Refrigerant control system and control method

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a refrigerant control system and method, the system comprises an air conditioner, a water heater and a control module, the air conditioner comprises an indoor unit, a condenser and a compressor, and the water heater comprises a water tank; the control module is used for controlling the first valve to be opened when the air conditioner is in a refrigeration mode, so that a refrigerant output by the compressor passes through the condenser and the indoor unit and then returns to the compressor; and / or when the water heater is in the working mode, the second valve is controlled to be opened, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor passes through the water tank and the indoor unit and then returns to the compressor. According to the embodiment of the invention, the air conditioner and the water heater share one outdoor unit, the first valve is controlled to be opened and / or the second valve is controlled to be opened through the control module of the outdoor unit, so that the flow direction of the refrigerant is controlled, the operation requirements of a user on the air conditioner and / or the water heater are met, and meanwhile, the utilization rate of resources and the use experience of the user are also improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioning, and in particular to a refrigerant control system and a refrigerant control method. Background Art

[0002] The air conditioning products and water heater systems currently on the market all rely on external units to achieve the state conversion of the refrigerant during operation. This means that when users install these devices, they must install separate external units for the air conditioner and water heater respectively. This situation not only significantly increases the space required for installation, but also becomes a major challenge for families with limited living space to find enough external space to accommodate multiple external units. In addition, each additional external unit means additional installation costs, including but not limited to material costs, labor service fees, etc. Summary of the invention

[0003] In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present invention are proposed to provide a refrigerant control system and a corresponding refrigerant control method that overcome the above problems or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0004] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerant control system is provided, the system comprising: an air conditioner, a water heater and a control module; the air conditioner comprises an indoor unit, a condenser and a compressor; the water heater comprises a water tank;

[0005] The compressor, the water tank and the indoor unit are connected via pipelines;

[0006] The compressor, the condenser and the indoor unit are connected via pipelines;

[0007] A first valve is provided in the pipeline connecting the compressor and the condenser;

[0008] A second valve is provided in the pipeline connecting the compressor and the water tank;

[0009] The control module is used to control the first valve to open when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the condenser and the indoor unit; and / or, when the water heater is in working mode, control the second valve to open, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the water tank and the indoor unit.

[0010] Optionally, the control module is used to obtain a cooling rate of the air conditioner, and according to the cooling rate of the air conditioner, close the heating mode of the water heater and the second valve.

[0011] Optionally, the cooling rate of the air conditioner is determined based on a first ambient temperature, a second ambient temperature and a first time; the first ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode; the second ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode and the first time has passed.

[0012] Optionally, the control module is used to obtain a heating rate of the water heater, and turn off the cooling mode of the air conditioner and the first valve according to the heating rate of the water heater.

[0013] Optionally, the heating rate of the water heater is determined based on a first water temperature, a second water temperature and a second time; the first water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode; the second water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode and after the second time.

[0014] Optionally, the refrigerant control system further includes a four-way valve;

[0015] The first port of the four-way valve is connected to the first valve;

[0016] The second port of the four-way valve is connected to the indoor unit;

[0017] The third port of the four-way valve is connected to the compressor;

[0018] The fourth port of the four-way valve is connected to the condenser.

[0019] Optionally, a first electronic expansion valve and a one-way valve are provided on a pipeline connected to the output end of the water tank;

[0020] The control module is used to control the opening degree of the first electronic expansion valve.

[0021] Optionally, a third valve is provided on the pipeline connected to the output end of the condenser;

[0022] The control module is used to control the on and off of the third valve.

[0023] Optionally, a second electronic expansion valve is provided on the pipeline connected to the input end of the indoor unit;

[0024] The control module is used to control the opening degree of the second electronic expansion valve.

[0025] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a refrigerant control method is provided, the method being applied to the refrigerant control system as described in any one of the above items, the method comprising:

[0026] When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, controlling the first valve to open so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the condenser and the indoor unit;

[0027] And / or, when the water heater is in working mode, the second valve is controlled to open so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the water tank and the indoor unit.

[0028] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0029] The cooling rate of the air conditioner is obtained, and the heating mode of the water heater and the second valve are turned off according to the cooling rate of the air conditioner.

[0030] Optionally, the cooling rate of the air conditioner is determined based on a first ambient temperature, a second ambient temperature and a first time; the first ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode; the second ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode and the first time has passed.

[0031] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0032] The heating rate of the water heater is obtained, and the cooling mode of the air conditioner and the first valve are turned off according to the heating rate of the water heater.

[0033] Optionally, the heating rate of the water heater is determined based on a first water temperature, a second water temperature and a second time; the first water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode; the second water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode and after the second time.

