Heat exchanger, control method, air conditioner, and storage medium

Abstract

This invention discloses a heat exchanger, a control method, an air conditioner, and a storage medium. The heat exchanger includes a heating medium inlet, a heating medium outlet, a subcooling branch, and at least one heat exchange branch. The subcooling branch is connected to the heating medium inlet, and the heat exchange branch is connected between the heating medium outlet and the subcooling branch. Each heat exchange branch is provided with at least one first throttling element, which is used to throttle the working medium passing through the heat exchange branch. This invention uses a subcooling branch and a heat exchange branch for staged heat exchange, and at least one first throttling element is provided on each heat exchange branch to throttle the working medium in the heat exchange branch, thereby suppressing the temperature slippage phenomenon of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger, keeping the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger as close to 0°C as possible to avoid frost and ice formation in the heat exchanger and ensure the working efficiency of the heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, and particularly to a heat exchanger, control method, air conditioner, and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Non-azeotropic refrigerants are refrigerants composed of two or more substances. Due to the different boiling points of their components, one component evaporates first during evaporation, and the other component evaporates later during condensation. This results in a temperature change during isobaric phase transition, a phenomenon known as temperature slip during evaporation or condensation of non-azeotropic refrigerants. When an air conditioner is in heating mode, this temperature slip can cause a large temperature difference between the refrigerant inlet and outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger. The inlet temperature is lower than the outlet temperature, making it prone to frost and ice buildup at the refrigerant inlet and reducing the efficiency of the outdoor heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide a heat exchanger, control method, air conditioner, and storage medium, aiming to improve the technical problem of outdoor heat exchanger frosting and icing caused by the temperature slippage phenomenon of non-azeotropic refrigerant in the prior art.

[0004] An embodiment of the present invention provides a heat exchanger, comprising:

[0005] Heating refrigerant inlet section;

[0006] Heating fluid outlet section;

[0007] A subcooling branch is connected to the heating medium inlet.

[0008] At least one heat exchange branch, the heat exchange branch being connected between the outlet of the heating medium and the subcooling branch;

[0009] Each of the heat exchange branches is provided with at least one first throttling element, which is used to throttle the working fluid passing through the heat exchange branch.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchanger has a plurality of heat exchange branches, which are connected in parallel between the heating medium outlet and the subcooling branch.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, a second throttling element is provided on the subcooled branch, the second throttling element being used to throttle the working fluid passing through the subcooled branch.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, a control method is also provided for controlling an air conditioner. The air conditioner uses a non-azeotropic refrigerant and includes a heat exchanger and a first expansion valve connected to the heat exchanger. The first expansion valve is also connected to an indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner. The heat exchanger includes a heating refrigerant inlet, a heating refrigerant outlet, a subcooling branch, and multiple heat exchange branches. The subcooling branch is connected to the heating refrigerant inlet and is equipped with a second expansion valve. The multiple heat exchange branches are connected in parallel between the heating refrigerant outlet and the subcooling branch. Each heat exchange branch is equipped with at least a first throttling element. The first expansion valve is connected to the heating refrigerant inlet. The control method further includes:

[0013] When the air conditioner is turned on in heating mode and the outdoor temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the opening of the first expansion valve and the opening of the second expansion valve are adjusted according to the exhaust temperature of the air conditioner and the running time of the air conditioner.

[0014] When it is determined that the running time is less than the preset time and the exhaust temperature is not within the preset exhaust temperature range, the first expansion valve is controlled to adjust to the first initial opening and the second expansion valve is controlled to adjust to the second initial opening.

[0015] When the running time is determined to be greater than or equal to the preset time or the exhaust temperature is within the preset exhaust temperature range, the opening of the first expansion valve is adjusted according to the outdoor heat exchanger coil temperature, and the opening of the second expansion valve is adjusted according to the opening of the first expansion valve.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the second expansion valve has operated at the second initial opening for a target time, wherein the target time is less than the preset time, the control method further includes:

[0017] The opening degree of the second expansion valve is adjusted according to the suction superheat or exhaust superheat of the air conditioner's compressor.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, before controlling the first expansion valve to adjust to a first initial opening and the second expansion valve to adjust to a second initial opening, the control method further includes:

