressor.

[0102] S400: If the temperature difference between the two ends of the main flow pipeline in the subcooler is less than the preset temperature difference threshold, the pump will be shut down.

[0103] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, the method also includes:

[0104] S500, after a preset exhaust time period, controls the blockage of the exhaust pipe and controls the opening of the oil drain pipe between the subcooler and the compressor.

[0105] S700 controls the oil drain pipe to block when the liquid level in the subcooler is less than a preset liquid level threshold or the liquid pressure in the oil drain pipe is less than a preset liquid pressure threshold.

[0106] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, after S500, the method also includes:

[0107] S600 controls the connection of the pressurized pipeline between the subcooler and the oil separator, so that the oil separator delivers high-pressure gas to the subcooler. Under the action of the high-pressure gas, the liquid in the subcooler is discharged into the compressor through the oil drain pipeline.

[0108] It should be noted that the specific lubricating oil separation process and the working mode of the temperature control equipment have been described in detail in the temperature control equipment embodiment above, and will not be repeated in the lubricating oil separation method embodiment.

[0109] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a lubricating oil separation device for implementing the above-described lubricating oil separation method. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations in one or more embodiments of the lubricating oil separation device provided below can be found in the limitations of the lubricating oil separation method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] In one exemplary embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown, a lubricating oil separation device 900 is provided, including: a pipeline control module 910 and a pump control module 920, wherein:

[0111] The pipeline control module 910 is used to control the operation of the transport pipeline upon receiving a separation start signal.

[0112] The pump control module 920 is used to control the pump start-up, pumping the mixture to be separated in the evaporator into the subcooler so that the mixture to be separated exchanges heat with the main flow pipe in the subcooler.

[0113] In one embodiment, the lubricating oil separator 900 is also used to control the connection of the exhaust pipe between the subcooler and the compressor, and to shut down the pump when the temperature difference between the two ends of the main flow pipe in the subcooler is less than a preset temperature difference threshold.

[0114] In one embodiment, the lubricating oil separator 900 is also used to control the blockage of the exhaust pipe after a preset exhaust time period, and to control the connection of the oil drain pipe between the subcooler and the compressor. When the liquid level in the subcooler is less than a preset liquid level threshold or the liquid pressure in the oil drain pipe is less than a preset liquid pressure threshold, the oil drain pipe is blocked.

[0115] In one embodiment, the lubricating oil separation device 900 is also used to control the connection of the pressurization pipeline between the subcooler and the oil separator, so that the oil separator delivers high-pressure gas to the subcooler, and the liquid in the subcooler is discharged into the compressor through the oil discharge pipeline under the action of the high-pressure gas.

[0116] Each module in the aforementioned lubricating oil separator can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device, or stored in the memory of a computer device as software, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0117] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a server, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 11 As shown, this computer device includes a processor, memory, input / output (I / O) interfaces, and a communication interface. The processor, memory, and I / O interfaces are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface is also connected to the system bus via the I / O interfaces. The processor provides computational and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system, computer programs, and databases. The internal memory provides the environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The I / O interfaces are used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for communicating with external terminals via a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a lubricating oil separation method.

[0118] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 11 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0119] In one exemplary embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps in the above-described embodiment of the lubricating oil separation method.

[0120] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above-described lubricating oil separation method embodiment.

[0121] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above-described lubricating oil separation method embodiment.

[0122] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of the relevant data must comply with relevant regulations.

[0123] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile memory and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, artificial intelligence (AI) processors, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0124] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this application.

[0125] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A temperature regulating device, characterized in that, The temperature control equipment includes a condenser, a subcooler, a pump, an evaporator, and a compressor; The condenser, the subcooler, the evaporator, and the compressor are connected by a main pipeline, and the temperature is regulated by the refrigerant in the main pipeline. The evaporator is connected to the subcooler via a transport pipeline, and the pump is installed in the transport pipeline to pump the mixture to be separated in the evaporator into the subcooler so that the mixture to be separated exchanges heat with the main flow pipeline in the subcooler. The temperature regulating device further includes an oil separator and a third valve. The oil separator is located in the main flow pipeline between the compressor and the condenser. The oil separator is connected to the subcooler via a pressurization pipeline. The third valve is located in the pressurization pipeline. The temperature regulating device further includes a controller connected to the pump. The temperature regulating device further includes a first temperature detection device and a second temperature detection device located at both ends of the main flow pipeline in the subcooler. Both the first temperature detection device and the second temperature detection device are connected to the controller. The first temperature detection device is used to detect the first temperature at the first end of the main flow pipe in the subcooler and send it to the controller; the second temperature detection device is used to detect the second temperature at the second end of the main flow pipe in the subcooler and send it to the controller. The controller is used to control the operating state of the pump based on the first temperature and the second temperature.