[0034] The technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention may have the following beneficial effects:

[0035] The embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerant control system and control method, the system includes an air conditioner, a water heater and a control module, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit, a condenser, a compressor, and the water heater includes a water tank; the control module is used to control the first valve to open when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the condenser and the indoor unit; and / or, when the water heater is in working mode, control the second valve to open, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the water tank and the indoor unit. The embodiment of the present invention allows the air conditioner and the water heater to share an outdoor unit, and the control module of the outdoor unit controls the first valve to open, and / or controls the second valve to open, so as to control the flow direction of the refrigerant, meet the user's requirements for the operation of the air conditioner and / or the water heater, and also improve the resource utilization and user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1is a structural block diagram of an embodiment of a refrigerant control system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 is a structural block diagram of another refrigerant control system embodiment provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 is a structural block diagram of a four-way valve provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 It is a step flow chart of an embodiment of a refrigerant control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Description of reference numerals:

[0041] Indoor unit 101, condenser 102, compressor 103, water tank 104, first valve 105, second valve 106, four-way valve 107, four-way valve first port 1071, four-way valve second port 1072, four-way valve third port 1073, four-way valve fourth port 1074, first electronic expansion valve 108, one-way valve 109, third valve 110, first electronic expansion valve 111. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0043] One of the core concepts of the embodiment of the present invention is to enable the air conditioner and the water heater to share an external unit, and to control the opening of the first valve and / or the opening of the second valve through the control module of the external unit to achieve control of the flow direction of the refrigerant, thereby meeting the user's operating requirements for the air conditioner and / or the water heater, while also improving resource utilization and user experience.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 , shows a structural block diagram of a refrigerant control system of the present invention provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] The system includes: an air conditioner, a water heater and a control module (not shown in the figure); the air conditioner includes an indoor unit 101, a condenser 102, and a compressor 103; the water heater includes a water tank 104;

[0046] The compressor 103, the water tank 104 and the indoor unit 101 are connected via pipelines;

[0047] The compressor 103, the condenser 102 and the indoor unit 101 are connected via pipelines;

[0048] In the air conditioning system, the main function of the indoor unit 101 is to achieve the exchange of indoor and outdoor heat, so as to achieve the purpose of regulating the indoor temperature. The indoor unit 101 usually includes key components such as an evaporator, a fan and a control circuit. When the system is in the cooling mode, the high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant output by the compressor 103 releases heat through the condenser 102, and then is reduced in pressure and cooled through the expansion valve to become a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid refrigerant, and then enters the evaporator in the indoor unit 101. In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the indoor air and evaporates into a gaseous state, thereby reducing the temperature of the indoor air. The fan in the indoor unit 101 blows the air cooled by the evaporator into the room to achieve a cooling effect. At the same time, the evaporator can also remove some moisture from the air, play a dehumidifying role, and further improve the indoor comfort. In the heating mode, the role of the indoor unit 101 is the opposite. Through the reverse cycle, the refrigerant releases heat in the evaporator in the indoor unit 101, heats the indoor air, and the fan blows this warm air into the room to achieve a heating effect.

[0049] The main function of the condenser 102 is to cool the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor 103 and condense it into liquid, while releasing the heat in the refrigerant into the outdoor environment. The efficient operation of the condenser 102 is crucial to the overall performance of the air-conditioning system. It not only determines whether the refrigerant can be smoothly transformed from gas to liquid, but also directly affects the refrigeration efficiency and energy efficiency ratio of the system. If the heat dissipation effect of the condenser 102 is not good, the refrigerant cannot be fully cooled, which in turn affects the refrigeration capacity of the entire system and may even cause the system to overheat and damage. Therefore, the design of the condenser 102 usually includes an efficient heat sink and a powerful fan to ensure that it can operate stably under various environmental conditions.

[0050] The compressor 103 in the air conditioner is the core component of the entire system, and its main function is to increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. After the refrigerant absorbs heat from the evaporator, it enters the compressor 103 in the form of a low-temperature and low-pressure gas. Here, the compressor 103 compresses the refrigerant through mechanical movement, significantly increasing its pressure and temperature. This process not only increases the energy density of the refrigerant, but also provides the necessary conditions for the subsequent condensation process. The compressed high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant then enters the condenser, where the refrigerant releases the absorbed heat through heat exchange with the outside air or water, and gradually cools and condenses into a high-pressure liquid. This process effectively transfers indoor heat to the outdoors, thereby achieving a cooling effect. The performance of the compressor 103 directly affects the refrigeration efficiency and energy consumption of the air-conditioning system. An efficient compressor can increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant more quickly, thereby improving the overall performance of the system. In addition, the compressor 103 also needs to have good durability and stability to ensure the reliability and efficiency of the air-conditioning system during long-term operation.

[0051] The main function of the water tank 104 in the water heater is to store and heat water. The water tank 104 is usually made of corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel or enamel, to ensure safety and reliability for long-term use. When the user needs hot water, the water in the water tank 104 is heated to a preset temperature by a heating element (such as an electric heating rod or a gas burner). This process not only provides instant hot water supply, but also ensures the stability and consistency of the water temperature. The design of the water tank 104 usually takes into account thermal efficiency and thermal insulation performance. The interior is usually equipped with an insulation layer, such as polyurethane foam, to reduce heat loss and maintain the durability of the water temperature. In addition, the water tank 104 may also be equipped with a temperature sensor and a control system for monitoring and adjusting the water temperature to ensure that the user obtains suitable hot water during use. In a home or commercial environment, the capacity and heating capacity of the water tank 104 directly affect the adequacy and response speed of the hot water supply. A larger water tank can store more hot water to meet the needs of multiple people at the same time, and an efficient heating system can quickly heat the water to the required temperature and reduce waiting time.

