A heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate ice blockage in the system circulation

Abstract

This invention relates to a heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate system circulating ice blockage. It includes a compressor, a four-way valve, a water-side heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, and an air-side heat exchanger connected via a refrigerant circulation pipeline. It also includes a pressure detection module for monitoring the compressor's exhaust high pressure and suction low pressure, a temperature detection module for monitoring the return air temperature and ambient temperature, and a controller communicatively connected to the compressor, the pressure detection module, and the temperature detection module. By installing a heating strip in the compressor's gas distribution section, and using the pressure difference between the high and low pressure sections and the temperature difference between the return air temperature and the ambient temperature to jointly determine the system's ice blockage status, the invention can accurately determine whether circulating ice blockage has occurred. This avoids the problems of heating without ice blockage, not heating with ice blockage, or incomplete and uneven heating due to ice blockage, which are common in existing control methods. It effectively prevents and eliminates system circulating ice blockage, improving the energy efficiency of the heat pump air conditioner and saving energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat pump air conditioning control, and more particularly to a heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate ice blockage in the system circulation. Background Technology

[0002] When the refrigerant in a heat pump air conditioning unit has excessive water content, the moisture will gradually accumulate and freeze in the low-temperature zone of the unit as the refrigerant circulates, clogging valves or refrigerant circulation pipes and causing an interruption in refrigerant circulation. When water-containing refrigerant freezes at the compressor's gas separator, it will prevent the refrigerant from passing through the filter and entering the compressor for compression, resulting in a refrigerant shortage in the entire unit. Consequently, the entire heat pump air conditioning unit will experience situations where the compressor runs continuously for extended periods, but the unit fails to cool or heat, or cools or heats slowly, indicating insufficient or no working capacity. Simultaneously, this will cause the unit's discharge pressure to increase and suction pressure to decrease, affecting the stable operation of the system and potentially increasing compressor power consumption, load, and even leading to compressor overheating or damage.

[0003] Current methods for addressing ice blockage at the compressor's air distribution section typically employ filtration drying and heating drying to eliminate it. Filtration drying requires regular replacement of the dryer filter; if not replaced promptly, ice blockage will still occur, and the cost is relatively high. Heating drying usually involves installing a heating device at the bottom of the compressor or in the casing. A sensor detects the outdoor temperature, and a setting is established to activate the heating device when the outdoor temperature falls below a threshold, maintaining the compressor temperature and preventing ice blockage. However, this method is prone to inaccurate ice blockage detection, resulting in issues such as heating where there is no ice blockage, not heating where there is ice blockage, or incomplete and uneven heating. This increases compressor operating costs and power consumption, reduces unit energy efficiency, and leads to energy waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate system circulation ice blockage.

[0005] A heat pump air conditioner capable of eliminating system circulation ice blockage includes a compressor, a four-way valve, a water-side heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, and an air-side heat exchanger connected via refrigerant circulation piping; a pressure detection module for monitoring the compressor's exhaust high pressure and suction low pressure; a temperature detection module for monitoring the return gas temperature and ambient temperature; and a controller communicatively connected to the compressor, the pressure detection module, and the temperature detection module. A heating belt is installed in the gas distribution section of the compressor, and the controller controls the activation of the heating belt through the following steps:

[0006] After the compressor starts running for the first time period t1, obtain the current high pressure of the compressor. Current low pressure Current return gas temperature and the current ambient temperature

[0007] Calculate the current high pressure Current low pressure Current pressure difference and the current return air temperature and the current ambient temperature Current temperature difference

[0008] Determine the pressure difference at the current moment Is it less than the set start-up differential pressure threshold ΔP? target And the current temperature difference Is it less than the set start-up temperature difference threshold?

[0009] If so, then activate the heating belt in the compressor's gas section;

[0010] In other cases, the high voltage at the next moment is continuously acquired. The next moment low pressure Next moment return air temperature and the ambient temperature at the next moment

[0011] Compared to existing technologies, the heat pump air conditioner of this invention, which can eliminate system circulating ice blockage, uses a heating belt installed in the compressor gas section. Combined with the pressure difference between high and low pressure, and the temperature difference between the return gas temperature and the ambient temperature, it can accurately determine whether circulating ice blockage has occurred in the system. This avoids the problems of heating without ice blockage, not heating with ice blockage, or incomplete and uneven heating due to ice blockage, which are common in existing control methods. It effectively prevents and eliminates system circulating ice blockage, improves the energy efficiency of the heat pump air conditioner, and saves energy.

