Control methods and devices for heat exchange systems, heat exchange systems

Abstract

This application relates to the field of heat exchange system technology, disclosing a control method and apparatus for a heat exchange system, and a heat exchange system in general. The heat exchange system includes a heat exchange loop and a refrigerant regulation branch, wherein the heat exchange loop includes a compressor; the refrigerant regulation branch is connected to the heat exchange loop and configured to regulate the refrigerant flow rate in the heat exchange loop; the control method includes: determining a first temperature difference between an indoor temperature and a first preset temperature and a second temperature difference between an outdoor temperature and an indoor temperature; controlling the operating frequency of the compressor based on the first temperature difference; and adjusting the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulation branch based on the compressor operating frequency and the second temperature difference. This embodiment can regulate the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle in the heat exchange system, thereby improving the performance of the heat exchange system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of heat exchange system technology, such as a control method and apparatus for a heat exchange system, and a heat exchange system. Background Technology

[0002] In an air conditioning system, refrigerant circulates within the system to achieve cooling or heating operation. The optimal refrigerant circulation volume required by the heat exchange system varies depending on the load of the air conditioner in cooling or heating mode. However, the refrigerant charge is fixed for the heat exchange system. When the outside temperature is high for cooling or low for heating, the rated refrigerant volume may cause the air conditioning system to operate under overload, resulting in poor cooling or heating performance. Conversely, when the outside temperature is low for cooling or high for heating, the air conditioning system operates under low load, and the refrigerant volume may be excessive. This excess refrigerant does not play a role in heat exchange during system operation, leading to low operating efficiency of the temperature control unit and preventing the heat exchange system from achieving its optimal performance.

[0003] In related technologies, the refrigerant in the heat exchange system is generally regulated by adjusting the opening of the throttle valve. This involves depressurizing, cooling, or pressurizing and heating the refrigerant to ensure that its condition meets the needs of the indoor heat exchanger and that the heat exchange system is in a relatively optimal state.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of this disclosure, at least the following problems were found in the related art:

[0005] Because the throttle has limited opening adjustment capability and a small adjustment range, when the refrigerant required by the heat exchange system varies greatly, the throttle cannot meet the refrigerant adjustment requirements, resulting in poor performance of the heat exchange system.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0008] This disclosure provides a control method and apparatus for a heat exchange system, and a heat exchange system, to adjust the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle in the heat exchange system and improve the performance of the heat exchange system.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of this application, a control method for a heat exchange system is provided. The heat exchange system includes a heat exchange loop and a refrigerant regulation branch, wherein the heat exchange loop includes a compressor; the refrigerant regulation branch is connected to the heat exchange loop and configured to regulate the refrigerant flow rate in the heat exchange loop; the control method includes: determining a first temperature difference between an indoor temperature and a first preset temperature and a second temperature difference between an outdoor temperature and an indoor temperature; controlling the operating frequency of the compressor according to the first temperature difference; and adjusting the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulation branch according to the operating frequency of the compressor and the second temperature difference.

[0010] In some optional embodiments, controlling the operating frequency of the compressor based on the first temperature difference includes: controlling the compressor to operate at a high frequency when the first temperature difference is greater than or equal to a first preset difference; and controlling the compressor to operate at a low frequency when the first temperature difference is less than the first preset difference.

[0011] In some optional embodiments, adjusting the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch according to the compressor's operating frequency and the second temperature difference includes: adjusting the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch to a first refrigerant storage when the compressor operates at a high frequency and the second temperature difference is greater than or equal to a second preset difference; adjusting the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch to a second refrigerant storage when the compressor operates at a high frequency and the second temperature difference is less than the second preset difference; adjusting the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch to a third refrigerant storage when the compressor operates at a low frequency and the second temperature difference is greater than or equal to the second preset difference; and adjusting the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch to a fourth refrigerant storage when the compressor operates at a low frequency and the second temperature difference is less than the second preset difference; wherein the first refrigerant storage is less than the second refrigerant storage, the second refrigerant storage is less than the third refrigerant storage, and the third refrigerant storage is less than the fourth refrigerant storage.

[0012] In some optional embodiments, the refrigerant regulating branch includes a connecting pipe, a liquid storage shell, a piston, and a drive motor. The two ends of the connecting pipe are connected to a heat exchange circuit and a liquid storage chamber, respectively. The piston abuts against the inner wall of the liquid storage shell, and the piston and the inner wall of the liquid storage shell define the liquid storage chamber. The drive motor is connected to the piston and can drive the piston to move relative to the liquid storage shell to change the liquid volume of the liquid storage chamber. Regulating the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch includes: controlling the drive motor to rotate in a first direction to increase the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch; and controlling the drive motor to rotate in a second direction to decrease the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch. The first direction and the second direction are opposite.