[0052] Specifically, the compressor 103 is responsible for driving the refrigerant circulation, and realizes the energy transfer by changing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. When the system is used in the air conditioning mode, the compressor 103 compresses the low-pressure and low-temperature refrigerant into a high-pressure and high-temperature gas, and then sends it to the condenser 102, where the refrigerant releases heat to the outside air and becomes liquid after cooling itself. Then, the liquid refrigerant is decompressed and cooled by the expansion valve, enters the evaporator in the indoor unit 101, absorbs the heat of the indoor air, and achieves the cooling effect. When the system switches to the hot water supply mode, the control module adjusts the valve state so that the high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant flows directly to the water tank 104, and transfers the heat to the water in the water tank through the heat exchange process, so as to achieve the purpose of quickly heating the water. In addition, the water heater is not limited to air energy water heaters, etc. This design not only simplifies the structure of the system and reduces the space occupied by the equipment, but also improves the energy efficiency ratio, reduces energy consumption, and realizes an integrated solution for air conditioning and hot water supply. Through reasonable configuration and intelligent control, the system can flexibly adapt to the use needs in different seasons and environments, provide users with a comfortable and convenient life experience, and also embodies the environmental protection concept of energy saving and emission reduction.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 , shows a structural block diagram of another refrigerant control system of the present invention provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] A first valve 105 is provided in the pipeline connecting the compressor and the condenser;

[0055] A second valve 106 is provided in the pipeline connecting the compressor and the water tank;

[0056] The first valve 105 and the second valve 106 can be solenoid valves, which are devices that use electromagnetic force to control the flow of fluids and are widely used in industrial automation, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and household appliances. Its main function is to control the opening and closing of the valve core by energizing and de-energizing the electromagnetic coil, thereby achieving the regulation of the on-off, direction, pressure, and flow of the fluid (such as liquid, gas). When the electromagnetic coil is energized, the electromagnetic force generated will attract the valve core to move, open the valve, and allow the fluid to pass; when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized, the valve core is reset under the action of a spring or other mechanical force, closing the valve and cutting off the flow of the fluid. This switch control method has the advantages of fast response speed, reliable operation, and easy remote control.

[0057] The first valve 105 and the second valve 106 are set so that the system can accurately adjust the flow direction of the refrigerant by controlling the opening and closing states of the two valves, thereby meeting the requirements of different working modes. The second valve 106 can be closed to improve the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner, and the first valve 105 can be closed to improve the heating efficiency of the water heater. When the requirements for the cooling efficiency of the air conditioner and the heating efficiency of the water heater are not high, the first valve 105 and the second valve 106 can be opened at the same time.

[0058] The control module is used to control the first valve 105 to open when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor 103 returns to the compressor after passing through the condenser and the indoor unit 103; and / or, when the water heater is in working mode, control the second valve 106 to open, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor 103 returns to the compressor 103 after passing through the water tank and the indoor unit 103.

[0059] The control module refers to the external unit control module shared by the air conditioner and the water heater. Through the precise control of the first valve 105 and the second valve 106 by the control module, the system can seamlessly switch between the air conditioner cooling mode and the water heater working mode without additional complicated operations. This design not only simplifies the structure of the system and reduces the space occupied by the equipment, but also improves the energy efficiency ratio of the system and reduces energy consumption. In addition, this integrated solution can also reduce installation and maintenance costs and improve user experience.

[0060] Specifically, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the control module will control the first valve 105 to open. In this way, the refrigerant output by the compressor 103 first passes through the first valve 105 and enters the condenser 102. In the condenser 102, the refrigerant releases heat and becomes liquid after cooling itself. Subsequently, the liquid refrigerant is decompressed and cooled by the expansion valve and enters the evaporator in the indoor unit 101. In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the indoor air to cool the indoor air. Finally, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 103 to complete a refrigeration cycle. This design ensures that the air conditioning system can operate efficiently in cooling mode and provide a comfortable indoor environment.

[0061] When the water heater is in working mode, the control module will control the second valve 106 to open. At this time, the refrigerant output by the compressor 103 directly enters the water tank 104 through the second valve 106. In the water tank 104, the refrigerant transfers heat to the water in the water tank through the heat exchange process, thereby achieving the purpose of quickly heating the water. After that, the refrigerant continues to flow to the evaporator in the indoor unit 101, absorbing the heat of the indoor air and further increasing the temperature of the refrigerant. Finally, the refrigerant returns to the compressor 103 to complete a heating cycle. This design enables the system to operate efficiently in the hot water supply mode and meet the user's demand for hot water.

[0062] In one embodiment, the control module is used to obtain a cooling rate of the air conditioner, and according to the cooling rate of the air conditioner, close the heating mode of the water heater and the second valve 106 .

