Multi-connected air conditioning system refrigerant leakage treatment method, device and multi-connected air conditioning system

By switching to cooling mode in a multi-split air conditioning system and adjusting the control strategy according to the number of indoor units and the system pressure ratio, the system shutdown problem caused by refrigerant leakage was solved, refrigerant leakage was controlled and the system operated normally, thus improving the user experience.

CN119436386BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411863898.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-18
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In multi-split air conditioning systems, refrigerant leaks can cause the entire system to shut down, affecting user experience and incurring high costs, especially when one or a few indoor units experience refrigerant leaks.

Method used

If the air conditioning system is not operating in cooling mode after a refrigerant leak is detected, it will switch to cooling mode and adjust the control strategy according to the number of indoor units in operation and the system pressure ratio. The electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit with the refrigerant leak will be closed, and the compressor frequency will be adjusted to control the refrigerant leak.

Benefits of technology

Effectively controlling refrigerant leakage ensures the normal operation of the air conditioning system, reduces harm to human health and the environment, and ensures the normal operation of indoor units without leakage, thus improving the user experience.

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Abstract

This application discloses a method, apparatus, and system for handling refrigerant leakage in a multi-split air conditioner, relating to the field of refrigerant leakage control technology. Upon receiving a refrigerant leakage signal, if the multi-split air conditioner system is not currently operating in cooling mode, the method switches the system to cooling mode. A first refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the current number of indoor units in operation. This strategy includes closing the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit experiencing the refrigerant leak. The indoor units in the multi-split air conditioner system are then controlled according to this strategy to control the refrigerant leakage. This effectively controls refrigerant leakage while the indoor units without leakage are operating normally.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a method, apparatus and multi-split air conditioning system for handling refrigerant leakage. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerant leaks not only affect the normal operation of air conditioning systems, but also pollute the environment and cause harm to human health. Among common refrigerants, R32 is flammable and explosive. Air conditioners using this refrigerant must have appropriate leak prevention measures in place, typically using refrigerant sensors to detect leaks.

[0003] In a multi-split air conditioning system, each indoor unit is equipped with a refrigerant sensor. When a refrigerant leak is detected, the air conditioner buzzer sounds continuously for 5 seconds as a warning, a fault code is displayed on the indoor unit's screen, and the indoor fan switches to high-power mode to reduce the concentration of the leaking refrigerant. This causes the outdoor unit compressor to stop, leading to the entire air conditioning system shutting down. The drawback of this control method is that if one or a few indoor units in the multi-split air conditioning system experience a refrigerant leak, the entire system will shut down as a protective measure, affecting the user experience, and the cost is relatively high. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this application provides a method, device and multi-split air conditioning system for handling refrigerant leakage.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this application to solve its technical problem is:

[0006] Firstly, a method for handling refrigerant leakage in a multi-split air conditioner is provided, including:

[0007] Upon receiving a refrigerant leak signal, if the multi-split air conditioning system is not currently operating in cooling mode, the system will be switched to cooling mode.

[0008] The first refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the current number of indoor units in operation. The first refrigerant leakage control strategy includes shutting off the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit where a refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0009] The indoor units in the multi-split air conditioning system are controlled according to the first refrigerant leakage control strategy to control refrigerant leakage.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes: determining a second refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the pressure ratio and compressor frequency of the multi-split air conditioning system; and controlling the multi-split air conditioning system according to the second refrigerant leakage control strategy to achieve further control of refrigerant leakage.

[0011] Furthermore, determining the first refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the current number of indoor units in operation includes: determining the current number of indoor units in operation; if the current number of indoor units in operation is 1, the first refrigerant leakage control strategy further includes: turning on all indoor units that have not experienced refrigerant leakage and operating them in cooling mode; if the current number of indoor units in operation is greater than 1, the first refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the number of indoor units that have experienced refrigerant leakage and the current number of indoor units in operation.