[0013] In some optional embodiments, the refrigerant regulating branch includes a connecting pipe, a liquid storage shell, a piston, and a drive motor. The two ends of the connecting pipe are connected to a heat exchange circuit and a liquid storage chamber, respectively. The piston is connected to the inner wall of the liquid storage shell, and the piston and the inner wall of the liquid storage shell define the liquid storage chamber. The drive motor is connected to the piston and can drive the piston to move relative to the liquid storage shell to change the liquid volume of the liquid storage chamber. Before adjusting the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch, the control method further includes: obtaining the rate of change of a first temperature difference within a preset time period; if the rate of change is greater than or equal to a first preset rate of change, controlling the drive motor to rotate at a first speed for a target time period; if the rate of change is less than the first preset rate of change, but greater than or equal to a second preset rate of change, controlling the drive motor to rotate at a second speed for a target time period; if the rate of change is less than the second preset rate of change, controlling the drive motor to rotate at a third speed for a target time period; wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed, and the first speed is greater than the third speed.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, the target duration of the drive motor rotation is determined as follows:

[0015] T = πR 2 |D1-D0| / 4V

[0016] Where T is the rotation time of the motor, π is pi, R is the inner diameter of the liquid storage shell, D1 is the piston height corresponding to the target refrigerant storage, D0 is the piston height corresponding to the current refrigerant storage, and V is the rotation speed of the drive motor.

[0017] In some optional embodiments, the heat exchange circuit further includes an indoor heat exchanger connected to the compressor; the control method further includes: adjusting the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch according to the compressor's operating frequency and the second temperature difference, and then obtaining the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger; determining a third temperature difference between the current temperature and a second preset temperature; reducing the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch when the third temperature difference is less than the third preset temperature; and increasing the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch when the third temperature difference is greater than the fourth preset temperature; wherein the fourth preset temperature difference is greater than or equal to the third preset temperature difference.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of this application, a control device for a heat exchange system is provided, including a processor and a memory storing program instructions, the processor being configured to execute the control method for the heat exchange system as described above when the program instructions are executed.

[0019] According to an embodiment of a third aspect of this application, a heat exchange system is provided, comprising: a heat exchange circuit including a compressor; a refrigerant regulating branch connected to the heat exchange circuit and configured to regulate the refrigerant flow rate in the heat exchange circuit; and a control device for the heat exchange system as described above.

[0020] In some optional embodiments, the refrigerant regulation branch includes: a liquid storage shell; a piston that abuts against the inner wall of the liquid storage shell and defines a liquid storage cavity with the inner wall of the liquid storage shell; a connecting pipe that is connected at both ends to a heat exchange circuit and a liquid storage cavity respectively; and a drive motor that is connected to the piston and can drive the piston to move relative to the liquid storage shell to change the liquid storage volume of the liquid storage cavity.

[0021] The control method and apparatus for heat exchange systems and the heat exchange systems provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0022] The heat exchange system includes a heat exchange loop and a refrigerant regulation branch. The heat exchange loop includes a compressor. The refrigerant regulation branch is connected to the heat exchange loop and is configured to regulate the refrigerant flow rate in the heat exchange loop. This allows refrigerant in the heat exchange system to enter the refrigerant regulation branch and be stored there, reducing the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle of the heat exchange loop. Similarly, refrigerant in the refrigerant regulation branch can flow into the heat exchange loop, increasing the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle. In this embodiment, the compressor's operating frequency is controlled based on a first temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a first preset temperature, and the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulation branch is adjusted based on the compressor's operating frequency and a second temperature difference between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature. This regulates the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle of the heat exchange loop, thereby improving the rationality of the refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle under different operating conditions and improving the performance of the heat exchange system.

[0023] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0024] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a heat exchange system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of another control method for a heat exchange system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of another control method for a heat exchange system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a heat exchange system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerant regulation branch provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a refrigerant regulation branch provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for a heat exchange system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 100. Processor; 101. Memory; 102. Communication interface; 103. Bus; 200. Compressor; 300. Outdoor heat exchanger; 400. Indoor heat exchanger; 500. Refrigerant regulating branch; 510. Liquid receiver shell; 520. Piston; 530. Drive motor; 540. First connecting pipe; 550. Second connecting pipe; 560. Transmission device; 570. Telescopic hose; 600. Throttling device. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0035] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0036] In this disclosure, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "middle," "outer," "front," and "rear," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for better description of the embodiments of this disclosure and their implementations, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to require them to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the aforementioned terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationship; for example, the term "upper" may in some cases indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] Furthermore, the terms "set up," "connect," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0039] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present disclosure can be combined with each other.