[0063] The cooling rate of the air conditioner is an important indicator to measure its working efficiency and energy consumption. By monitoring this parameter, the control module can intelligently adjust the operating status of related equipment to achieve energy saving and improve the overall efficiency of the system. When the cooling rate of the air conditioner is low and lower than the first preset threshold, the heating mode of the water heater and the second valve 106 are turned off to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Among them, the first preset threshold refers to a preset lower limit of the cooling rate, which is used to determine whether the cooling effect of the air conditioner has reached the expected standard. The heating mode of the water heater usually consumes a lot of electricity or gas, and the opening of the second valve 106 may allow hot water to circulate in the system, increasing energy consumption. By turning off these devices, the control module can reduce energy waste and improve the energy utilization efficiency of the system. In addition, this intelligent control strategy can also extend the service life of the equipment. Frequent switching and changes in operating status will cause certain wear and tear on the equipment. By reasonably controlling the operation of the equipment, this wear and tear can be reduced and the service life of the equipment can be extended.

[0064] In one embodiment, the cooling rate of the air conditioner is determined based on a first ambient temperature, a second ambient temperature and a first time; the first ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode; the second ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode and the first time has passed.

[0065] The first ambient temperature refers to the initial indoor ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode, and the second ambient temperature refers to the indoor ambient temperature after the air conditioner has been running for a period of time (the first time). The first time refers to the time from the first ambient temperature to the second ambient temperature. Every time the air conditioner is turned on, it is necessary to obtain and store the first ambient temperature, the second ambient temperature, the outdoor ambient temperature and the first time. When the three parameter values ​​of the first ambient temperature, the second ambient temperature and the outdoor ambient temperature are the same, compare the first time corresponding to the same parameters in the past. The shorter the first time, the higher the cooling rate. Store the shortest first time, and calculate the current cooling rate based on the shortest first time. The cooling rate is specifically the difference between the first ambient temperature and the second ambient temperature divided by the first time.

[0066] In one embodiment, the control module is used to obtain the heating rate of the water heater, and turn off the cooling mode of the air conditioner and the first valve 105 according to the heating rate of the water heater.

[0067] The heating rate of the water heater is an important indicator to measure its working efficiency and energy consumption. By monitoring this parameter, the control module can intelligently adjust the operating status of related equipment to achieve the purpose of energy saving and improving the overall efficiency of the system. When the heating rate of the water heater is low and lower than the second preset threshold, the cooling mode of the air conditioner and the first valve 105 are turned off to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Among them, the first preset threshold refers to a pre-set lower limit of the cooling rate, which is used to determine whether the cooling effect of the air conditioner has reached the expected standard. The cooling mode of the air conditioner usually consumes a lot of electrical energy, and the opening of the first valve 105 may allow cold air to circulate in the system, increasing energy consumption. By turning off these devices, the control module can reduce energy waste and improve the energy utilization efficiency of the system.

[0068] In one embodiment, the heating rate of the water heater is determined based on a first water temperature, a second water temperature and a second time; the first water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode; the second water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode and after the second time.

[0069] The first water temperature refers to the initial water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode, and the second water temperature refers to the water temperature after the water heater has been running for a period of time (the second time). The second time refers to the time from the first water temperature to the second water temperature. Each time the water heater is turned on, the first water temperature, the second water temperature and the second time need to be obtained and stored. When the first water temperature and the second water temperature are the same, the second time corresponding to the same parameters are compared. The shorter the second time, the higher the heating rate. The shortest second time is stored, and the current heating rate is calculated using the shortest second time. The heating rate is specifically the difference between the second water temperature and the first water temperature divided by the second time.

[0070] Reference Figure 3 , showing a structural block diagram of a four-way valve provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] In one embodiment, the refrigerant control system also includes a four-way valve 107; the first port 1071 of the four-way valve 107 is connected to the first valve 105; the second port 1072 of the four-way valve 107 is connected to the indoor unit 101; the third port 1073 of the four-way valve 107 is connected to the compressor 103; and the fourth port 1074 of the four-way valve 107 is connected to the condenser 102.

[0072] The four-way valve 107 is a multifunctional control valve widely used in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Its main function is to change the flow direction of the fluid, thereby achieving control and switching of different components in the system. The four-way valve 107 is usually composed of four ports and a valve core. The valve core can be switched in different positions so that the fluid can flow from one port to another, or circulate between different ports. The design and manufacture of the four-way valve 107 needs to consider factors such as the pressure, flow, and temperature of the fluid to ensure its stability and reliability under various working conditions.

[0073] In the refrigerant control system, the four-way valve 107 mainly functions to change the flow direction of the refrigerant, thereby realizing the switching between the cooling and heating modes. The four-way valve 107 is usually composed of four ports and a valve core, and the valve core can be switched at different positions so that the refrigerant can flow from one port to another, or circulate between different ports. In the cooling mode, after the refrigerant comes out of the compressor, it enters the condenser through the four-way valve 107, releases heat and condenses into liquid, and then enters the evaporator through the expansion valve to complete the refrigeration cycle. In the heating mode, after the refrigerant comes out of the compressor, it first enters the evaporator, absorbs outdoor heat and evaporates, and then enters the condenser through the four-way valve 107, releases heat and condenses into liquid, thereby increasing the indoor temperature. The precise control of the four-way valve 107 is crucial to the efficiency and performance of the refrigerant system. By quickly and accurately switching the flow direction of the refrigerant, the four-way valve 107 can ensure that the system operates efficiently under different working conditions and realizes precise regulation of the indoor temperature. In addition, the four-way valve 107 also needs to have good pressure resistance and sealing properties to cope with the high pressure and low temperature environment in the refrigerant system and ensure the long-term stable operation of the system.