[0019] The second initial opening degree is determined based on the outdoor temperature;

[0020] The first initial opening degree is determined based on the outdoor temperature and the second initial opening degree.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, determining the second initial opening degree based on the outdoor temperature includes:

[0022] Determine the temperature range corresponding to the outdoor temperature;

[0023] The second initial opening degree is determined based on the temperature range.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, determining the first initial opening degree based on the outdoor temperature and the second initial opening degree includes:

[0025] Determine the basic opening degree of the first expansion valve based on the outdoor temperature;

[0026] Based on the second initial opening degree, determine the compensation opening degree of the first expansion valve;

[0027] The first initial opening is determined based on the compensated opening and the basic opening.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, an air conditioner is also provided, the air conditioner including a memory, a processor, a heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve connected to the heat exchanger. The first expansion valve is also connected to the indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner. The heat exchanger includes a heating medium inlet, a heating medium outlet, a subcooling branch, and multiple heat exchange branches. The subcooling branch is connected to the heating medium inlet. A second expansion valve is provided on the subcooling branch. The multiple heat exchange branches are connected in parallel between the heating medium outlet and the subcooling branch. Each heat exchange branch is provided with at least a first throttling element. The first expansion valve is connected to the heating medium inlet. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor is used to run the computer program in the memory to execute the steps in the control method described above.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, a storage medium is also provided, the storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program being executed and loaded by a processor to perform the steps in the control method described above.

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention provide a heat exchanger, a control method, an air conditioner, and a storage medium. The heat exchanger uses a subcooling branch and a heat exchange branch for staged heat exchange. At least one first throttling element is provided on each heat exchange branch to throttle the working fluid in the heat exchange branch, thereby suppressing the temperature slippage phenomenon of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger. This keeps the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger as close to 0°C as possible to avoid frost and ice formation on the heat exchanger and ensure the working efficiency of the heat exchanger. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention 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 the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the working fluid flow direction in a heat exchanger in heating mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the working fluid flow direction in a heat exchanger under a heating mold, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 3 Pressure-enthalpy diagrams of non-azeotropic working fluids with and without throttling devices in heat exchangers;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to the present invention.

[0037] Reference numerals: 100, First expansion valve; 201, Heating medium inlet; 202, Heating medium outlet; 210, Subcooling branch; 211, Second throttling element; 220, Heat exchange branch; 221, First throttling element; 601, Processor; 602, Memory; 603, Power supply; 604, Input unit. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0040] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the meaning of "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions; for example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0042] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the present invention provides a heat exchanger including a heating medium inlet 201, a heating medium outlet 202, a subcooling branch 210, and at least one heat exchange branch 220. The subcooling branch 210 is connected to the heating medium inlet 201. The heat exchange branch 220 is connected between the heating medium outlet 202 and the subcooling branch 210. Each heat exchange branch 220 is provided with at least one first throttling element 221, which is used to throttle the working medium passing through the heat exchange branch 220.

[0043] In the heating mode, the heating medium inlet 201 is where the non-azeotropic refrigerant flows into the heat exchanger and into the subcooling branch 210; the heating medium outlet 202 is where the non-azeotropic refrigerant flows out of the heat exchanger in the heating mode.

[0044] The subcooling branch 210 is a heat exchange tube in the heat exchanger. The working fluid flows into the subcooling branch 210 from the heating working fluid inlet 201 and undergoes primary heat exchange in the subcooling branch 210.

[0045] Among them, the heat exchange branch 220 is a heat exchange tube in the heat exchanger that is connected to the subcooling branch 210. After the working fluid undergoes primary heat exchange in the subcooling branch 210, it is diverted into the heat exchange branch 220 for secondary heat exchange. Since the heat exchange branch 220 is equipped with a first throttling element 221, the first throttling element 221 can throttle the working fluid in the heat exchange branch 220, thereby suppressing the temperature slip phenomenon of the non-azeotropic working fluid in the heat exchange branch 220, and thus keeping the working fluid temperature in the heat exchanger as close as possible to above 0°C.