[0040] This disclosure provides a heat exchange system, such as Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchange system includes a heat exchange loop and a refrigerant regulation branch 500. The refrigerant regulation branch 500 is connected to the heat exchange loop and is configured to regulate the refrigerant flow rate in the heat exchange loop.

[0041] The heat exchange system includes a heat exchange loop and a refrigerant regulation branch 500. The refrigerant regulation branch 500 is connected to the heat exchange loop and is configured to regulate the refrigerant flow rate in the heat exchange loop. This allows refrigerant in the heat exchange system to enter the refrigerant regulation branch 500 for storage, reducing the refrigerant flow rate in the heat exchange loop and thus reducing the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle. Similarly, refrigerant in the refrigerant regulation branch 500 can flow into the heat exchange loop, increasing the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle. This regulation of the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle improves the rationality of refrigerant participation under different operating conditions, thereby enhancing the performance of the heat exchange system.

[0042] Furthermore, the heat exchange circuit includes a compressor 200, an outdoor heat exchanger 300, a throttle valve, and an indoor heat exchanger 400 connected in sequence via heat exchange pipelines.

[0043] When the heat exchange system is operating in cooling mode, the refrigerant flows out of the compressor 200, passes sequentially through the outdoor heat exchanger 300, the throttling device 600, and the indoor heat exchanger 400, and then flows back into the compressor 200 to complete one refrigeration cycle. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 300 acts as a condenser, where the refrigerant condenses and releases heat. The indoor heat exchanger 400 acts as an evaporator, where the refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat from the room, providing cooling capacity and lowering the indoor temperature.

[0044] When the heat exchange system is operating in heating mode, the refrigerant flows out of the compressor 200, passes sequentially through the indoor heat exchanger 400, the throttling device 600, and the outdoor heat exchanger 300, and then flows back into the compressor 200 to complete one heating cycle. At this time, the indoor heat exchanger 400 acts as a condenser, where the refrigerant condenses and releases heat to increase the indoor temperature. The outdoor heat exchanger 300 acts as an evaporator, where the refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat, becoming gaseous refrigerant which is then supplied to the compressor 200.

[0045] Optionally, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the refrigerant regulating branch 500 includes a connecting pipe 540 (hereinafter referred to as the first connecting pipe 540 for ease of distinction), a liquid storage shell 510, a piston 520, and a drive motor 530. The two ends of the first connecting pipe 540 are connected to the heat exchange circuit and the liquid storage chamber, respectively. The piston 520 is connected to the inner wall of the liquid storage shell 510, and the piston 520 and the inner wall of the liquid storage shell 510 define the liquid storage chamber. The drive motor 530 is connected to the piston 520, and the drive motor 530 can drive the piston 520 to move relative to the liquid storage shell 510, thereby changing the liquid volume of the liquid storage chamber.

[0046] In this embodiment, the drive motor 530 is connected to the piston 520. The drive motor 530 can drive the piston 520 to move relative to the liquid storage shell 510, thereby changing the volume of the liquid storage cavity defined by the piston 520 and the inner wall of the liquid storage shell 510. This changes the amount of refrigerant that the liquid storage cavity can store, thus changing the refrigerant flow rate in the heat exchange circuit. The two ends of the first connecting pipe 540 are connected to the heat exchange circuit and the liquid storage cavity, respectively. In this way, the refrigerant in the heat exchange circuit can flow into the liquid storage cavity through the first connecting pipe 540, or the refrigerant in the liquid storage cavity can flow back into the heat exchange circuit through the first connecting pipe 540, thereby adjusting the amount of refrigerant in the heat exchange circuit.

[0047] Furthermore, one end of the first connecting pipe 540 is connected to the heat exchange pipeline between the indoor heat exchanger 400 and the throttling device 600. Thus, when the heat exchange system is operating in heating mode, the refrigerant pressure in the storage chamber is the same as the refrigerant pressure flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 400 (equivalent to the condenser). When the heat exchange system is operating in cooling mode, the refrigerant pressure in the storage chamber is the same as the refrigerant pressure flowing out of the throttling device 600.

[0048] Optionally, one end of the first connecting pipe 540 is connected to the heat exchange pipeline between the outdoor heat exchanger 300 and the throttling device 600. Thus, when the heat exchange system is operating in heating mode, the refrigerant pressure in the storage chamber is the same as the refrigerant pressure flowing out of the throttling device 600. When the heat exchange system is operating in cooling mode, the refrigerant pressure in the storage chamber is the same as the refrigerant pressure flowing out of the outdoor heat exchanger 300 (equivalent to the condenser).