[0074] First, the connection between the first port 1071 and the first valve 105 enables the system to accurately control the flow path of the refrigerant. In the cooling mode, the open state of the first valve 105 ensures that the refrigerant can smoothly enter the condenser through the four-way valve 107, release heat and condense into liquid, and then enter the evaporator of the indoor unit 101 through the expansion valve to complete the refrigeration cycle. In the heating mode, the closed state of the first valve 105 can prevent the refrigerant from flowing back, ensuring that the refrigerant can enter the evaporator through the four-way valve 107, absorb outdoor heat and evaporate, thereby increasing the indoor temperature. Secondly, the connection between the second port 1072 and the indoor unit 101 enables the refrigerant to flow freely between the indoor unit 101 and the four-way valve 107. The indoor unit 101 usually includes an evaporator. Through the switching of the four-way valve 107, the refrigerant can complete the heat absorption process in the indoor unit to achieve the regulation of the indoor temperature. The connection between the third port 1073 and the compressor 103 ensures the efficient circulation of the refrigerant between the compressor 103 and the four-way valve 107. The compressor 103 is the power source of the refrigerant circulation system. Through the control of the four-way valve 107, the refrigerant can increase the pressure and temperature under the action of the compressor, providing the necessary energy for the subsequent heat exchange process. Finally, the connection between the fourth port 1074 and the condenser 102 enables the refrigerant to release heat in the condenser 102 and condense into liquid. The condenser 102 is an important heat exchange component in the refrigerant system. Through the switching of the four-way valve 107, the refrigerant can complete the heat release process in the condenser 102 to ensure the efficient operation of the system.

[0075] In one embodiment, a first electronic expansion valve 108 and a one-way valve 109 are provided on a pipeline connected to the output end of the water tank 104 ; the control module is used to control the opening degree of the first electronic expansion valve 108 .

[0076] The electronic expansion valve is a precision flow control device widely used in air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump systems to accurately adjust the refrigerant flow entering the evaporator. Compared with traditional mechanical expansion valves, electronic expansion valves achieve dynamic adjustment of refrigerant flow through electronic control systems, thereby optimizing system performance and energy efficiency. When the system needs to adjust the refrigerant flow, the controller sends an electrical signal to the electronic expansion valve to adjust its opening according to the temperature and pressure data fed back by the sensor. The electronic expansion valve usually contains a stepper motor or solenoid valve inside, which adjusts the valve opening according to the received electrical signal, thereby accurately controlling the flow of refrigerant. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the electronic expansion valve to quickly respond to changes in system demand, ensure the best evaporation effect of the refrigerant in the evaporator, and improve the cooling or heating efficiency of the system.

[0077] The function of the electronic expansion valve 109 is to accurately adjust the refrigerant flow entering the evaporator, thereby controlling the refrigeration effect of the evaporator and the overall performance of the system. In the integrated air conditioning and water heater system, the main function of the first electronic expansion valve 108 provided on the output end pipeline of the water tank 104 is to accurately adjust the refrigerant flow out of the water tank 104 to ensure efficient operation and performance optimization of the system. Specifically, the first electronic expansion valve 108 can dynamically adjust the flow of the refrigerant according to the needs of the system. When the system needs more refrigerant to heat the water in the water tank, the electronic expansion valve will increase the opening appropriately to allow more refrigerant to pass; conversely, when the system needs to reduce the refrigerant flow, the electronic expansion valve will reduce the opening to limit the flow of the refrigerant. The first electronic expansion valve 108 is also responsible for controlling the pressure of the refrigerant when it flows out of the water tank 104. By accurately adjusting the pressure of the refrigerant, it can be ensured that the refrigerant is in a suitable state when entering the subsequent components (such as the evaporator in the indoor unit 101), thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. In addition, in the water heater mode, the electronic expansion valve 109 can prevent the water temperature in the water tank 104 from being too high by adjusting the refrigerant flow, thereby preventing the system from overheating. In the air conditioning mode, the electronic expansion valve 109 can also help prevent the surface temperature of the evaporator in the indoor unit 101 from being too low, avoiding frost and ensuring the normal operation of the system.

[0078] The control module monitors the pressure, temperature, flow and other parameters of the refrigerant in real time through built-in sensors and algorithms, and automatically adjusts the opening of the first electronic expansion valve 108 according to the needs of the system. The control module has multiple sensors built in, such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors and flow sensors, to monitor various parameters of the refrigerant in real time. These sensors feed back data to the control module so that it can adjust the valve opening according to actual conditions.

[0079] A one-way valve, also known as a check valve or non-return valve, is a valve that allows fluid (such as liquid or gas) to flow in only one direction. Its main function is to prevent the fluid from flowing in the opposite direction, thereby protecting the system from potential damage caused by reverse flow. One-way valves are very common in a variety of applications, including plumbing systems, hydraulic systems, air conditioning systems, and water treatment systems.