[0012] Furthermore, determining the first refrigerant leak control strategy based on the number of indoor units experiencing refrigerant leaks and the current number of indoor units in operation includes: if the number of indoor units experiencing refrigerant leaks is equal to the current number of indoor units in operation, the first refrigerant leak control strategy further includes: turning on all indoor units that have not experienced refrigerant leaks and operating them in cooling mode.

[0013] Furthermore, determining the second refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the pressure ratio and compressor frequency of the multi-split air conditioning system includes: obtaining the pressure ratio of the multi-split air conditioning system, wherein the pressure ratio is the ratio of exhaust pressure to intake pressure; if the pressure ratio is not within a first specified value range, the second refrigerant leakage control strategy includes: adjusting the compressor frequency to bring the pressure ratio within the first specified value range.

[0014] Further, adjusting the compressor frequency includes: if the pressure ratio is lower than a first preset value, increasing the compressor frequency; if the pressure ratio is higher than a second preset value, decreasing the compressor frequency.

[0015] Furthermore, the first specified numerical range is between 4:1 and 6:1, the first preset value is 4:1, and the second preset value is 6:1.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes: real-time detection of refrigerant leakage signals.

[0017] Furthermore, upon receiving a refrigerant leak signal, the buzzer of the indoor unit where the refrigerant leak occurred is triggered to sound continuously for 5 seconds.

[0018] Secondly, a refrigerant leakage handling device for multi-split air conditioning systems is provided, comprising:

[0019] The cooling mode switching unit is used to switch the multi-split air conditioning system to cooling mode if it is not currently operating in cooling mode after receiving a refrigerant leak signal.

[0020] The first refrigerant leakage control strategy determination unit is used to determine the first refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the current number of indoor units in operation. The first refrigerant leakage control strategy includes closing the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit where refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0021] The first refrigerant leakage control unit is used to control the indoor unit in the multi-split air conditioning system according to the first refrigerant leakage control strategy, so as to control the refrigerant leakage.

[0022] Thirdly, a multi-split air conditioning system is provided, including a refrigerant leak controller, the refrigerant leak controller comprising:

[0023] At least one processor and at least one memory;

[0024] The memory stores the executable instructions of the processor;

[0025] The processor is configured to perform the refrigerant leak handling for the multi-split air conditioning system as described in any of the preceding descriptions.

[0026] Beneficial effects:

[0027] This application provides a method, apparatus, and system for handling refrigerant leakage in a multi-split air conditioning system. Upon receiving a refrigerant leakage signal, if the multi-split air conditioning system is not currently operating in cooling mode, the method switches the system to cooling mode. A first refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the number of currently active indoor units, and the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit experiencing the refrigerant leak is closed. The indoor units in the multi-split air conditioning system are controlled according to the first refrigerant leakage control strategy to control the refrigerant leakage. This method allows the air conditioning system to react instantly upon detecting a refrigerant leak, ensuring normal operation of the system while controlling refrigerant leakage, thereby reducing the harm to human health caused by refrigerant leakage. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant leakage handling method for a multi-split air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another method for handling refrigerant leakage in a multi-split air conditioner provided in this application embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the process of determining the first refrigerant leakage control strategy in the illustrated embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A flowchart illustrating the determination of the second refrigerant leakage control strategy in the illustrated embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment is a segmented process diagram of a refrigerant leakage handling method for multi-split air conditioners.

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the refrigerant leak detection system for a multi-split air conditioning unit.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a functional structure diagram of a refrigerant leakage handling device for a multi-split air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a functional structure diagram of another multi-split air conditioning refrigerant leakage handling device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a functional structure diagram of a multi-split air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] To solve this problem, refer to Figure 1 This application provides a method for handling refrigerant leakage in a multi-split air conditioning system. The method includes:

[0040] 101. Upon receiving a refrigerant leak signal, if the multi-split air conditioning system is not currently operating in cooling mode, switch the multi-split air conditioning system to cooling mode.