[0049] Optionally, the refrigerant regulating branch 500 also includes a piston connecting rod. The two ends of the piston connecting rod are connected to the piston 520 and the drive end of the drive motor 530, respectively.

[0050] Optionally, the refrigerant regulating branch 500 also includes a transmission device 560, which is connected between the piston 520 and the drive end of the drive motor 530 to convert the rotation of the drive motor 530 into the linear movement of the piston 520.

[0051] For example, the transmission device 560 includes a gear and a rack. The gear is connected to the drive end of the drive motor 530, one end of the rack is connected to the piston 520, and the other end of the rack meshes with the gear. In this way, the rotation of the drive motor 530 drives the gear to rotate, and when the gear rotates, the meshing of the gear and the rack drives the rack to move, thereby driving the piston 520 to move linearly.

[0052] Optionally, when the drive motor 530 rotates in the first direction, it drives the piston 520 to move in a direction away from the first connecting pipe 540. The first connecting pipe 540 is connected to the liquid storage chamber, thereby increasing the volume of the liquid storage chamber and thus increasing the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch 500. When the drive motor 530 rotates in the second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, it drives the piston 520 to move in a direction toward the first connecting pipe 540. This reduces the volume of the liquid storage chamber and thus reduces the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch 500.

[0053] For example, the refrigerant regulation branch 500 also includes a pressure detection sensor, which is located in the first connecting pipe 540 and is used to detect the refrigerant pressure in the liquid storage chamber.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first connecting pipe 540 is connected to the liquid storage chamber, and the pressure inside the first connecting pipe 540 is the same as the pressure inside the liquid storage chamber. Placing a pressure detection sensor inside the first connecting pipe 540 also allows for the acquisition of the pressure inside the liquid storage chamber. Furthermore, when the piston 520 moves within the liquid storage shell 510, the occurrence of pressure detection devices obstructing the movement of the piston 520 is reduced, thereby improving the operational stability and reliability of the heat exchange system.

[0055] Optionally, the first connecting pipe 540 is connected to the upper side wall of the liquid storage shell 510, and the upper side wall of the liquid storage shell 510 is disposed opposite to the piston 520.

[0056] In some optional embodiments, the refrigerant regulating branch 500 further includes a second connecting pipe 550 and a telescopic hose 570. The two ends of the second connecting pipe 550 are connected to the heat exchange circuit and the liquid storage chamber, respectively. The telescopic hose 570 is disposed within the liquid storage chamber, and its two ends are connected to the first connecting pipe 540 and the piston 520, respectively. The opening direction of the end of the telescopic hose 570 connected to the piston 520 extends radially along the liquid storage housing 510.

[0057] In this embodiment, when the refrigerant flowing into the storage chamber through the first connecting pipe 540 is the same refrigerant flowing out of the throttling device 600, the refrigerant flowing into the storage chamber is a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, thus the upper part of the storage chamber stores gaseous refrigerant. The two ends of the second connecting pipe 550 are connected to the heat exchange circuit and the storage chamber, respectively. A telescopic hose 570 is disposed inside the storage chamber, with its two ends connected to the first connecting pipe 540 and the piston 520, respectively. The opening direction of the end of the telescopic hose 570 connected to the piston 520 extends radially along the storage shell 510. The refrigerant can flow into the storage chamber through the first connecting pipe 540 and the telescopic hose 570, and flow out through the second connecting pipe 550. Specifically, the second connecting pipe 550 is connected to the upper side wall of the storage shell 510. In this way, the gaseous refrigerant in the upper part of the storage chamber can flow out of the storage chamber through the second connecting pipe 550, increasing the amount of liquid refrigerant stored in the storage chamber and thus increasing the amount of refrigerant stored in the storage chamber.

[0058] Furthermore, the telescopic hose 570 can extend or retract with the piston 520, allowing one end of the telescopic hose 570 to remain connected to the piston 520 during its movement. The opening of the end of the telescopic hose 570 connected to the piston 520 extends radially along the reservoir housing 510, reducing the likelihood of the piston 520 obstructing the opening of the telescopic hose 570 and preventing refrigerant from flowing through it. This improves the operational stability and reliability of the refrigerant regulating branch 500. Specifically, the piston 520 moves axially along the reservoir housing 510.

[0059] Figure 1This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a control method for a heat exchange system according to an embodiment of this disclosure. This control method for a heat exchange system can be executed in the controller of the heat exchange system.

[0060] S011, the controller determines a first temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a first preset temperature and a second temperature difference between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature.

[0061] S012, Based on the first temperature difference, the controller controls the operating frequency of the compressor.

[0062] S013, based on the compressor's operating frequency and the second temperature difference, the controller adjusts the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch.

