Liquid distribution control method and device, air conditioner, storage medium and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a liquid distribution control method and device, an air conditioner, a storage medium and a program product. The liquid distribution control method comprises: in the case that the outdoor ambient temperature is lower than a first temperature threshold, receiving, at a first predetermined period, a suction pressure value of a compressor collected by a first sensor and a discharge pressure value of the compressor collected by a second sensor; in the case that a ratio of the discharge pressure value to the suction pressure value is not within a first predetermined range, adjusting an opening degree of a flow regulating valve on one of N refrigerant branches of an outdoor heat exchanger, so as to adjust the ratio to be within the first predetermined range, N being a positive integer greater than 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a liquid distribution control method and apparatus, an air conditioner, a storage medium, and a program product. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, liquid cooling modules mainly use finned heat exchangers for heat exchange. In order to reduce the pressure loss of the refrigerant along the pipe, before the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger, the refrigerant pipeline is divided into several parallel branches by a distributor so that they can flow into the heat exchanger separately for heat exchange. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The inventors noted that in existing technologies, factors such as the quality of the distributor, pipeline pressure drop, heat exchange conditions, and operating time can cause uneven refrigerant flow into the heat exchanger, resulting in varying heat exchange rates in different branches. This leads to excessively low condensing pressure at the compressor's discharge port, making it impossible to ensure that the pressure difference between the condensing pressure at the compressor's discharge port and the evaporating pressure at the compressor's suction port remains within the normal range. This increases compressor wear, damages the compressor, and reduces its lifespan.

[0004] Accordingly, this disclosure provides a liquid separation control method. When the outdoor ambient temperature is lower than a first temperature threshold, the method receives the compressor's suction pressure value collected by a first sensor and the compressor's discharge pressure value collected by a second sensor at a first predetermined cycle. By adjusting the opening of one of the multiple branches according to the compressor's discharge pressure and suction pressure, the method ensures that the compressor's suction and discharge pressure difference is within a reasonable range, reduces compressor wear, avoids compressor damage, and extends the compressor's service life.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid distribution control method is provided, executed by a liquid distribution control device, comprising: when the outdoor ambient temperature is lower than a first temperature threshold, receiving a compressor suction pressure value collected by a first sensor and a compressor discharge pressure value collected by a second sensor at a first predetermined period; and when the ratio of the discharge pressure value to the suction pressure value is not within a first predetermined range, adjusting the opening of a flow regulating valve on one of the N refrigerant branches passing through the outdoor unit heat exchanger, so as to adjust the ratio to the first predetermined range, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0006] In some embodiments, the height of the first refrigerant branch to the Nth refrigerant branch decreases sequentially.

[0007] In some embodiments, adjusting the opening of the flow regulating valve on one of the N refrigerant branches passing through the outdoor unit heat exchanger includes: when the ratio is less than the lower limit of the first predetermined range, querying the first refrigerant branch that is in the open state in the order from the first refrigerant branch to the Nth refrigerant branch; if the i-th refrigerant branch is the first refrigerant branch that is in the open state, closing the flow regulating valve on the i-th refrigerant branch, 1≤i≤N-1.

[0008] In some embodiments, adjusting the opening of the flow regulating valve on one of the N refrigerant branches passing through the outdoor unit heat exchanger includes: if all refrigerant branches from the first refrigerant branch to the (N-1)th refrigerant branch are in a closed state, then controlling the compressor to stop.

[0009] In some embodiments, adjusting the opening of the flow regulating valve on one of the N refrigerant branches passing through the outdoor unit heat exchanger includes: when the ratio is greater than the upper limit of the first predetermined range, querying the first refrigerant branch that is not in the maximum opening state in the order from the Nth refrigerant branch to the 1st refrigerant branch; if the jth refrigerant branch is the first refrigerant branch that is not in the maximum opening state, maximizing the flow regulating valve on the jth refrigerant branch, 1≤j≤N.

[0010] In some embodiments, the upper limit of the first predetermined range is the ratio of a predetermined high-pressure protection parameter to the suction pressure value of the compressor.