2. The temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature regulating device further includes a first valve, and the subcooler is connected to the compressor through an exhaust pipe, wherein the first valve is located in the exhaust pipe.

3. The temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature regulating device also includes a second valve, and the subcooler is connected to the compressor through an oil drain pipe, with the second valve located in the oil drain pipe.

4. The temperature regulating device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The temperature regulating device also includes a controller, which is connected to the second valve.

5. The temperature regulating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature regulating device also includes a liquid level detection device disposed in the subcooler, and the liquid level detection device is connected to the controller; The liquid level detection device is used to detect the liquid level in the subcooler and send the data to the controller; The controller is used to control the operating state of the second valve according to the liquid level.

6. The temperature regulating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature regulating device also includes a pressure detection device installed in the oil discharge pipe, and the pressure detection device is connected to the controller; The pressure detection device is used to detect the liquid pressure in the oil drain pipe and send it to the controller; The controller is used to control the operating state of the second valve according to the liquid pressure.

7. The temperature regulating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The temperature regulating device also includes an expansion valve, which is located in the main pipeline between the subcooler and the evaporator.

8. A method for separating lubricating oil, characterized in that, Applied to any one of the temperature regulating devices described in 1 to 7, the method includes: Upon receiving a separation start signal, the transport pipeline is controlled to open; The pump is started to pump the mixture to be separated in the evaporator into the subcooler, so that the mixture to be separated exchanges heat with the main flow pipe in the subcooler.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The method further includes: Control the connection of the exhaust pipe between the subcooler and the compressor; If the temperature difference between the two ends of the main flow pipeline in the supercooler is less than a preset temperature difference threshold, the pump is shut down.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, After shutting down the pump, the method further includes: After a preset exhaust time period, the exhaust pipe is blocked, and the oil drain pipe between the subcooler and the compressor is opened. If the liquid level in the subcooler is less than a preset liquid level threshold, or if the liquid pressure in the drain pipe is less than a preset liquid pressure threshold, the drain pipe is controlled to be blocked.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, After controlling the connection of the oil drain pipe between the subcooler and the compressor, the method further includes: The pressurization pipeline between the subcooler and the oil separator is controlled to be open, so that the oil separator delivers high-pressure gas to the subcooler, and the liquid in the subcooler is discharged into the compressor through the oil discharge pipeline under the action of the high-pressure gas.

12. A lubricating oil separation device, applied in the temperature regulating equipment described in any one of 1 to 7, characterized in that, The device includes: The pipeline control module is used to control the operation of the transport pipeline upon receiving a separation start signal; The pump control module is used to control the pump to start, pumping the mixture to be separated in the evaporator into the subcooler, so that the mixture to be separated exchanges heat with the main flow pipe in the subcooler.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that, The lubricating oil separation device is also used to control the connection of the exhaust pipe between the subcooler and the compressor; when the temperature difference between the two ends of the main flow pipe in the subcooler is less than a preset temperature difference threshold, the pump is shut down.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that, The lubricating oil separation device is also used to control the blockage of the exhaust pipe after a preset exhaust time period, and to control the connection of the oil drain pipe between the subcooler and the compressor; and to control the blockage of the oil drain pipe when the liquid level in the subcooler is less than a preset liquid level threshold or the liquid pressure in the oil drain pipe is less than a preset liquid pressure threshold.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that, The lubricating oil separation device is also used to control the connection of the pressurization pipeline between the subcooler and the oil separator, so that the oil separator delivers high-pressure gas to the subcooler, and the liquid in the subcooler is discharged into the compressor through the oil discharge pipeline under the action of the high-pressure gas.

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