[0063] In this embodiment, the controller can control the compressor's operating frequency based on a first temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a first preset temperature, and adjust the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch based on the compressor's operating frequency and a second temperature difference between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature. This adjusts the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle, thereby improving the rationality of the refrigerant used in the heat exchange cycle under different operating conditions and enhancing the performance of the heat exchange system.

[0064] The second temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature, while the first temperature difference is the absolute value of the difference between the indoor temperature and the first preset temperature.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of another control method for a heat exchange system provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. This control method for a heat exchange system can be executed in the controller of the heat exchange system.

[0066] S021, the controller determines a first temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a first preset temperature and a second temperature difference between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature.

[0067] S022, when the first temperature difference is greater than or equal to the first preset difference, the controller controls the compressor to operate at a high frequency.

[0068] S023, when the first temperature difference is less than the first preset difference, the controller controls the compressor to operate at a low frequency.

[0069] In this embodiment, when the first temperature difference is greater than or equal to the first preset difference, it indicates that the heat exchange system requires an increase in heat exchange capacity. The controller controls the compressor to operate at a high frequency to increase the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchange system.

[0070] If the first temperature difference is less than the first preset difference, it means that the heat exchange system needs less heat exchange. At this time, the heat exchange system's heat exchange capacity and operating load can be reduced, and the compressor can be controlled to operate at a low frequency.

[0071] S024, when the compressor is running at high frequency and the second temperature difference is greater than or equal to the second preset difference, the controller adjusts the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch to the first refrigerant storage.

[0072] S025, when the compressor is running at high frequency and the second temperature difference is less than the second preset difference, the controller adjusts the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch to the second refrigerant storage.

[0073] S026, when the compressor is running at a low frequency and the second temperature difference is greater than or equal to the second preset difference, the controller adjusts the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch to the third refrigerant storage.

[0074] S027, when the compressor is running at a low frequency and the second temperature difference is less than the second preset difference, the controller adjusts the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch to the fourth refrigerant storage.

[0075] Among them, the first refrigerant reserve is less than the second refrigerant reserve, the second refrigerant reserve is less than the third refrigerant reserve, and the third refrigerant reserve is less than the fourth refrigerant reserve.

[0076] In this embodiment, when the second temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures is greater than or equal to a second preset difference, the indoor temperature is more affected by the outdoor temperature, and the heating or cooling capacity of the heat exchange system increases to reduce the difference between the indoor temperature and the first preset temperature. When the second temperature difference is less than the second preset difference, the indoor temperature is less affected by the outdoor temperature, and the heat exchange system takes the outdoor temperature into less consideration when setting the heating or cooling capacity.

[0077] The first refrigerant quantity is less than the second refrigerant quantity, and the third refrigerant quantity is less than the fourth refrigerant quantity. When the second temperature difference is greater than or equal to a second preset difference, the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle is greater than when the second temperature difference is less than the second preset difference. This allows for a reduction in the refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant regulation branch when the second temperature difference is large (relative to the second preset difference), increasing the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle and improving the heat exchange capacity and performance of the heat exchange system. Conversely, when the second temperature difference is small (relative to the second preset difference), the refrigerant quantity in the refrigerant regulation branch is increased to reduce the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle, thus reducing the increase in energy consumption when more refrigerant participates in the heat exchange cycle and improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchange system.

[0078] When the compressor operates at high frequency and the second temperature difference is less than the second preset difference, the second refrigerant reserve in the refrigerant regulating branch is less than [a certain value]. When the compressor operates at low frequency and the second temperature difference is greater than or equal to the second preset difference, the third refrigerant reserve in the refrigerant regulating branch is [a certain value]. The operating frequency of the compressor has a greater impact on the refrigerant reserve in the refrigerant regulating branch than the second temperature difference.

[0079] For example, when the compressor is operating at high frequency and the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures is 8 degrees Celsius, the first refrigerant charge in the refrigerant regulating branch is 0. When the compressor is operating at high frequency and the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures is 2 degrees Celsius, the second refrigerant charge in the refrigerant regulating branch is 10% of the maximum refrigerant charge in the refrigerant regulating branch.

[0080] When the compressor operates at low frequency and the temperature difference between the outdoor and indoor areas is 8 degrees Celsius, the third refrigerant charge in the refrigerant regulating branch is 90% of the maximum refrigerant charge in the refrigerant regulating branch. When the compressor operates at low frequency and the temperature difference between the outdoor and indoor areas is 2 degrees Celsius, the fourth refrigerant charge in the refrigerant regulating branch is the maximum refrigerant charge in the refrigerant regulating branch.