[0011] In some embodiments, when the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than a second temperature threshold, the pressure values ​​of the first branch lines collected by a third sensor on each refrigerant branch line through the air conditioning heat exchanger are received at a second predetermined period, wherein the pressure values ​​of the first branch lines are the pressure values ​​of the refrigerant in each refrigerant branch line before entering the air conditioning heat exchanger, and the second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold; the average pressure value of the first branch lines of the N refrigerant branches is calculated; when the difference between the average pressure value and the pressure value of the first branch line of the kth refrigerant branch is not within a second predetermined range, the opening of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch is adjusted so as to adjust the difference between the average pressure value and the pressure value of the first branch line of the kth refrigerant branch to the second predetermined range, 1≤k≤N.

[0012] In some embodiments, adjusting the opening of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch includes: reducing the opening of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch when the difference between the average pressure and the pressure value of the first branch of the kth refrigerant branch is less than the lower limit of the second predetermined range.

[0013] In some embodiments, adjusting the opening of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch includes: increasing the opening of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch when the difference between the average pressure and the pressure value of the first branch of the kth refrigerant branch is greater than the upper limit of the second predetermined range.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than a second temperature threshold, the pressure of the second branch line collected by the fourth sensor on each refrigerant branch line is received at the second predetermined period. The second branch line pressure is the pressure of the refrigerant in each refrigerant branch line after leaving the air conditioner heat exchanger. The system detects whether the pressure value of the second branch line of the m-th refrigerant branch line is abnormal, where 1≤m≤N. If the pressure value of the second branch line of the m-th refrigerant branch line is abnormal, the flow regulating valve on the m-th refrigerant branch line is closed, and an alarm message is sent.

[0015] In some embodiments, detecting whether the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is abnormal includes: detecting whether the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is the current atmospheric pressure value; and determining that the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is abnormal if the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is the atmospheric pressure value.

[0016] In some embodiments, detecting whether the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is abnormal includes: calculating the pressure difference between the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch and the pressure value of the first branch of the m-th refrigerant branch; determining whether the pressure difference is less than a pressure difference threshold; and if the pressure difference is less than the pressure difference threshold, determining that the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is abnormal.

[0017] In some embodiments, the air conditioning heat exchanger includes at least one of an outdoor unit heat exchanger and an indoor unit heat exchanger, wherein the outdoor unit heat exchanger and the indoor unit heat exchanger are liquid-cooled heat exchangers.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a liquid dispensing control device is provided, comprising: a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to implement the liquid dispensing control method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an air conditioner is provided, comprising: a liquid distribution control device as described in any of the above embodiments; a first sensor configured to collect the suction pressure value of a compressor; a second sensor configured to collect the discharge pressure value of the compressor; and N refrigerant branches, wherein the N refrigerant branches pass through an outdoor unit heat exchanger, and each of the N refrigerant branches is provided with a flow regulating valve, wherein N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0020] In some embodiments, a third sensor disposed on each refrigerant branch is configured to collect the pressure value of the refrigerant in each refrigerant branch before it enters the air conditioning heat exchanger.

[0021] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a fourth sensor disposed on each refrigerant branch, configured to collect the pressure of the refrigerant in each refrigerant branch after it leaves the air conditioner heat exchanger.

[0022] In some embodiments, the air conditioning heat exchanger includes at least one of an outdoor unit heat exchanger and an indoor unit heat exchanger, wherein the outdoor unit heat exchanger and the indoor unit heat exchanger are liquid-cooled heat exchangers.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, wherein the computer-readable storage medium stores computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the liquid separation control method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0024] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the liquid separation control method as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0025] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will become clear from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid separation structure according to an embodiment of the prior art;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a liquid separation control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a liquid separation control method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid separation control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit this disclosure or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0034] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0035] At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual scale.

[0036] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0037] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0038] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be discussed further in subsequent figures.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid separation structure according to an embodiment of the prior art.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, before the refrigerant enters the heat exchanger, the refrigerant pipeline 11 is divided into several parallel branches 111, 112, ..., 11n by the distributor 10 so that they can flow into the heat exchanger 12 for heat exchange.