[0012] Furthermore, the heating belt is disposed in the upper chamber of the compressor gas section and surrounds the upper chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, a filter is also provided before the electronic expansion valve.

[0014] Furthermore, the controller also includes a function to control the shut-off of the heating element:

[0015] Get the current return air temperature and the current ambient temperature Calculate the return air temperature at the current moment. and the current ambient temperature Current temperature difference

[0016] Determine the temperature difference at the current moment Is it greater than the set shut-off temperature difference threshold?

[0017] If so, then turn off the heating belt in the compressor's gas section;

[0018] If not, continue to obtain the return gas temperature at the next moment. and the ambient temperature at the next moment

[0019] To better understand and implement this invention, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the heating element activation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the heating element to shut off according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] To address the problems of inconsistent heating in heat pump units, where existing methods involve adding heating devices to the bottom or outside of the compressor to solve ice blockage at the compressor's gas distribution section, and then controlling the heating device's on / off state by monitoring ambient temperature, resulting in inconsistent heating (no heating when ice blockage occurs, no heating when ice blockage occurs, or incomplete and uneven heating), this invention proposes a heat pump air conditioner that eliminates system-wide ice blockage. This heat pump air conditioner features a ring-shaped heating belt on the compressor's gas distribution section and a method for controlling the opening and closing of this ambient heating belt, effectively preventing and eliminating system-wide ice blockage. The heating setup of this heat pump air conditioner is simple, and the control method is simple and reliable. It can accurately determine whether system-wide ice blockage has occurred, effectively preventing and eliminating system-wide ice blockage, saving energy, and improving the energy efficiency of the heat pump air conditioner.

[0025] For specific implementation details, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 The heat pump air conditioner proposed in this invention, which can eliminate system circulation ice blockage, includes a compressor 10, a four-way valve 20, a water-side heat exchanger 30, an electronic expansion valve 40, an air-side heat exchanger 50, and a gas-liquid separator 60 connected through a refrigerant circulation pipeline; a pressure detection module 70 for monitoring the high pressure of the compressor 10's exhaust gas and the low pressure of the intake gas; a temperature detection module 80 for monitoring the return gas temperature and the ambient temperature; and a controller that is communicatively connected to the compressor 10, the pressure detection module 70, and the temperature detection module 80.

[0026] The compressor 10 includes an exhaust port A and a return port B, wherein the return port B is connected to a gas separator 60 via a gas distribution section 11. The gas distribution section 11 includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The upper chamber is connected to the gas separator 60, and the lower chamber is connected to the return port B. A heating belt 12 is provided in the upper chamber of the gas distribution section 11, the heating belt 12 surrounds the gas distribution chamber, and its opening and closing are controlled by a controller.

[0027] The pressure detection module 70 includes a first pressure gauge 71 and a second pressure gauge 72. The first pressure gauge 71 is located at the exhaust port A of the compressor 10 and is used to detect the high pressure of the compressor's exhaust. The second pressure gauge 72 is located at the return port B of the compressor 10 and is used to detect the low pressure of the compressor's return air.

[0028] The temperature detection module 80 includes a first temperature sensor 81 and a second temperature sensor 82. The first temperature sensor 81 is located at the compressor return port B and is used to detect the return gas temperature of the refrigerant. The location of the second temperature sensor 82 is not limited, and it is used to detect the ambient temperature of the environment where the heat pump air conditioner is located.

[0029] The controller includes a storage unit and a processing unit. The storage unit is used to receive pressure and temperature signals collected by the pressure detection module 70 and the temperature detection module 80. The processing unit is used to perform logical judgments and start / stop control of the heating belt 12 based on the collected signals.

[0030] Furthermore, the heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate system circulation ice blockage also includes a first valve assembly 9 disposed between the water-side heat exchanger 30 and the electronic expansion valve 40, and a second valve assembly 100 disposed between the air-side heat exchanger 50 and the electronic expansion valve 40.

[0031] The electronic expansion valve 40 includes a first electronic expansion valve 41 and a second electronic expansion valve 42.