[0081] In some alternative embodiments, the controller adjusts the liquid volume of the reservoir by:

[0082] The controller controls the drive motor to rotate in a first direction to increase the liquid storage volume of the liquid storage chamber; the controller controls the drive motor to rotate in a second direction to decrease the liquid storage volume of the liquid storage chamber.

[0083] The first direction is opposite to the second direction.

[0084] In this embodiment, when the drive motor rotates in the first direction, it drives the piston to move away from the first connecting pipe. The first connecting pipe is connected to the liquid storage chamber, thus increasing the liquid storage volume of the liquid storage chamber. When the drive motor rotates in the second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, it drives the piston to move towards the first connecting pipe. This reduces the liquid storage volume of the liquid storage chamber.

[0085] For example, before adjusting the refrigerant level in the refrigerant regulating branch, the control method further includes:

[0086] The controller obtains the rate of change of the first temperature difference within a preset time period. Optionally, the rate of change is the first temperature difference at the end of the preset time period minus the first temperature difference at the beginning of the preset time period, and then divided by the preset time period.

[0087] When the rate of change is greater than or equal to the first preset rate of change, the controller controls the drive motor to rotate at the first speed for the target duration.

[0088] When the rate of change is less than the first preset rate of change and greater than or equal to the second preset rate of change, the controller controls the drive motor to rotate at the second speed for the target duration.

[0089] If the rate of change is less than the second preset rate of change, the controller controls the drive motor to rotate at the third speed for the target duration.

[0090] Among them, the first speed is greater than the second speed, and the first speed is greater than the third speed.

[0091] In this embodiment, adjusting the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulation branch is equivalent to adjusting the liquid storage volume in the liquid storage chamber. The controller can obtain the rate of change of the first temperature difference within a preset time period and control the speed of the drive motor according to the rate of change, thereby improving the sensitivity of the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulation branch and improving the cooling or heating capacity of the heat exchange system.

[0092] The first rotational speed is greater than the second rotational speed. This means that when the first temperature difference increases rapidly, the drive motor speed increases to increase the rate at which the refrigerant regulating branch replenishes refrigerant to the heat exchange circuit. Furthermore, the second preset rate of change is 0. When the rate of change is less than the second preset rate of change, i.e., when the second temperature difference decreases, the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch increases, requiring refrigerant replenishment. The third rotational speed is less than the first rotational speed. This reduces the rate at which refrigerant is added to the refrigerant regulating branch, which in turn reduces the rate at which refrigerant is removed from the heat exchange circuit. This reduces the likelihood of flash evaporation caused by a sudden and significant reduction in refrigerant in the heat exchange circuit, and the noise generated by the flashed gaseous refrigerant entering the throttling device, thus improving the user experience.

[0093] Furthermore, the controller determines the target duration of the drive motor's rotation as follows:

[0094] T = πR 2 |D1-D0| / 4V

[0095] Where T is the rotation time of the motor, π is pi, R is the inner diameter of the liquid storage shell, D1 is the piston height corresponding to the target refrigerant storage, D0 is the piston height corresponding to the current refrigerant storage, and V is the rotation speed of the drive motor.

[0096] The speed V of the drive motor can be a first speed, a second speed, or a third speed. It can also be the average speed of the first speed, the second speed, and the third speed.

[0097] In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the liquid storage shell is fixed, that is, the inner diameter of the liquid storage chamber is fixed. The piston and the inner wall of the liquid storage shell define the liquid storage chamber. By judging the liquid volume in the liquid storage chamber according to the height of the piston, the liquid volume in the liquid storage chamber is made to the target liquid volume, that is, to make the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch the target refrigerant storage. Optionally, the target refrigerant storage is a first refrigerant storage, a second refrigerant storage, a third refrigerant storage, or a fourth refrigerant storage.

[0098] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating another control method for a heat exchange system provided in this embodiment. This control method for a heat exchange system can be executed in the controller of the heat exchange system.

[0099] S031, the controller determines a first temperature difference between the indoor temperature and a first preset temperature and a second temperature difference between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature.

[0100] S032, based on the first temperature difference, the controller controls the operating frequency of the compressor.

[0101] S033, based on the compressor's operating frequency and the second temperature difference, the controller adjusts the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch.

[0102] S034, based on the compressor's operating frequency and the second temperature difference, after the controller adjusts the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulating branch, the controller obtains the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger.

[0103] S035, the controller determines a third temperature difference between the current temperature and the second preset temperature.

[0104] The third temperature difference value is the absolute value of the difference between the current temperature and the second preset temperature. The second preset temperature can be set during the production of the heat exchange system. Optionally, the second preset temperature is the lowest temperature of the indoor heat exchanger when the heat exchange system is in heating mode; or, the second preset temperature is the highest temperature of the indoor heat exchanger when the heat exchange system is in cooling mode.