[0046] Understandably, while the heat exchanger uses subcooling branch 210 and heat exchange branch 220 for staged heat exchange, at least one first throttling element 221 is provided on each heat exchange branch 220 to throttle the working fluid in the heat exchange branch 220, thereby suppressing the temperature slip phenomenon of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger, keeping the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger as close to 0°C as possible, so as to avoid frost and ice formation in the heat exchanger and ensure the working efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0047] In some embodiments, when the heat exchanger has a plurality of heat exchange branches 220, the plurality of heat exchange branches 220 are connected in parallel between the heating medium outlet 202 and the subcooling branch 210.

[0048] That is, the non-azeotropic refrigerant passing through the subcooling branch 210 is diverted at the outlet of the subcooling branch 210 into multiple heat exchange branches 220, and then the multiple heat exchange branches 220 merge at the inlet end of the heating medium outlet 202 and enter the heating medium outlet 202, and finally flow out from the heating medium outlet 202.

[0049] Since the heat exchange branch 220 is equipped with a first throttling device, the non-azeotropic refrigerant can be throttled in each heat exchange branch 220, thereby keeping the non-azeotropic refrigerant in each heat exchange branch 220 above 0°C.

[0050] In some embodiments, when a heat exchange branch 220 is provided with a plurality of first throttling elements 221, the plurality of first throttling elements 221 can perform multi-stage throttling on the working fluid in the heat exchange branch 220 multiple times.

[0051] That is, a heat exchange tube has multiple first throttling elements 221, which can perform multi-stage throttling on the non-azeotropic refrigerant, thereby keeping the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger above 0°C. Compared with single-stage throttling (only one first throttling element 221 is set), it can better maintain the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant above 0°C.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first throttling element 221 may be any one of a capillary tube, a throttling short tube, and an expansion valve.

[0053] In other embodiments, the first throttling element 221 may also be a small-diameter "U"-shaped tube with a diameter of less than 5 mm.

[0054] In some embodiments, the heat exchange branch 220 includes a plurality of first throttling elements 221 and a plurality of heat exchange tube segments. Every two adjacent heat exchange tube segments are connected through a first throttling element 221. Because the heat exchange branch 220 has a plurality of first throttling elements 221, it can perform multi-stage throttling on the non-azeotropic refrigerant, thereby keeping the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger above 0°C.

[0055] according to Figure 3 It can be seen that by setting the throttling device, the temperature of the non-azeotropic working fluid in the heat exchanger can be maintained above 0℃.

[0056] In some embodiments, a second throttling element 211 is provided on the subcooled branch 210, which is used to throttle the working fluid passing through the subcooled branch 210.

[0057] Understandably, when the subcooling branch 210 is equipped with a second throttling element 211, the heat exchanger not only achieves staged heat exchange, but also multi-stage throttling, thereby suppressing the temperature slippage of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger and keeping the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger above 0°C as much as possible, thus preventing the heat exchanger from frosting and freezing.

[0058] In some embodiments, the second throttling element 211 is an expansion valve or a throttling pipe.

[0059] The second throttling element 211 is preferably an expansion valve. When the second throttling element 211 is an electronic expansion valve, the opening of the electronic expansion valve can be adjusted in real time according to the actual operating conditions of the heat exchanger, thereby increasing the ability to regulate the working fluid temperature and ensuring that the temperature of the non-azeotropic working fluid in the heat exchanger is above 0°C.

[0060] In some embodiments, such as Figures 4-5 As shown, the present invention provides a control method for controlling an air conditioner. The air conditioner uses a non-azeotropic refrigerant and includes a heat exchanger and a first expansion valve 100 connected to the heat exchanger. The first expansion valve 100 is also connected to the indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner. The heat exchanger includes a heating refrigerant inlet 201, a heating refrigerant outlet 202, a subcooling branch 210, and multiple heat exchange branches 220. The subcooling branch 210 is connected to the heating refrigerant inlet 201. A second expansion valve is provided on the subcooling branch 210. The multiple heat exchange branches 220 are connected in parallel between the heating refrigerant outlet 202 and the subcooling branch 210. Each heat exchange branch 220 is provided with at least a first throttling element 221. The first expansion valve 100 is connected to the heating refrigerant inlet 201. The control method includes:

[0061] S100: When the air conditioner is started in heating mode and the outdoor temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the opening degree of the first expansion valve 100 and the opening degree of the second expansion valve are adjusted according to the exhaust temperature of the air conditioner and the running time of the air conditioner.