[0041] It should be noted here that... Figure 1 The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0042] Due to factors such as the quality of the distributor, pipeline pressure drop, heat exchange conditions, and operating time, the refrigerant flow rate entering the heat exchanger may be uneven, resulting in different heat exchange rates in different branches. This can lead to excessively low condensing pressure at the compressor's discharge port, making it impossible to ensure that the pressure difference between the condensing pressure at the compressor's discharge port and the evaporating pressure at the compressor's suction port remains within the normal range. This increases compressor wear, damages the compressor, and reduces its lifespan.

[0043] Accordingly, this disclosure provides a liquid separation control method, which adjusts the opening of the branch according to the compressor's discharge pressure and suction pressure to ensure that the compressor's suction and discharge pressure difference is within a reasonable range, thereby reducing compressor wear, preventing compressor damage, and extending the compressor's service life.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of a liquid separation control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following liquid separation control method is executed by a liquid separation control device, including steps 21-22.

[0045] In step 21, when the outdoor ambient temperature is lower than the first temperature threshold, the compressor's suction pressure value collected by the first sensor and the compressor's discharge pressure value collected by the second sensor are received at a first predetermined period.

[0046] For example, the first temperature threshold is -15°C, and the first predetermined period is 60 seconds.

[0047] In step 22, if the ratio of the exhaust pressure value to the intake pressure value is not within the first predetermined range, the opening of the flow regulating valve on one of the N refrigerant branches passing through the outdoor unit heat exchanger is adjusted so that the ratio is adjusted to the first predetermined range, where N is a positive integer greater than 1.

[0048] It should be noted that when the outdoor ambient temperature is low, the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is a condenser.

[0049] In some embodiments, among the N refrigerant branches, the height of the first refrigerant branch to the Nth refrigerant branch decreases sequentially.

[0050] It's important to note that, due to the inherent flow field characteristics of the air duct, the condenser air velocity gradually decreases from top to bottom. This results in different degrees of influence on the pressure ratio between the condensing and evaporating pressures of the compressor from refrigerant branches located at different heights. For example, in N refrigerant branches, if the height of the first to the Nth branch decreases sequentially, then the heat exchange efficiency of each branch gradually decreases from the first to the Nth branch. By adjusting the opening of the corresponding branch, the pressure ratio between the condensing and evaporating pressures of the compressor can be quickly adjusted.

[0051] In the liquid separation control method provided in the above embodiments of this disclosure, the opening degree of one of the multiple branches is adjusted according to the condensing pressure at the compressor's exhaust port and the evaporating pressure at the compressor's suction port within a predetermined period, so as to ensure that the pressure ratio between the compressor's condensing pressure and evaporating pressure is within a reasonable range, thereby effectively reducing compressor wear, avoiding compressor damage, and extending the compressor's service life.

[0052] It should also be noted that if an air conditioner includes only one refrigerant line, any change in the opening of that line will significantly impact the refrigerant circulation, negatively affecting the safe operation of the air conditioner. However, in the embodiments described above, the refrigerant line is divided into multiple parallel refrigerant branches using a distributor. In this case, if the opening of one branch changes while the others remain unchanged, it ensures that adjusting the pressure ratio between the compressor's condensing and evaporating pressures will not significantly affect the refrigerant circulation. This effectively prevents damage to the air conditioner components due to significant changes in refrigerant circulation.

[0053] In some embodiments, the step of adjusting the opening of a flow regulating valve on one of the N refrigerant branches passing through the outdoor unit heat exchanger includes the following.

[0054] 1) If the ratio is less than the lower limit of the first predetermined range, query the first refrigerant branch that is in the open state in the order from the first refrigerant branch to the Nth refrigerant branch.

[0055] For example, the lower limit of the first predetermined range is 1.5.

[0056] 2) If the i-th refrigerant branch is the first refrigerant branch that is in the open state, close the flow regulating valve on the i-th refrigerant branch, 1≤i≤N-1.