[0032] The first valve assembly 90 includes a first three-way valve 91 connected to the water-side heat exchanger 30, a first reverse check valve 92 and a first forward check valve 93 connected to the first three-way valve 91, the first reverse check valve 92 being connected to the first electronic expansion valve 41 via a second three-way valve 94, the first forward check valve 93 being connected to a filter 01 via a third three-way valve 95, the filter 01 being connected to a plate heat exchanger 02, the plate heat exchanger 02 being connected to the first electronic expansion valve 41 and the second electronic expansion valve 42 via a fourth three-way valve 98, the first electronic expansion valve 41 and the second three-way valve 94 being connected to form a main circulation loop, and the second electronic expansion valve 42 being connected to the compressor 10 via the plate heat exchanger 02 to form an auxiliary circulation loop.

[0033] The second valve assembly 100 includes a fifth three-way valve 101 connected to the air-side heat exchanger 50, a second reverse check valve 102 and a second forward check valve 103 connected to the fifth three-way valve 101, the second reverse check valve 102 being connected to the second three-way valve 94, and the second forward check valve 103 being connected to the filter 01 via a third three-way valve 95.

[0034] When the heat pump air conditioner is producing hot water, the high-temperature refrigerant becomes a medium-temperature refrigerant after exchanging heat with water through the water-side heat exchanger 30. The medium-temperature refrigerant then passes through the first three-way valve 91, the first forward check valve 93, the third three-way valve 95, the filter 01, and the plate heat exchanger 02 for further heat exchange. After passing through the fourth three-way valve 98 and the first electronic expansion valve 41 for throttling and pressure reduction, it flows into the air-side heat exchanger 50 through the second three-way valve 94, the second reverse check valve 102, and the fifth three-way valve 101 for heat absorption, evaporation, and refrigeration.

[0035] When the heat pump air conditioner is heating, the high-temperature refrigerant becomes a medium-temperature refrigerant after exchanging heat with the air through the air-side heat exchanger 50. The medium-temperature refrigerant then passes through the fifth three-way valve 101, the second forward check valve 103, the third three-way valve 95, the filter 01, and the plate heat exchanger 02 for further heat exchange. After passing through the fourth three-way valve 98 and the first electronic expansion valve 41 for throttling and pressure reduction, it flows into the water-side heat exchanger 30 through the second three-way valve 94, the first reverse check valve 92, and the first three-way valve 91 for heat absorption, evaporation, and refrigeration.

[0036] When the heat pump air conditioner needs enthalpy control, the second electronic expansion valve 42 is opened and its opening degree is adjusted so that part of the refrigerant throttled by the second electronic expansion valve 42 flows back to the plate heat exchanger 02 and exchanges heat with the medium-temperature refrigerant in the plate heat exchanger 02 before flowing directly back to the compressor 10.

[0037] Please see Figure 2 Meanwhile, the controller activates the heating belt 12 to eliminate ice blockage in the system circulation. Specifically, this includes the following steps.

[0038] After the S10 compressor starts running for the first time period t1, the current high pressure of the compressor is obtained. Current low pressure Current return gas temperature and the current ambient temperature

[0039] The first time period t1 is set to 18 min to 22 min.

[0040] S20 calculates the current high voltage. Current low pressure Current pressure difference and the current return air temperature and the current ambient temperature Current temperature difference

[0041] The pressure difference satisfy:

[0042]

[0043] The temperature difference satisfy:

[0044]

[0045] S30 determines the current pressure difference. Is it less than the set start-up differential pressure threshold ΔP? target And the current temperature difference Is it less than the set start-up temperature difference threshold?

[0046] If so, then activate the heating belt in the compressor's gas section;

[0047] In other cases, the high voltage at the next moment is continuously acquired. The next moment low pressure Next moment return air temperature and the ambient temperature at the next moment

[0048] The starting pressure difference threshold ΔP target Set to 0.3MPa to 0.5MPa, preferably 0.4MPa.

[0049] The starting temperature difference threshold Set to 1℃~2℃, preferably 1℃.

[0050] The time interval between the next moment and the current moment is set to 25s to 35s, preferably 30s.

[0051] Furthermore, it also includes controlling the shutdown of the heating belt after eliminating ice blockage in the system circulation to save energy. Specifically, this includes the following steps.

[0052] S50 obtains the current return gas temperature. and the current ambient temperature Calculate the return air temperature at the current moment. and the current ambient temperature Current temperature difference

[0053] S60 determines the current temperature difference. Is it greater than the set shut-off temperature difference threshold?