[0105] S036, when the third temperature difference is less than the third preset difference, the controller reduces the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulation branch.

[0106] S037, when the third temperature difference is greater than the fourth preset difference, the controller increases the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulation branch.

[0107] Among them, the fourth preset difference is greater than or equal to the second preset difference.

[0108] In this embodiment, after the controller adjusts the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulation branch, the controller obtains the current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger. If the third temperature difference is greater than the fourth preset difference, it indicates that the heat or cold transferred by the indoor heat exchanger to the room is sufficient to continuously increase or decrease the indoor temperature, further reducing the difference between the indoor temperature and the user's preset temperature. In this case, the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulation branch is increased to reduce the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle, thus reducing the energy consumption increase when more refrigerant participates in the heat exchange cycle and improving the heat exchange performance of the heat exchange system. If the third temperature difference is less than the third preset difference, it indicates that the heat or cold transferred by the indoor heat exchanger to the room is insufficient, requiring further increase or decrease in the indoor heat exchanger temperature to increase the amount of heat or cold transferred. The controller reduces the refrigerant storage in the refrigerant regulation branch to increase the amount of refrigerant participating in the heat exchange cycle and improve the cooling capacity of the heat exchange system.

[0109] Combination Figure 7 As shown, this disclosure provides a control device for a heat exchange system, including a processor 100 and a memory 101. Optionally, the device may further include a communication interface 102 and a bus 103. The processor 100, communication interface 102, and memory 101 can communicate with each other via the bus 103. The communication interface 102 can be used for information transmission. The processor 100 can call logical instructions in the memory 101 to execute the control method for the heat exchange system described in the above embodiment.

[0110] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 101 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0111] The memory 101, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs and computer-executable programs, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this disclosure. The processor 100 executes functional applications and data processing by running the program instructions / modules stored in the memory 101, thereby implementing the control method for the heat exchange system in the above embodiments.

[0112] The memory 101 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 101 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0113] This disclosure provides a heat exchange system, including a heat exchange system body and the aforementioned control device for the heat exchange system. The control device for the heat exchange system is installed in the heat exchange system body. The installation relationship described herein is not limited to placement inside the product, but also includes installation connections with other components of the product, including but not limited to physical connections, electrical connections, or signal transmission connections. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control device for the heat exchange system can be adapted to any feasible heat exchange system body to achieve other feasible embodiments.

[0114] This disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions configured to execute the above-described control method for a heat exchange system.

[0115] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be a transient computer-readable storage medium or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0116] The technical solutions of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes one or more instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, including: a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and other media capable of storing program code; it can also be a transient storage medium.

[0117] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of this disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, procedural, and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the terminology used in this application is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term “and / or” as used in this application means including one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations thereof. Additionally, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variations "comprises" and / or "comprising" refer to the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element. In this document, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. For methods, products, etc., disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method section disclosed in the embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method section.