[0041] 102. Determine the first refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the current number of indoor units in operation. The first refrigerant leakage control strategy includes shutting off the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit where refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0042] 103. Control the indoor units in the multi-split air conditioning system according to the first refrigerant leakage control strategy to control refrigerant leakage.

[0043] The refrigerant leakage handling method for multi-split air conditioners disclosed in this embodiment involves switching the multi-split air conditioner system to cooling mode if a refrigerant leak occurs and the system is not currently operating in cooling mode. A first refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the number of indoor units in operation. This strategy includes closing the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit experiencing the leak and adjusting the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner to control the refrigerant leakage. This method only shuts down the indoor unit experiencing the leak, without shutting down the entire multi-split air conditioner system. This reduces refrigerant leakage while ensuring the normal operation of the remaining indoor units without leaks, effectively improving the user experience.

[0044] As an improvement to the above embodiments, this invention provides another method for handling refrigerant leakage in multi-split air conditioning systems.

[0045] The main reason why the refrigerant leakage frequency in the air conditioning system is lower in cooling mode than in heating mode is the difference between cooling and heating conditions and the difference in refrigerant circulation volume.

[0046] First, the difference between cooling and heating operating conditions leads to different refrigerant circulation volumes. In cooling mode, the system operates at a lower pressure ratio, and the evaporator typically operates at an evaporation temperature of around 5°C. In heating mode, the evaporation temperature is generally around 2°C, resulting in a higher pressure ratio and a reduced volumetric flow rate. Furthermore, the saturated vapor density decreases at lower temperatures, further reducing the refrigerant circulation volume during heating.

[0047] Secondly, the cause of refrigerant leakage also affects the frequency of refrigerant leaks. The main causes of refrigerant leakage include system malfunctions (such as leaks, blockages, pipe subsidence, compressor failure, etc.), pipe connection problems (such as loose connections, damaged flare ends, etc.), aging system piping, welding quality issues, and equipment aging. These factors can occur during both cooling and heating processes, but because the system pressure and temperature changes are greater under heating conditions, more leakage points may be activated.

[0048] Finally, the methods for detecting refrigerant leaks also differ. When refrigerant leaks, the size of the frost area on the evaporator can be observed to determine the leak. However, during heating, due to changes in system pressure and temperature, leak detection may require more complex methods. Based on these issues, this embodiment quickly controls the refrigerant leak by determining the indoor unit's operating mode and the number of units in operation, shutting down the leaking indoor unit and switching the remaining indoor units to cooling mode to control the refrigerant leak. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The method provided in this embodiment includes:

[0049] 201. Real-time detection of refrigerant leakage signals.

[0050] 202. Upon receiving a refrigerant leak signal, the buzzer of the indoor unit where the refrigerant leak occurred will be triggered to sound continuously for 5 seconds.

[0051] The multi-split air conditioning system is equipped with a refrigerant leak detection unit and an alarm unit to detect refrigerant leaks in real time. When a refrigerant leak is detected, the buzzer of the corresponding indoor unit is triggered to emit a continuous buzzing sound for 5 seconds.

[0052] 203. If the multi-split air conditioning system is not currently operating in cooling mode, switch the multi-split air conditioning system to cooling mode.

[0053] After a refrigerant leak occurs, first determine whether the air conditioning system is operating in cooling mode. If feedback is received that the system is operating in cooling mode, continue to operate in that mode. If the system is in any other mode other than cooling mode, adjust the air conditioning system to operate in cooling mode to ensure that the indoor side is at low pressure.

[0054] 204. Determine the first refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the current number of indoor units in operation. The first refrigerant leakage control strategy includes shutting off the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit where refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0055] This embodiment reduces system pressure and slows refrigerant leakage by rapidly adjusting the operating mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, and completely closes the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit that has already leaked refrigerant to prevent refrigerant leakage, thereby reducing harm to human health and environmental pollution, while ensuring the normal operation of the remaining indoor units.

[0056] In some alternative embodiments, see Figure 3 The primary refrigerant leak control strategy can be determined through, but is not limited to, the following process:

[0057] 2041. Determine the current number of indoor units in operation.