[0062] The preset temperature is generally 0℃.

[0063] The air conditioner's operating time is the time from the last time the air conditioner was started to the current moment.

[0064] The exhaust temperature of the air conditioner refers to the exhaust temperature of the air conditioner's compressor.

[0065] S200, when it is determined that the running time is less than the preset time and the exhaust temperature is not within the preset exhaust temperature range, the first expansion valve 100 is adjusted to the first initial opening and the second expansion valve is adjusted to the second initial opening.

[0066] The preset exhaust temperature range is data pre-stored in the air conditioner's controller, typically (target exhaust temperature -6℃, target exhaust temperature +6℃), where the target exhaust temperature is determined based on the outdoor ambient temperature and the air conditioner's operating conditions.

[0067] The preset time is usually 10 minutes.

[0068] S300, when the running time is greater than or equal to the preset time or the exhaust temperature is within the preset exhaust temperature range, adjusts the opening of the first expansion valve 100 according to the outdoor heat exchanger coil temperature, and adjusts the opening of the second expansion valve according to the opening of the first expansion valve 100.

[0069] It is understandable that by adjusting the first expansion valve 100 and the second expansion valve, the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger can be adaptively adjusted, suppressing the temperature slippage phenomenon of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger, and keeping the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger above 0℃.

[0070] In some embodiments, after the second expansion valve has operated at a second initial opening for a target time, wherein the target time is less than a preset time, the control method further includes:

[0071] S130 adjusts the opening of the second expansion valve according to the suction superheat or discharge superheat of the air conditioner compressor.

[0072] The target time is generally determined based on the outdoor temperature, and its value ranges from 2 min to 5 min. The lower the outdoor temperature, the larger the target time value, and the higher the outdoor temperature, the smaller the target time value.

[0073] Understandably, by adjusting the opening of the second expansion valve according to the suction superheater or the exhaust superheat, the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger can be more precisely controlled and kept above 0°C.

[0074] In some embodiments, S130, adjusting the opening of the second expansion valve according to the suction superheat of the air conditioner's compressor includes:

[0075] Determine the inhalation superheat based on the actual inhalation temperature and the target inhalation temperature.

[0076] The opening adjustment amount of the second expansion valve is determined based on the intake superheat.

[0077] Specifically, after the second expansion valve has been running at the second initial opening for the target time, the opening of the second expansion valve is adjusted based on the intake superheat degree, according to the second initial opening degree.

[0078] The actual intake temperature is T. 实吸 The target inhalation temperature is T. 目吸 Then the superheat of the intake air ΔT 吸 =T 实吸 -T 目吸 .

[0079] The specific method for determining the change in the opening of the second expansion valve based on the intake superheat is shown in the table below:

[0080] Inhalation superheat Opening adjustment amount <![CDATA[ΔT 吸 >4℃]]> +10 steps / second <![CDATA[1℃<ΔT 吸 ≤4℃]]> +5 steps / second <![CDATA[-1℃<ΔT 吸 ≤1℃]]> remain unchanged <![CDATA[-4℃<ΔT 吸 ≤-1℃]]> -5 steps / second <![CDATA[ΔT 吸 ≤-4℃]]> -10 steps / second

[0081] In some embodiments, S130, adjusting the opening of the second expansion valve according to the exhaust superheat of the air conditioner's compressor includes:

[0082] Determine the exhaust superheat based on the actual exhaust temperature and the target exhaust temperature.

[0083] The opening adjustment amount of the second expansion valve is determined based on the exhaust superheat.

[0084] Specifically, after the second expansion valve has been running at the second initial opening for the target time, the opening of the second expansion valve is adjusted based on the exhaust superheat at the second initial opening.

[0085] The actual exhaust temperature is T. 实排 The target exhaust temperature is T. 目排 Then the exhaust superheat ΔT 排 =T 实排 -T 目排 .