[0054] If so, then turn off the heating belt in the compressor's gas section;

[0055] If not, continue to obtain the return gas temperature at the next moment. and the ambient temperature at the next moment

[0056] The temperature difference threshold for closing Set to 4℃~5℃, preferably 4℃.

[0057] The heat pump air conditioner of the present invention, which can eliminate system circulation ice blockage, has the following beneficial technical effects.

[0058] 1) By combining the pressure difference between high and low pressure and the temperature difference between return air temperature and ambient temperature, it is possible to effectively determine whether there is a risk of ice blockage in the heat pump air conditioner and whether ice blockage exists.

[0059] 2) By placing a heating belt around the upper chamber of the compressor gas section, and controlling the opening and closing of the heating belt by the pressure difference between high and low pressure and the temperature difference between the return gas temperature and the ambient temperature, the problem of system circulation ice blockage in heat pump air conditioners can be effectively prevented and eliminated.

[0060] 3) By installing a filter before the electronic expansion valve and before throttling, the water content of the refrigerant can be reduced to a certain extent, further reducing the risk of ice blockage in heat pump air conditioners.

[0061] 4) By installing a plate heat exchanger between the filter and the electronic expansion valve, cooling capacity can be provided to the refrigerant before throttling, and the heat of the refrigerant before throttling can be transferred to the refrigerant in the compressor, further improving the system's energy efficiency.

[0062] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments and claims of this application are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise stated, “a plurality” and “several” refer to two or more; “and / or” refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items; “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used only to distinguish and not to describe a particular order or sequence, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. When the above description relates to drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. In the description of this application, those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0063] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the present invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A heat pump air conditioner capable of eliminating system circulation ice blockage, comprising a compressor, a four-way valve, a water-side heat exchanger, an electronic expansion valve, and an air-side heat exchanger connected via refrigerant circulation piping; a pressure detection module for monitoring compressor exhaust high pressure and suction low pressure; a temperature detection module for monitoring return gas temperature and ambient temperature; and a controller communicatively connected to the compressor, the pressure detection module, and the temperature detection module, characterized in that... A heating belt is installed in the gas distribution section of the compressor, and the controller controls the activation of the heating belt through the following steps: After the compressor starts running for the first time period t1, obtain the current high pressure of the compressor. Low pressure at the current moment Current return air temperature and the current ambient temperature ; Calculate the current high pressure Low pressure at the current moment Current pressure difference and the current return air temperature and the current ambient temperature Current temperature difference ; Determine the pressure difference at the current moment Is it less than the set start-up differential pressure threshold? And the current temperature difference Is it less than the set start-up temperature difference threshold? : If so, then activate the heating belt in the compressor's gas section; In other cases, the high voltage at the next moment is continuously acquired. The next moment of low pressure The return air temperature at the next moment and the ambient temperature at the next moment .

2. The heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate system circulation ice blockage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating belt is located in the upper chamber of the compressor's gas section and surrounds the upper chamber.

3. The heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate system circulation ice blockage according to claim 2, characterized in that, A filter is also installed before the electronic expansion valve.

4. The heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate system circulation ice blockage according to claim 2, characterized in that, The starting differential pressure threshold Set to 0.3MPa~0.5MPa.

5. The heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate system circulation ice blockage according to claim 2, characterized in that, The starting temperature difference threshold Set to 1℃~2℃.

6. The heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate system circulation ice blockage according to claim 2, characterized in that, The time interval between the next moment and the current moment is set to 25s~35s.

7. The heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate system circulation ice blockage according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure difference satisfy: ； The temperature difference satisfy: 。 8. The heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate system circulation ice blockage according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first time period t1 is set to 18min~22min.

9. The heat pump air conditioner capable of eliminating system circulation ice blockage according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The controller also includes a function to control the shut-off of the heating element: Get the current return air temperature and the current ambient temperature Calculate the return air temperature at the current moment. and the current ambient temperature Current temperature difference ; Determine the temperature difference at the current moment Is it greater than the set shut-off temperature difference threshold? : If so, then turn off the heating belt in the compressor's gas section; If not, continue to obtain the return gas temperature at the next moment. and the ambient temperature at the next moment .

10. The heat pump air conditioner that can eliminate system circulation ice blockage according to claim 9, characterized in that, The temperature difference threshold for closing Set to 4℃~5℃.

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