[0058] 2042. If the current number of indoor units in operation is 1, the first refrigerant leakage control strategy also includes: turning on all indoor units that have not experienced refrigerant leakage and operating them in cooling mode.

[0059] 2043. If the current number of indoor units in operation is greater than 1, then the first refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the number of indoor units that have experienced refrigerant leakage and the current number of indoor units in operation.

[0060] Specifically, if the number of indoor units experiencing refrigerant leaks is equal to the number of indoor units currently in operation, the first refrigerant leak control strategy also includes: turning on all indoor units that have not experienced refrigerant leaks and operating them in cooling mode.

[0061] Specifically, after adjusting the air conditioner's operating mode, the system checks if the number of indoor units in operation is 1. If so, it closes the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit with the refrigerant leak and turns on all other indoor units in cooling mode. If not, it checks if the number of units with refrigerant leaks equals the number of units in operation. If they do, it closes the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the indoor unit with the refrigerant leak and turns on all other indoor units in cooling mode. If the number of units with refrigerant leaks is less than the number of units in operation, it closes the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit with the refrigerant leak, and the remaining indoor units continue to operate.

[0062] 205. Control the indoor units in the multi-split air conditioning system according to the first refrigerant leakage control strategy to control refrigerant leakage.

[0063] 206. Determine the second refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the pressure ratio and compressor frequency of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0064] In some alternative embodiments, see Figure 4 A second refrigerant leak control strategy can be determined, but is not limited to, through the following process:

[0065] 2061. Obtain the pressure ratio of the multi-split air conditioning system. The pressure ratio is the ratio of the exhaust pressure to the intake pressure.

[0066] 2062. If the pressure ratio is not within the first specified value range, the second refrigerant leakage control strategy includes: adjusting the compressor frequency to make the pressure ratio within the first specified value range.

[0067] Specifically, adjusting the compressor frequency includes:

[0068] If the pressure ratio is lower than the first preset value, the compressor frequency will be increased.

[0069] If the pressure ratio is higher than the second preset value, the compressor frequency will be reduced.

[0070] In some optional embodiments, the first specified numerical range is between 4:1 and 6:1, the first preset value is 4:1, and the second preset value is 6:1.

[0071] Specifically, the ratio of exhaust pressure to intake pressure (i.e., pressure ratio) is obtained, and it is determined whether this value is between 4:1 and 6:1. If it is within this range, the current parameters are maintained and operation continues. If the pressure ratio is higher than 6:1, the compressor frequency is reduced to bring the pressure ratio back to the normal range; if the pressure ratio is lower than 4:1, the compressor frequency is increased to adjust the pressure ratio to the normal range.

[0072] 207. Control the multi-split air conditioning system according to the second refrigerant leakage control strategy to achieve further control of refrigerant leakage.

[0073] See Figure 5The refrigerant leakage handling method for multi-split air conditioners provided in this embodiment can be divided into a refrigerant leakage alarm stage, a system control stage after refrigerant leakage, and a subsequent adjustment and handling stage. First, by determining the indoor unit's operating mode and the number of indoor units in operation, the operating mode of the air conditioner's indoor units is quickly adjusted to reduce the indoor pressure and slow down the degree of refrigerant leakage. The electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit that has leaked refrigerant is completely closed, thereby reducing the harm of refrigerant leakage to the human body and environmental pollution, while also ensuring the normal operation of the remaining air conditioner indoor units.

[0074] by Figure 6 Taking the structure of a multi-split air conditioner refrigerant leak detection system as an example, if the refrigerant sensor of indoor unit A detects a refrigerant leak, the buzzer of unit A will sound for 5 seconds. At this time, it will be determined whether the entire system is in cooling mode. If it is in cooling mode, it will continue to operate in that mode; if it is in another mode, the system will be immediately switched to cooling mode. The next determination is as follows: if only one indoor unit is currently running, then the electronic expansion valve A will be closed, and indoor units B to D will be turned on and operate in cooling mode. Then, by obtaining the ratio of exhaust pressure to suction pressure (i.e., pressure ratio), it will be determined whether the pressure ratio is between 4:1 and 6:1. If it is, the current state will be maintained and operation will continue. If the pressure ratio is higher than 6:1, the compressor frequency will be reduced to bring the pressure ratio back to the normal range; if the pressure ratio is lower than 4:1, the compressor frequency will be increased to bring the pressure ratio back to the normal range.