[0086] The specific method for determining the change in the opening of the second expansion valve based on the exhaust superheat is shown in the table below:

[0087] Exhaust superheat Opening adjustment amount <![CDATA[ΔT 排 >4℃]]> +10 steps / second <![CDATA[1℃<ΔT 排 ≤4℃]]> +5 steps / second <![CDATA[-1℃<ΔT 排 ≤1℃]]> remain unchanged <![CDATA[-4℃<ΔT 排 ≤-1℃]]> -5 steps / second <![CDATA[ΔT 排 ≤-4℃]]> -10 steps / second

[0088] In some embodiments, before controlling the first expansion valve 100 to adjust to a first initial opening and the second expansion valve to adjust to a second initial opening, the control method further includes:

[0089] S105, determine the second initial opening degree based on the outdoor temperature.

[0090] S106, determine the first initial opening degree based on the outdoor temperature and the second initial opening degree.

[0091] It is understandable that outdoor temperature is a significant factor affecting frost and ice formation on the outdoor heat exchanger. Therefore, adjusting the second initial opening of the second expansion valve based on the outdoor temperature ensures that the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger does not fall below 0°C. At the same time, since the first expansion valve 100 and the second expansion valve work together, the first initial opening needs to be determined based on the outdoor temperature and the second initial opening to ensure that the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger does not fall below 0°C.

[0092] In some embodiments, S105, determining the second initial opening degree based on the outdoor temperature includes:

[0093] Determine the temperature range corresponding to the outdoor temperature.

[0094] The outdoor temperature refers to the outdoor temperature at the current moment.

[0095] The temperature range is a data parameter pre-stored in the controller. That is, the controller has multiple temperature ranges pre-stored. When the outdoor temperature is determined, the temperature range in which it is located can be found based on the outdoor temperature.

[0096] Determine the second initial opening degree based on the temperature range.

[0097] The specific method for determining the second initial opening degree based on the temperature range is shown in the table below:

[0098] Outdoor temperature range Second initial opening <![CDATA[T 室外 >A1]]> M1 <![CDATA[A2<T 室外 ≤A1]]> M2 <![CDATA[A3<T 室外 ≤A2]]> M3 <![CDATA[T 室外 <A3]]> M4

[0099] Among them, T 室外 This refers to the outdoor temperature.

[0100] Where A1, A2, and A3 represent outdoor ambient temperatures in degrees Celsius, and -25℃≤A3≤A2≤A1≤20℃.

[0101] Where M1, M2, M3, and M4 represent the opening degree of the second expansion valve, with the unit being Pullse, and 0P≤M4≤M3≤M2≤M1≤520P.

[0102] In some embodiments, S106, determining the first initial opening degree based on the outdoor temperature and the second initial opening degree includes:

[0103] Determine the basic opening degree of the first expansion valve 100 based on the outdoor temperature.

[0104] The foundation opening is determined by the outdoor temperature, and can be determined based on the temperature range of the outdoor area. The foundation opening can be referenced in the table below:

[0105] Outdoor temperature range Basic opening <![CDATA[T 室外 >A1]]> E1 <![CDATA[A2<T 室外 ≤A1]]> E2 <![CDATA[A3<T 室外 ≤A2]]> E3 <![CDATA[T 室外 <A3]]> E4

[0106] Where E1, E2, E3, and E4 represent the basic opening degree of the first expansion valve, in units of Pulls, and 0P≤E4≤E3≤E2≤E1≤520P.

[0107] The compensation opening of the first expansion valve 100 is determined based on the second initial opening.

[0108] The compensation opening degree is determined by the opening degree coefficient 'a' and the second initial opening degree, which is determined by the outdoor temperature. Therefore, the compensation opening degree is essentially related to the outdoor temperature. The specific determination method is shown in the table below:

[0109] Outdoor temperature range Compensation opening <![CDATA[T 室外 >A1]]> a*M1 <![CDATA[A2<T 室外 ≤A1]]> a*M2 <![CDATA[A3<T 室外 ≤A2]]> a*M3 <![CDATA[T 室外 <A3]]> a*M4

[0110] Where a is the opening coefficient, 0≤a≤1.

[0111] The first initial opening is determined based on the compensated opening and the basic opening.