[0080] The working principle of a one-way valve is relatively simple. When the fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet of the valve, a moving part inside the valve (such as a spring or gravity-driven valve disc) is pushed open by the pressure of the fluid, allowing the fluid to pass smoothly. Once the fluid attempts to flow in the opposite direction, this moving part will immediately close to prevent the fluid from flowing back. This design ensures that the fluid can only flow in a predetermined direction, preventing problems such as pressure fluctuations, equipment damage or contamination caused by backflow. There are many types of one-way valves, the most common of which are spring-loaded one-way valves, gravity-loaded one-way valves, and swing-type one-way valves. Each type of one-way valve has its specific application scenarios and advantages. For example, spring-loaded one-way valves are suitable for high-pressure systems, while gravity-loaded one-way valves are often used in low-flow and low-pressure situations. Regardless of the type, the core function of a one-way valve is to ensure the one-way flow of fluid, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the system.

[0081] The main function of the one-way valve 109 is to ensure the one-way flow of the refrigerant in the system, prevent the refrigerant from flowing back and back, thereby ensuring the stable operation and efficient operation of the system. At the output end of the water tank 104, the refrigerant needs to be transported to the evaporator through a pipeline after being heated to complete the heat exchange process. The one-way valve 109 ensures that the refrigerant can only flow from the water tank 104 to the evaporator through its internal valve core and spring structure, and cannot flow back to the water tank. This one-way flow control method can effectively prevent the backflow of the refrigerant in the system, and avoid system pressure fluctuations and unstable operation caused by the backflow of the refrigerant. In addition, the setting of the one-way valve 109 can also protect the water tank 104 and other key components from the influence of the backflow of the refrigerant, thereby extending the service life of the equipment. By ensuring the one-way flow of the refrigerant, the one-way valve 109 can improve the overall efficiency of the system, ensure that heat can be efficiently transferred, thereby improving the cooling or heating effect of the system.

[0082] In one embodiment, a third valve 110 is provided on the pipeline connected to the output end of the condenser 102. The control module is used to control the on and off of the third valve 110.

[0083] A third valve 110 is provided on the pipeline at the output end of the condenser 102. The third valve 110 is mainly used to accurately control the flow path and flow rate of the refrigerant, thereby optimizing the working efficiency and stability of the refrigerant control system. The third valve 110 can be a solenoid valve, which controls the opening and closing of the valve core by energizing and de-energizing the solenoid coil, thereby achieving accurate control of the flow of the refrigerant.

[0084] At the output end of the condenser 102, after the refrigerant undergoes the condensation process, it needs to be transported to the expansion valve or evaporator through a pipeline to complete the refrigeration cycle. The third valve 110 can accurately adjust the flow path and flow rate of the refrigerant according to the needs of the system through its electromagnetic control function. For example, in the refrigeration mode, the third valve 110 can be opened to allow the refrigerant to flow from the condenser to the expansion valve, and then enter the evaporator to complete the refrigeration cycle; and in some special cases, such as system maintenance or fault handling, the third valve 110 can be closed to cut off the flow of refrigerant to prevent refrigerant leakage or abnormal system pressure. In addition, the setting of the third valve 110 can also improve the flexibility and response speed of the system. By opening and closing quickly, the solenoid valve can quickly adapt to changes in the system operating conditions and ensure the stability and efficiency of the refrigerant flow. This precise control method not only improves the overall efficiency of the system, but also reduces excessive consumption of refrigerant and fluctuations in system pressure, thereby extending the service life of the equipment.

[0085] In one embodiment, a second electronic expansion valve 111 is provided on a pipeline connected to an input end of the indoor unit 101 ; the control module is used to control the opening degree of the second electronic expansion valve 111 .

[0086] A second electronic expansion valve 111 is provided on the pipeline at the input end of the indoor unit 101. The second electronic expansion valve 111 is mainly used to accurately control the flow and pressure of the refrigerant, thereby optimizing the working efficiency and stability of the refrigerant control system. The second electronic expansion valve 111 monitors the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant in real time through a built-in sensor and controller, and automatically adjusts the valve opening according to the needs of the system to ensure that the flow of the refrigerant in the indoor unit 101 reaches the optimal state.

[0087] At the input end of the indoor unit 101, the refrigerant needs to enter the evaporator or condenser through the expansion valve to complete the heat exchange process. The second electronic expansion valve 111 ensures that the refrigerant evaporates quickly in the evaporator and absorbs indoor heat, thereby lowering the indoor temperature; or releases heat in the condenser to increase the indoor temperature by precisely controlling the flow and pressure of the refrigerant. This precise control method not only improves the energy efficiency of the system, but also reduces excessive consumption of refrigerant and fluctuations in system pressure, thereby extending the service life of the equipment. In addition, the fast response characteristics of the second electronic expansion valve 111 enable the system to quickly adapt to changes in ambient temperature and provide a more stable and comfortable indoor environment. By real-time monitoring and adjusting the flow and pressure of the refrigerant, the electronic expansion valve can ensure that the system operates efficiently under different working conditions and achieve precise regulation of the indoor temperature.