[0075] This embodiment discloses a method for handling refrigerant leaks in multi-split air conditioners. If the multi-split air conditioning system is not currently operating in cooling mode after a refrigerant leak, it switches to cooling mode. A first refrigerant leak control strategy is determined based on the number of indoor units in operation, including closing the electronic expansion valve of the leaking indoor unit. A second refrigerant leak control strategy is determined based on the pressure ratio and compressor frequency of the multi-split air conditioning system. By adjusting the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner, refrigerant leak control is achieved. This dual refrigerant leak control effectively ensures the refrigerant leak control effect. This method only shuts down the leaking indoor unit, without shutting down the entire multi-split air conditioning system, reducing refrigerant leaks while ensuring the normal operation of the remaining non-leaking indoor units, effectively improving the user experience.

[0076] To facilitate the implementation of the above-mentioned method for handling refrigerant leaks in multi-split air conditioning systems, this invention provides a refrigerant leak handling device for multi-split air conditioning systems. (Refer to...) Figure 7 The device includes:

[0077] The cooling mode switching unit 71 is used to switch the multi-split air conditioning system to cooling mode if it is not currently operating in cooling mode after receiving a refrigerant leak signal.

[0078] The first refrigerant leakage control strategy determination unit 72 is used to determine a first refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the current number of indoor units in operation. The first refrigerant leakage control strategy includes closing the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit where refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0079] The first refrigerant leakage control unit 73 is used to control the indoor unit in the multi-split air conditioning system according to the first refrigerant leakage control strategy in order to control refrigerant leakage.

[0080] The multi-split air conditioner refrigerant leakage handling device disclosed in this embodiment includes a cooling mode switching unit that switches the multi-split air conditioner system to cooling mode if a refrigerant leak occurs and the system is not currently operating in cooling mode. A first refrigerant leakage control strategy determination unit determines a first refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the number of indoor units in operation. This strategy includes closing the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit experiencing the refrigerant leak and adjusting the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner to control the refrigerant leak. This method only shuts down the indoor unit experiencing the leak, without shutting down the entire multi-split air conditioner system, reducing refrigerant leakage while ensuring the normal operation of the remaining indoor units without leaks, effectively improving the user experience.

[0081] As an improvement to the aforementioned refrigerant leakage handling device for multi-split air conditioners, this embodiment of the invention provides another refrigerant leakage handling device for multi-split air conditioners. The device is used in multi-split air conditioning systems. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The device includes:

[0082] The refrigerant leak detection unit 81 is used to detect refrigerant leak signals in real time.

[0083] Alarm unit 82 is used to trigger the buzzer of the indoor unit where the refrigerant leak has occurred to sound continuously for 5 seconds after receiving a refrigerant leak signal.

[0084] The cooling mode switching unit 83 is used to switch the multi-split air conditioning system to cooling mode if it is not currently operating in cooling mode after receiving a refrigerant leak signal.

[0085] The first refrigerant leakage control strategy determination unit 84 is used to determine a first refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the current number of indoor units in operation. The first refrigerant leakage control strategy includes closing the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit where refrigerant leakage occurs.

[0086] In some alternative embodiments, the first refrigerant leakage control strategy determination unit 84 includes:

[0087] The module 841 for determining the number of indoor units currently in operation is used to determine the number of indoor units currently in operation.