[0112] The first initial opening, determined based on the compensation opening and the basic opening, can be referenced in the table below:

[0113]

[0114]

[0115] In some embodiments, S300, adjusting the opening degree of the first expansion valve according to the outdoor heat exchanger coil temperature, and adjusting the opening degree of the second expansion valve according to the opening degree of the first expansion valve 100, includes:

[0116] Based on the temperature range corresponding to the outdoor heat exchanger coil temperature, determine the adjustment amount of the first expansion valve 100 and adjust the first expansion valve 100 accordingly.

[0117] Based on the adjustment amount of the first expansion valve 100, the adjustment amount of the second expansion valve is determined, and the second expansion valve is adjusted.

[0118] The specific adjustment methods are shown in the table below:

[0119] First expansion valve adjustment amount Second expansion valve adjustment amount <![CDATA[T 盘管 >B+5℃]]> -N1 +(b*N1+c) <![CDATA[B+2℃<T 盘管 ≤B+5℃]]> -N2 +(b*N2+c) <![CDATA[B-1℃<T 盘管 ≤B+2℃]]> remain unchanged remain unchanged <![CDATA[B-4℃<T 盘管 ≤B-1℃]]> +N2 -(b*N2+c) <![CDATA[T 盘管 <B-4℃]]> +N1 -(b*N1+c)

[0120] Where B is the target temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger coil, -10℃≤B≤20℃.

[0121] Where b represents the opening coefficient, 0≤b≤1, and c represents the opening correction value, in units of Pullse, 0P≤c≤100P.

[0122] Where N1 and N2 are the opening adjustment amounts, with units of Pullse, and 0P≤N2≤N1≤450P.

[0123] In some embodiments, the control method further includes:

[0124] When the air conditioner is started in heating mode and the outdoor temperature is higher than the preset temperature, or when the air conditioner is started in cooling mode, the first expansion valve 100 and the second expansion valve are controlled to perform non-anti-freeze control, the first expansion valve is adjusted to the maximum opening, and the opening of the second expansion valve is adjusted according to the compressor's exhaust superheat or suction superheat.

[0125] The preset temperature is 0℃.

[0126] The specific methods for determining the intake superheat and exhaust superheat of the compressor can be found in the above embodiments.

[0127] The actual exhaust temperature is T. 实排 The target exhaust temperature is T. 目排 Then the exhaust superheat ΔT 排 =T 实排 -T 目排 .

[0128] The method for adjusting the opening of the second expansion valve according to the superheat of the compressor's exhaust can be found in the table below.

[0129] Exhaust superheat Opening adjustment amount <![CDATA[ΔT 排 >4℃]]> +10 steps / second <![CDATA[1℃<ΔT 排 ≤4℃]]> +5 steps / second <![CDATA[-1℃<ΔT 排 ≤1℃]]> remain unchanged <![CDATA[-4℃<ΔT 排 ≤-1℃]]> -5 steps / second <![CDATA[ΔT 排 ≤-4℃]]> -10 steps / second

[0130] The actual intake temperature is T. 实吸 The target inhalation temperature is T. 目吸 Then the superheat of the intake air ΔT 吸 =T 实吸 -T 目吸 .

[0131] The method for adjusting the opening of the second expansion valve according to the superheat of the compressor's suction can be found in the table below.

[0132] Inhalation superheat Opening adjustment amount <![CDATA[ΔT 吸 >4℃]]> +10 steps / second <![CDATA[1℃<ΔT 吸 ≤4℃]]> +5 steps / second <![CDATA[-1℃<ΔT 吸 ≤1℃]]> remain unchanged <![CDATA[-4℃<ΔT 吸 ≤-1℃]]> -5 steps / second <![CDATA[ΔT 吸 ≤-4℃]]> -10 steps / second

[0133] In some embodiments, the present invention also provides an air conditioner, which may include components such as a processor 601 with one or more processing cores, a memory 602 with one or more computer-readable storage media, a power supply 603, and an input unit 604. The air conditioner also includes a heat exchanger and a first expansion valve 100 connected to the heat exchanger. The first expansion valve 100 is also connected to the indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner. The heat exchanger includes a heating medium inlet 201, a heating medium outlet 202, a subcooling branch 210, and a plurality of heat exchange branches 220. The subcooling branch 210 is connected to the heating medium inlet 201. A second expansion valve is provided on the subcooling branch 210. The plurality of heat exchange branches 220 are connected in parallel between the heating medium outlet 202 and the subcooling branch 210. Each heat exchange branch 220 is provided with at least a first throttling element 221. The first expansion valve 100 is connected to the heating medium inlet 201. Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described structure of the air conditioner does not constitute a limitation on the air conditioner, and may include more or fewer components, or combinations of certain components, or different arrangements of components. Wherein:

[0134] The processor 601 is the controller of the air conditioner, connecting various parts of the air conditioner through various interfaces and lines. It performs various functions and processes data by running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 602, and by calling data stored in the memory 602, thereby providing overall monitoring of the air conditioner. Optionally, the processor 601 may include one or more processing cores; preferably, the processor 601 may integrate an application processor 601 and a modem processor 601, wherein the application processor 601 mainly handles the operating system, user interface, and computer programs, while the modem processor 601 mainly handles wireless communication. It is understood that the modem processor 601 may also not be integrated into the processor 601.

[0135] The memory 602 can be used to store software programs and modules. The processor 601 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory. The memory may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, computer programs required for at least one function (such as sound playback function, image playback function, etc.), etc.; the data storage area may store data created according to the use of the server, etc. In addition, the memory may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device. Accordingly, the memory may also include a memory controller to provide the processor 601 with access to the memory.

[0136] The air conditioner also includes a power supply 603 that supplies power to various components. Preferably, the power supply 603 can be logically connected to the processor 601 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system. The power supply may also include one or more DC or AC power supplies, a recharging system, a power fault detection circuit, a power converter or inverter, a power status indicator, or any other components.

[0137] The air conditioner may also include an input unit 604, which can be used to receive input digital or character information, and generate keyboard, mouse, joystick, optical or trackball signal inputs related to user settings and function control.

[0138] Although not shown, the air conditioner may also include a display unit, etc., which will not be described in detail here. Specifically, in this embodiment, the processor 601 in the air conditioner loads the executable files corresponding to the processes of one or more computer programs into the memory 602 according to the following instructions, and the processor 601 runs the computer programs stored in the memory 602 to perform the following steps:

[0139] When the air conditioner is turned on in heating mode and the outdoor temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the opening of the first expansion valve and the opening of the second expansion valve are adjusted according to the exhaust temperature of the air conditioner and the running time of the air conditioner.

[0140] When the running time is less than the preset time and the exhaust temperature is not within the preset exhaust temperature range, the first expansion valve is controlled to adjust to the first initial opening and the second expansion valve is controlled to adjust to the second initial opening.

[0141] When the running time is greater than or equal to the preset time or the exhaust temperature is within the preset exhaust temperature range, the opening of the first expansion valve is adjusted according to the outdoor unit coil temperature, and the opening of the second expansion valve is adjusted according to the opening of the first expansion valve.

[0142] By performing the above steps and adjusting the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve, the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger is adaptively adjusted, the temperature slippage of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger is suppressed, and the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger is kept above 0°C.

[0143] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in any of the methods in the above embodiments can be performed by a computer program or by a computer program controlling related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and loaded and executed by the processor 601.

[0144] In some embodiments, the present invention also provides a storage medium storing a computer program, which is loaded by a processor to perform the following steps;

[0145] When the air conditioner is turned on in heating mode and the outdoor temperature is lower than the preset temperature, the opening of the first expansion valve and the opening of the second expansion valve are adjusted according to the exhaust temperature of the air conditioner and the running time of the air conditioner.

[0146] When the running time is less than the preset time and the exhaust temperature is not within the preset exhaust temperature range, the first expansion valve is controlled to adjust to the first initial opening and the second expansion valve is controlled to adjust to the second initial opening.

[0147] When the running time is greater than or equal to the preset time or the exhaust temperature is within the preset exhaust temperature range, the opening of the first expansion valve is adjusted according to the outdoor unit coil temperature, and the opening of the second expansion valve is adjusted according to the opening of the first expansion valve.

[0148] By performing the above steps and adjusting the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve, the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger is adaptively adjusted, the temperature slippage of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger is suppressed, and the temperature of the non-azeotropic refrigerant in the heat exchanger is kept above 0°C.