[0057] For example, if the first refrigerant branch is currently open, then the flow regulating valve on the first refrigerant branch is closed.

[0058] For example, if the first refrigerant branch is currently closed while the second refrigerant branch is open, then the flow control valve on the second refrigerant branch will be closed. And so on.

[0059] It should be noted that when the ratio of the exhaust pressure to the intake pressure is less than the lower limit of the first predetermined range, the valves of one refrigerant branch are closed sequentially from the first branch to the (N-1)th branch. This reduces the heat exchange capacity of the condenser, thereby increasing the condensing pressure and thus increasing the ratio of the exhaust pressure to the intake pressure.

[0060] In some embodiments, if all refrigerant branches from the first refrigerant branch to the (N-1)th refrigerant branch are in a closed state, the compressor is controlled to stop.

[0061] It should be noted that if the first N-1 branches have been closed, closing the Nth branch will prevent the refrigerant from flowing properly. In this case, the compressor should be shut down to protect it from damage.

[0062] In some embodiments, adjusting the opening of a flow control valve on one of the N refrigerant branches passing through the outdoor unit heat exchanger includes the following.

[0063] 1) If the ratio is greater than the upper limit of the first predetermined range, query the first refrigerant branch that is not in the maximum opening state, in the order from the Nth refrigerant branch to the 1st refrigerant branch.

[0064] In some embodiments, the upper limit of the first predetermined range is the ratio of a predetermined high-pressure protection parameter to the compressor's suction pressure.

[0065] It should be noted that by setting the high-pressure protection parameters, the upper limit of the predetermined range can be flexibly adjusted, thereby controlling the ratio of the exhaust pressure to the intake pressure within an appropriate range and effectively ensuring the normal operation of the compressor.

[0066] In some embodiments, the high-voltage protection parameter is the difference between a predetermined high-voltage protection value and a predetermined high-voltage maintenance constant. It should be noted that by setting the predetermined high-voltage protection value and the predetermined high-voltage maintenance constant, the value of the high-voltage protection value can be flexibly adjusted, thereby facilitating flexible adjustment of the upper limit of the predetermined range.

[0067] For example, to ensure the normal operation of the compressor, the upper limit of the first predetermined range is greater than 1.8.

[0068] 2) If the j-th refrigerant branch is the first refrigerant branch that is not in the maximum opening state, maximize the flow regulating valve on the j-th refrigerant branch, 1≤j≤N.

[0069] It's important to note that in the N refrigerant branches, the height of the first to the Nth branch decreases sequentially. Furthermore, according to the flow field principles, the condenser air velocity gradually decreases from top to bottom. Therefore, the heat exchange efficiency of each branch gradually decreases from the first to the Nth branch. In other words, maximizing the valves on lower refrigerant branches has less impact on stable air conditioning operation than maximizing the valves on higher branches. Therefore, maximizing the valves on each refrigerant branch sequentially from the Nth to the first branch is beneficial for the stable operation of the air conditioning system. This process improves the condenser's heat exchange capacity, thereby reducing the condensing pressure, which is the compressor's discharge pressure, specifically the ratio of discharge pressure to suction pressure.

[0070] For example, if the Nth refrigerant branch is not currently at its maximum opening, then the flow control valve on the Nth refrigerant branch will be maximized.

[0071] For example, if the Nth refrigerant branch is currently at its maximum opening, while the (N-1)th refrigerant branch is not currently at its maximum opening, then the flow control valve on the (N-1)th refrigerant branch will be maximized. And so on.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a liquid separation control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the following liquid separation control method is executed by a liquid separation control device, including steps 31-33.

[0073] In step 31, when the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than the second temperature threshold, the pressure value of the first branch is collected by the third sensor located on each refrigerant branch of the air conditioner heat exchanger at a second predetermined period, wherein the pressure value of the first branch is the pressure value of the refrigerant in each refrigerant branch before entering the air conditioner heat exchanger, and the second temperature threshold is greater than the first temperature threshold.