[0088] The embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerant control system and control method, the system includes an air conditioner, a water heater and a control module, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit, a condenser, a compressor, and the water heater includes a water tank; the control module is used to control the first valve to open when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the condenser and the indoor unit; and / or, when the water heater is in working mode, control the second valve to open, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the water tank and the indoor unit. The embodiment of the present invention allows the air conditioner and the water heater to share an outdoor unit, and the control module of the outdoor unit controls the first valve to open, and / or controls the second valve to open, so as to control the flow direction of the refrigerant, meet the user's requirements for the operation of the air conditioner and / or the water heater, and also improve the resource utilization and user experience.

[0089] Reference Figure 4 , shows a flow chart of steps of a refrigerant control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention, the method is applied to the refrigerant control system as described in any of the above items, and the method may specifically include the following steps:

[0090] Step 401, when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, control the first valve to open so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the condenser and the indoor unit;

[0091] When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the control module will control the first valve to open. In this way, the refrigerant output by the compressor first enters the condenser through the first valve. In the condenser, the refrigerant releases heat and becomes liquid after cooling itself. Subsequently, the liquid refrigerant is decompressed and cooled by the expansion valve and enters the evaporator in the indoor unit. In the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs the heat of the indoor air to cool the indoor air. Finally, the refrigerant returns to the compressor to complete a refrigeration cycle. This design ensures that the air conditioning system can operate efficiently in cooling mode and provide a comfortable indoor environment.

[0092] Step 402, and / or, when the water heater is in working mode, control the second valve to open so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the water tank and the indoor unit.

[0093] When the water heater is in working mode, the control module will control the second valve to open. At this time, the refrigerant output by the compressor directly enters the water tank through the second valve. In the water tank, the refrigerant transfers heat to the water in the water tank through the heat exchange process to achieve the purpose of quickly heating the water. After that, the refrigerant continues to flow to the evaporator in the indoor unit, absorbing the heat of the indoor air and further increasing the temperature of the refrigerant. Finally, the refrigerant returns to the compressor to complete a heating cycle. This design enables the system to operate efficiently in hot water supply mode and meet users' needs for hot water.

[0094] In one embodiment, the method further includes: acquiring a cooling rate of the air conditioner, and closing a heating mode of the water heater and the second valve according to the cooling rate of the air conditioner.

[0095] The cooling rate of the air conditioner is an important indicator to measure its working efficiency and energy consumption. By monitoring this parameter, the control module can intelligently adjust the operating status of related equipment to achieve energy saving and improve the overall efficiency of the system. When the cooling rate of the air conditioner is low and lower than the first preset threshold, the heating mode and the second valve of the water heater are turned off to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Among them, the first preset threshold refers to a preset lower limit of the cooling rate, which is used to determine whether the cooling effect of the air conditioner has reached the expected standard. The heating mode of the water heater usually consumes a lot of electricity or gas, and the opening of the second valve may allow hot water to circulate in the system, increasing energy consumption. By turning off these devices, the control module can reduce energy waste and improve the energy utilization efficiency of the system. In addition, this intelligent control strategy can also extend the service life of the equipment. Frequent switching and changes in operating status will cause certain wear and tear on the equipment. By reasonably controlling the operation of the equipment, this wear and tear can be reduced and the service life of the equipment can be extended.

[0096] In one embodiment, the cooling rate of the air conditioner is determined based on a first ambient temperature, a second ambient temperature and a first time; the first ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode; the second ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode and the first time has passed.

[0097] The first ambient temperature refers to the initial indoor ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode, and the second ambient temperature refers to the indoor ambient temperature after the air conditioner has been running for a period of time (the first time). The first time refers to the time from the first ambient temperature to the second ambient temperature. Every time the air conditioner is turned on, it is necessary to obtain and store the first ambient temperature, the second ambient temperature, the outdoor ambient temperature and the first time. When the three parameter values ​​of the first ambient temperature, the second ambient temperature and the outdoor ambient temperature are the same, compare the first time corresponding to the same parameters in the past. The shorter the first time, the higher the cooling rate. Store the shortest first time, and calculate the current cooling rate based on the shortest first time. The cooling rate is specifically the difference between the first ambient temperature and the second ambient temperature divided by the first time.

[0098] In one embodiment, the method further includes: acquiring a heating rate of the water heater, and closing a cooling mode of the air conditioner and the first valve according to the heating rate of the water heater.

[0099] The heating rate of the water heater is an important indicator to measure its working efficiency and energy consumption. By monitoring this parameter, the control module can intelligently adjust the operating status of related equipment to achieve the purpose of energy saving and improving the overall efficiency of the system. When the heating rate of the water heater is low and lower than the second preset threshold, the cooling mode of the air conditioner and the first valve 105 are turned off to avoid unnecessary energy consumption. Among them, the first preset threshold refers to a pre-set lower limit of the cooling rate, which is used to determine whether the cooling effect of the air conditioner has reached the expected standard. The cooling mode of the air conditioner usually consumes a lot of electrical energy, and the opening of the first valve 105 may allow cold air to circulate in the system, increasing energy consumption. By turning off these devices, the control module can reduce energy waste and improve the energy utilization efficiency of the system.

[0100] In one embodiment, the heating rate of the water heater is determined based on a first water temperature, a second water temperature and a second time; the first water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode; the second water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode and after the second time.