[0149] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any references to memory, storage, database, or other media used in the embodiments provided by this invention may include non-volatile and / or volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in various forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), dual data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), RAMbus direct RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and RAMbus dynamic RAM (RDRAM), etc.

[0150] Since the computer program stored in the storage medium can execute the steps in the air conditioner control method in any embodiment of the present invention, the beneficial effects that the air conditioner control method in any embodiment of the present invention can achieve can be realized, as detailed in the preceding embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0151] For details on the implementation of each of the above operations, please refer to the previous examples, which will not be repeated here.

[0152] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the detailed descriptions of other embodiments above, which will not be repeated here.

[0153] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the application concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method characterized by, The application relates to a control method for an air conditioner using a non-azeotropic refrigerant, the air conditioner comprising a heat exchanger and a first expansion valve in communication with the heat exchanger, the first expansion valve also being in communication with an indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner, the heat exchanger comprising a heating refrigerant inlet, a heating refrigerant outlet, a supercooling branch and a plurality of heat exchange branches, the supercooling branch being in communication with the heating refrigerant inlet, a second expansion valve being arranged on the supercooling branch, the plurality of heat exchange branches being in parallel communication between the heating refrigerant outlet and the supercooling branch, at least a first throttling device being arranged on each heat exchange branch, the first expansion valve being in communication with the heating refrigerant inlet, the control method further comprising: when the air conditioner is started in a heating mode and the outdoor temperature is less than a preset temperature, adjusting the opening degree of the first expansion valve and the opening degree of the second expansion valve according to the exhaust temperature of the air conditioner and the operation time of the air conditioner; when it is determined that the operation time is less than a preset time and the exhaust temperature is not in a preset exhaust temperature range, controlling the first expansion valve to adjust to a first initial opening degree and the second expansion valve to adjust to a second initial opening degree; when it is determined that the operation time is greater than or equal to the preset time or the exhaust temperature is in the preset exhaust temperature range, adjusting the opening degree of the first expansion valve according to the outdoor heat exchanger coil temperature and adjusting the opening degree of the second expansion valve according to the opening degree of the first expansion valve; after the second expansion valve operates at the second initial opening degree for a target time, wherein the target time is less than the preset time, adjusting the opening degree of the second expansion valve according to the suction superheat or the discharge superheat of the compressor of the air conditioner.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized by, A second throttling device is arranged on the supercooling branch, and the second throttling device is used for throttling the working medium passing through the supercooling branch.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized by, Before the control of the first expansion valve adjusting to the first initial opening degree and the second expansion valve adjusting to the second initial opening degree, the control method further comprises: determining the second initial opening degree according to the outdoor temperature; determining the first initial opening degree according to the outdoor temperature and the second initial opening degree.

4. The control method according to claim 3, characterized by, The determination of the second initial opening degree according to the outdoor temperature comprises: determining a temperature range corresponding to the outdoor temperature; determining the second initial opening degree according to the temperature range.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized by The determination of the first initial opening degree according to the outdoor temperature and the second initial opening degree comprises: determining a basic opening degree of the first expansion valve according to the outdoor temperature; determining a compensation opening degree of the first expansion valve according to the second initial opening degree; determining the first initial opening degree according to the compensation opening degree and the basic opening degree.

6. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The air conditioner comprises a memory, a processor, a heat exchanger, and a first expansion valve in communication with the heat exchanger, the first expansion valve also being in communication with an indoor heat exchanger of the air conditioner, the heat exchanger comprising a heating working medium inlet portion, a heating working medium outlet portion, a supercooling branch, and a plurality of heat exchange branches, the supercooling branch being in communication with the heating working medium inlet portion, a second expansion valve being arranged on the supercooling branch, the plurality of heat exchange branches being connected in parallel between the heating working medium outlet portion and the supercooling branch, at least a first throttling device being arranged on each of the heat exchange branches, the first expansion valve being in communication with the heating working medium inlet portion, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor being used to run the computer program in the memory to execute the steps in the control method according to any one of claims 1-5.

7. A storage medium, characterized by The storage medium stores a computer program, and the computer program is loaded and executed by the processor to execute the steps in the control method according to any one of claims 1-5.

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