[0088] The first refrigerant leakage determination module 842, if the current number of indoor units in operation is 1, the first refrigerant leakage control strategy further includes: turning on all indoor units that have not experienced refrigerant leakage and operating them in cooling mode; if the current number of indoor units in operation is greater than 1, the first refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the number of indoor units experiencing refrigerant leakage and the current number of indoor units in operation; if the number of indoor units experiencing refrigerant leakage is equal to the current number of indoor units in operation, the first refrigerant leakage control strategy further includes: turning on all indoor units that have not experienced refrigerant leakage and operating them in cooling mode.

[0089] The first refrigerant leakage control unit 85 is used to control the indoor unit in the multi-split air conditioning system according to the first refrigerant leakage control strategy, so as to control the refrigerant leakage.

[0090] The second refrigerant leakage control strategy determination unit 86 is used to determine the second refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the pressure ratio and compressor frequency of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0091] In some alternative embodiments, the second refrigerant leakage control strategy determination unit 86 includes:

[0092] The pressure ratio acquisition module 861 is used to acquire the pressure ratio of the multi-split air conditioning system, which is the ratio of the exhaust pressure to the intake pressure.

[0093] The pressure ratio adjustment module 862 is used to adjust the compressor frequency so that the pressure ratio is within the first specified value range if the pressure ratio is not within the first specified value range. The second refrigerant leakage control strategy includes: adjusting the compressor frequency so that the pressure ratio is within the first specified value range.

[0094] Adjusting the compressor frequency includes: increasing the compressor frequency if the pressure ratio is lower than the first preset value; and decreasing the compressor frequency if the pressure ratio is higher than the second preset value.

[0095] The second refrigerant leakage control unit 87 is used to control the multi-split air conditioning system according to the second refrigerant leakage control strategy, so as to achieve further control of refrigerant leakage.

[0096] The multi-split air conditioner refrigerant leakage handling device disclosed in this embodiment includes a cooling mode switching unit that switches the multi-split air conditioner system to cooling mode if a refrigerant leak occurs and the system is not currently operating in cooling mode. A first refrigerant leakage control strategy determination unit determines a first refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the number of indoor units in operation. This first strategy includes closing the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit experiencing the leak. A second refrigerant leakage control strategy determination unit determines a second strategy based on the pressure ratio and compressor frequency of the multi-split air conditioner system. By adjusting the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioner, refrigerant leakage is controlled. This dual refrigerant leakage control effectively ensures the refrigerant leakage control effect. This method only shuts down the indoor unit experiencing the leak, without shutting down the entire multi-split air conditioner system. This reduces refrigerant leakage while ensuring the normal operation of the remaining indoor units without leaks, effectively improving the user experience.

[0097] Based on the same inventive concept, referring to Figure 9 This application also provides a multi-split air conditioning system, including a refrigerant leak controller, the refrigerant leak controller comprising:

[0098] At least one processor 91 and at least one memory 92;

[0099] The memory stores the processor's executable instructions;

[0100] The processor is configured to execute the refrigerant leakage handling method for multi-split air conditioning provided in the above embodiments.

[0101] The multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application embodiment stores executable instructions of the processor in a memory. When the executable instructions are executed, the processor can switch the multi-split air conditioning system to cooling mode if a refrigerant leak occurs and the system is not currently operating in cooling mode. A first refrigerant leak control strategy is determined based on the number of indoor units in operation, including closing the electronic expansion valve of the leaking indoor unit. A second refrigerant leak control strategy is determined based on the pressure ratio and compressor frequency of the multi-split air conditioning system. By adjusting the operating mode of the multi-split air conditioning system, refrigerant leak control is achieved. This dual refrigerant leak control effectively ensures the refrigerant leak control effect. This method only shuts down the leaking indoor unit, without shutting down the entire multi-split air conditioning system, reducing refrigerant leaks while ensuring the normal operation of the remaining non-leaking indoor units, effectively improving the user experience.

[0102] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means at least two.