[0118] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0119] The methods and products (including but not limited to devices and equipment) disclosed in the embodiments herein can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units may be merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection between the shown or discussed units may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection between devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units may be selected to implement this embodiment according to actual needs. Furthermore, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0120] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In the descriptions corresponding to the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings, the operations or steps corresponding to different blocks may also occur in a different order than disclosed in the description, and sometimes there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A control method for a heat exchange system, characterized by, The heat exchange system comprises a heat exchange circuit and a refrigerant regulating branch, wherein the heat exchange circuit comprises a compressor; the refrigerant regulating branch is connected with the heat exchange circuit and is configured to regulate the refrigerant flow in the heat exchange circuit; the control method comprises: determining a first temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the first preset temperature and a second temperature difference between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature; controlling the operating frequency of the compressor according to the first temperature difference; adjusting the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch according to the operating frequency of the compressor and the second temperature difference; wherein adjusting the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch according to the operating frequency of the compressor and the second temperature difference comprises: in the case that the compressor is operating at a high frequency and the second temperature difference is greater than or equal to a second preset difference, adjusting the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch to a first refrigerant storage; in the case that the compressor is operating at a high frequency and the second temperature difference is less than the second preset difference, adjusting the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch to a second refrigerant storage; in the case that the compressor is operating at a low frequency and the second temperature difference is greater than or equal to the second preset difference, adjusting the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch to a third refrigerant storage; in the case that the compressor is operating at a low frequency and the second temperature difference is less than the second preset difference, adjusting the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch to a fourth refrigerant storage; wherein the first refrigerant storage is less than the second refrigerant storage, the second refrigerant storage is less than the third refrigerant storage, and the third refrigerant storage is less than the fourth refrigerant storage; wherein the refrigerant regulating branch comprises a first communication pipe, a second communication pipe, an elastic hose, a liquid storage shell, a piston and a driving motor, wherein the two ends of the first communication pipe are respectively connected with the heat exchange circuit and a liquid storage cavity, the two ends of the second communication pipe are respectively connected with the heat exchange circuit and the liquid storage cavity, the elastic hose is arranged in the liquid storage cavity, the two ends of the elastic hose are respectively connected with the first communication pipe and the piston, the opening direction of the end of the elastic hose connected with the piston extends along the radial direction of the liquid storage shell, the piston abuts against the inner side wall of the liquid storage shell, and the piston and the inner side wall of the liquid storage shell define the liquid storage cavity; the driving motor is connected with the piston and can drive the piston to move relative to the liquid storage shell to change the liquid storage volume of the liquid storage cavity; wherein adjusting the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch comprises: controlling the driving motor to rotate in a first direction to increase the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch; controlling the driving motor to rotate in a second direction to decrease the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant regulating branch; wherein the first direction is opposite to the second direction.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized by, controlling the operating frequency of the compressor according to the first temperature difference comprises: in the case that the first temperature difference is greater than or equal to a first preset difference, controlling the operating frequency of the compressor to operate at a high frequency; in the case that the first temperature difference is less than the first preset difference, controlling the operating frequency of the compressor to operate at a low frequency.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized by The elastic hose can be elongated or contracted by the piston, so that one end of the elastic hose can also be connected with the piston in the process of movement of the piston.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized by When the driving motor rotates in the first direction, the driving motor drives the piston to move in a direction away from the first communication pipe; When the driving motor rotates in the second direction, the driving motor drives the piston to move in a direction towards the first communication pipe.

5. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, The refrigerant adjusting branch includes a communication pipe, a liquid storage shell, a piston and a driving motor, wherein two ends of the communication pipe are connected with the heat exchange circuit and the liquid storage cavity respectively; the piston is connected with the inner side wall of the liquid storage shell, and the piston and the inner side wall of the liquid storage shell define the liquid storage cavity; the driving motor is connected with the piston and can drive the piston to move relative to the liquid storage shell to change the liquid storage volume of the liquid storage cavity; Before adjusting the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant adjusting branch, the control method further includes: obtaining a change rate of the first temperature difference value within a preset time length; in the case that the change rate is greater than or equal to a first preset change rate, controlling the driving motor to rotate at a first rotating speed for a target time length; in the case that the change rate is less than the first preset change rate and greater than or equal to a second preset change rate, controlling the driving motor to rotate at a second rotating speed for the target time length; in the case that the change rate is less than the second preset change rate, controlling the driving motor to rotate at a third rotating speed for the target time length; wherein the first rotating speed is greater than the second rotating speed, and the first rotating speed is greater than the third rotating speed.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized by The target time length of the driving motor rotation is determined in the following manner: wherein, is the rotation time length of the motor, is the circle ratio, is the inner diameter of the liquid storage shell, is the piston height corresponding to the target refrigerant storage amount, is the piston height corresponding to the current refrigerant storage amount, is the rotation speed of the driving motor.

7. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, The heat exchange circuit further includes an indoor heat exchanger connected with the compressor; the control method further includes: after adjusting the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant adjusting branch according to the operating frequency of the compressor and the second temperature difference value, obtaining a current temperature of the indoor heat exchanger; determining a third temperature difference value between the current temperature and a second preset temperature; in the case that the third temperature difference value is less than a third preset difference value, reducing the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant adjusting branch; in the case that the third temperature difference value is greater than a fourth preset difference value, increasing the refrigerant storage of the refrigerant adjusting branch; wherein the fourth preset difference value is greater than or equal to the third preset difference value.

8. A control device for a heat exchange system, comprising a processor and a memory having stored program instructions, wherein, The processor is configured to execute the control method for the heat exchange system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 when running the program instructions.

9. A heat exchange system, characterized by, including: a heat exchange circuit including a compressor; a refrigerant adjusting branch connected with the heat exchange circuit and configured to adjust the refrigerant flow in the heat exchange circuit; and, the control device for the heat exchange system as claimed in claim 8.

10. The heat exchange system of claim 9, wherein, The refrigerant adjusting branch includes: a liquid storage shell; a piston abutting against the inner side wall of the liquid storage shell and defining a liquid storage cavity with the inner side wall of the liquid storage shell; a communication pipe having two ends connected with the heat exchange circuit and the liquid storage cavity respectively; a driving motor connected with the piston and capable of driving the piston to move relative to the liquid storage shell to change the liquid storage volume of the liquid storage cavity.

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