[0101] The first water temperature refers to the initial water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode, and the second water temperature refers to the water temperature after the water heater has been running for a period of time (the second time). The second time refers to the time from the first water temperature to the second water temperature. Each time the water heater is turned on, the first water temperature, the second water temperature and the second time need to be obtained and stored. When the first water temperature and the second water temperature are the same, the second time corresponding to the same parameters are compared. The shorter the second time, the higher the heating rate. The shortest second time is stored, and the current heating rate is calculated using the shortest second time. The heating rate is specifically the difference between the second water temperature and the first water temperature divided by the second time.

[0102] The embodiment of the present invention provides a refrigerant control system and control method, the system includes an air conditioner, a water heater and a control module, the air conditioner includes an indoor unit, a condenser, a compressor, and the water heater includes a water tank; the control module is used to control the first valve to open when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the condenser and the indoor unit; and / or, when the water heater is in working mode, control the second valve to open, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the water tank and the indoor unit. The embodiment of the present invention allows the air conditioner and the water heater to share an outdoor unit, and the control module of the outdoor unit controls the first valve to open, and / or controls the second valve to open, so as to control the flow direction of the refrigerant, meet the user's requirements for the operation of the air conditioner and / or the water heater, and also improve the resource utilization and user experience.

[0103] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the method embodiments are described as a series of action combinations, but those skilled in the art should be aware that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited by the order of the actions described, because according to the embodiments of the present invention, certain steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously. Secondly, those skilled in the art should also be aware that the embodiments described in the specification are all preferred embodiments, and the actions involved are not necessarily required by the embodiments of the present invention.

[0104] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0105] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art may make additional changes and modifications to these embodiments once they have learned the basic creative concept. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments and all changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0106] Finally, it should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or terminal device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or terminal device. In the absence of further restrictions, the elements defined by the sentence "comprise a ..." do not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or terminal device including the elements.

[0107] The above is a detailed introduction to a refrigerant control system and a refrigerant control method provided by the present invention. Specific examples are used in this article to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only used to help understand the method of the present invention and its core idea; at the same time, for general technical personnel in this field, according to the idea of ​​the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation method and application scope. In summary, the content of this specification should not be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerant control system, characterized in that: include: Air conditioner, water heater and control module; the air conditioner includes an indoor unit, a condenser and a compressor; the water heater includes a water tank; The compressor, the water tank and the indoor unit are connected via pipelines; The compressor, the condenser and the indoor unit are connected via pipelines; A first valve is provided in the pipeline connecting the compressor and the condenser; A second valve is provided in the pipeline connecting the compressor and the water tank; The control module is used to control the first valve to open when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the condenser and the indoor unit; And / or, when the water heater is in working mode, the second valve is controlled to open so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the water tank and the indoor unit.

2. The refrigerant control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module is used to obtain the cooling rate of the air conditioner, and close the heating mode of the water heater and the second valve according to the cooling rate of the air conditioner.

3. The refrigerant control system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cooling rate of the air conditioner is determined based on a first ambient temperature, a second ambient temperature and a first time; the first ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode; the second ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode and the first time has passed.

4. The refrigerant control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control module is used to obtain the heating rate of the water heater and close the cooling mode of the air conditioner and the first valve according to the heating rate of the water heater.

5. The refrigerant control system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating rate of the water heater is determined according to the first water temperature, the second water temperature and the second time; the first water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode; the second water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode and passes the second time.

6. The refrigerant control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a four-way valve; The first port of the four-way valve is connected to the first valve; The second port of the four-way valve is connected to the indoor unit; The third port of the four-way valve is connected to the compressor; The fourth port of the four-way valve is connected to the condenser.

7. The refrigerant control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first electronic expansion valve and a one-way valve are arranged on a pipeline connected to the output end of the water tank; The control module is used to control the opening degree of the first electronic expansion valve.

8. The refrigerant control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A third valve is provided on the pipeline connected to the output end of the condenser; The control module is used to control the on and off of the third valve.

9. The refrigerant control system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second electronic expansion valve is provided on the pipeline connected to the input end of the indoor unit; The control module is used to control the opening degree of the second electronic expansion valve.

10. A refrigerant control method, the method being applied to the refrigerant control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The method comprises: When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, controlling the first valve to open so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the condenser and the indoor unit; And / or, when the water heater is in working mode, the second valve is controlled to open so that the refrigerant output by the compressor returns to the compressor after passing through the water tank and the indoor unit.

11. The refrigerant control method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The cooling rate of the air conditioner is obtained, and the heating mode of the water heater and the second valve are turned off according to the cooling rate of the air conditioner.

12. The refrigerant control method according to claim 11, characterized in that: The cooling rate of the air conditioner is determined based on a first ambient temperature, a second ambient temperature and a first time; the first ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode; the second ambient temperature is the ambient temperature when the air conditioner turns on the cooling mode and the first time has passed.

13. The refrigerant control method according to claim 10, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The heating rate of the water heater is obtained, and the cooling mode of the air conditioner and the first valve are turned off according to the heating rate of the water heater.

14. The refrigerant control method according to claim 13, characterized in that: The heating rate of the water heater is determined according to the first water temperature, the second water temperature and the second time; the first water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode; the second water temperature is the water temperature when the water heater turns on the heating mode and passes the second time.

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