[0103] It is understood that the same or similar parts in the above embodiments can be referred to each other, and the contents not described in detail in some embodiments can be referred to the same or similar contents in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for handling refrigerant leakage in a multi-split air conditioning system, characterized in that, include: Upon receiving a refrigerant leak signal, if the multi-split air conditioning system is not currently operating in cooling mode, the system will be switched to cooling mode. The first refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the current number of indoor units in operation. The first refrigerant leakage control strategy includes closing the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit where refrigerant leakage has occurred, and controlling all indoor units that have not experienced refrigerant leakage to start or controlling the indoor units that have started but have not experienced refrigerant leakage to continue operating. The indoor unit of the multi-split air conditioning system is controlled according to the first refrigerant leakage control strategy to control refrigerant leakage. Also includes: A second refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the pressure ratio and compressor frequency of the multi-split air conditioning system. The second refrigerant leakage control strategy includes: adjusting the compressor frequency so that the pressure ratio is within a first specified value range. The multi-split air conditioning system is controlled according to the second refrigerant leakage control strategy to achieve further control of refrigerant leakage.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Based on the current number of indoor units in operation, the first refrigerant leakage control strategy includes: Determine the current number of indoor units in operation; If the current number of indoor units in operation is 1, the first refrigerant leakage control strategy further includes: turning on all indoor units that have not experienced refrigerant leakage and operating them in cooling mode; If the current number of indoor units in operation is greater than 1, the first refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the number of indoor units experiencing refrigerant leakage and the current number of indoor units in operation.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first refrigerant leak control strategy is determined based on the number of indoor units experiencing refrigerant leaks and the current number of indoor units in operation. If the number of indoor units experiencing refrigerant leakage is equal to the number of indoor units currently in operation, the first refrigerant leakage control strategy further includes: turning on all indoor units that have not experienced refrigerant leakage and operating them in cooling mode.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the pressure ratio and compressor frequency of the multi-split air conditioning system, including: Obtain the pressure ratio of the multi-split air conditioning system, wherein the pressure ratio is the ratio of the exhaust pressure to the intake pressure; If the pressure ratio is not within the first specified value range, the second refrigerant leakage control strategy includes: adjusting the compressor frequency so that the pressure ratio is within the first specified value range.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that: Adjusting the compressor frequency includes: If the pressure ratio is lower than the first preset value, then the compressor frequency is increased; If the pressure ratio is higher than the second preset value, the compressor frequency is reduced.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first specified value range is between 4:1 and 6:1, the first preset value is 4:1, and the second preset value is 6:

1.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes: Real-time detection of refrigerant leak signals.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Also includes: Upon receiving a refrigerant leak signal, the buzzer of the indoor unit where the refrigerant leak occurred will sound continuously for 5 seconds.

9. A refrigerant leakage handling device for a multi-split air conditioning system, characterized in that: include: The cooling mode switching unit is used to switch the multi-split air conditioning system to cooling mode if it is not currently operating in cooling mode after receiving a refrigerant leak signal. The first refrigerant leakage control strategy determination unit is used to determine the first refrigerant leakage control strategy based on the current number of indoor units in operation. The first refrigerant leakage control strategy includes closing the electronic expansion valve of the indoor unit where refrigerant leakage has occurred, and controlling all indoor units that have not experienced refrigerant leakage to start or controlling the indoor units that have been started and have not experienced refrigerant leakage to continue operating. The first refrigerant leakage control unit is used to control the indoor unit in the multi-split air conditioning system according to the first refrigerant leakage control strategy, so as to control the refrigerant leakage. Also includes: A second refrigerant leakage control strategy is determined based on the pressure ratio and compressor frequency of the multi-split air conditioning system. The second refrigerant leakage control strategy includes: adjusting the compressor frequency so that the pressure ratio is within a first specified value range; and controlling the multi-split air conditioning system according to the second refrigerant leakage control strategy to achieve further control of refrigerant leakage.

10. A multi-split air conditioning system, characterized in that, Includes a refrigerant leak controller, the refrigerant leak controller comprising: At least one processor and at least one memory; The memory stores the executable instructions of the processor; The processor is configured to perform the refrigerant leakage handling method for a multi-split air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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