[0074] For example, the second temperature threshold is 10°C, and the second predetermined period is 300 seconds.

[0075] In some embodiments, the air conditioning heat exchanger includes at least one of an outdoor unit heat exchanger and an indoor unit heat exchanger.

[0076] For example, both the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers are liquid-cooled heat exchangers.

[0077] It should be noted that, under normal and high temperature conditions, the performance of the air conditioner can be further optimized by adjusting the condenser and evaporator.

[0078] In step 32, calculate the average pressure value of the first branch of the N refrigerant branches.

[0079] In step 33, if the difference between the average pressure and the pressure value of the first branch of the kth refrigerant branch is not within the second predetermined range, the opening of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch is adjusted so that the difference between the average pressure and the pressure value of the first branch of the kth refrigerant branch is adjusted to the second predetermined range, 1≤k≤N.

[0080] It should be noted that when the outdoor ambient temperature is higher than the second temperature threshold, the average refrigerant pressure of each branch is obtained by collecting the refrigerant pressure of each branch before it enters the heat exchanger. like If the difference between the refrigerant pressure HPk of the k-th branch and the refrigerant pressure before entering the heat exchanger is no longer within the predetermined range, it indicates that there is an uneven liquid distribution problem in that branch. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the opening of that branch to solve the problem of uneven liquid distribution.

[0081] In some embodiments, if the difference between the average pressure and the pressure value of the first branch of the kth refrigerant branch is less than the lower limit of a second predetermined range, the opening of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch is reduced.

[0082] It should be noted here that if the average refrigerant pressure If the difference between the refrigerant pressure HPk of the k-th branch and the refrigerant pressure HPk before entering the heat exchanger is less than the lower limit of the second predetermined range Δxp1, it indicates that the refrigerant flow rate of the k-th branch is large, the refrigerant temperature is high after passing through the heat exchanger, resulting in poor heat exchange effect and small pressure drop of the branch. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the opening of the branch to reduce the flow rate and increase the pressure drop of the branch.

[0083] In some embodiments, if the difference between the average pressure and the pressure value of the first branch of the kth refrigerant branch is greater than the upper limit of a second predetermined range, the opening degree of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch is increased.

[0084] It should be noted here that if the average refrigerant pressure If the difference between the refrigerant pressure HPk of the k-th branch and the refrigerant pressure HPk before entering the heat exchanger is greater than the upper limit of the second predetermined range Δxp2, it indicates that the refrigerant flow rate is small, all the refrigerant is used for heat exchange, and it is subcooled after reaching the saturation temperature. The refrigerant temperature is low after passing through the heat exchanger, so the pressure drop of this branch is large. At this time, it is necessary to increase the opening to increase the flow rate and reduce the pressure drop of this branch.

[0085] In summary, the opening adjustment of the kth branch is shown in Table 1.

[0086] △HPk<△xp1 △xp1≤△HPk≤△xp2 △HPk>△xp2 Situation Analysis Excessive fluid supply normal Insufficient fluid supply Adjustment movement Reduce opening Do not adjust the opening Increase opening

[0087] Table 1

[0088] In some embodiments, when the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than a second temperature threshold, the pressure of the second branch, collected by a fourth sensor on each refrigerant branch, is received at a second predetermined cycle. The second branch pressure is the pressure of the refrigerant after it leaves the air conditioner heat exchanger in each refrigerant branch. The system detects whether the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is abnormal, where 1 ≤ m ≤ N. If the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is abnormal, the flow regulating valve on the m-th refrigerant branch is closed, and an alarm message is sent.

[0089] It should be noted that if the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is abnormal, it indicates that there is a fault in that branch, and it is necessary to shut down that branch in order to avoid affecting the normal operation of the system.

[0090] In some embodiments, the step of detecting whether the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is abnormal includes the following.

[0091] 1) Check whether the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is the current atmospheric pressure value.

[0092] 2) If the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is atmospheric pressure, determine that the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is abnormal.

[0093] It should be noted that if the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is atmospheric pressure, it indicates that there is a pipeline leak in that branch.

[0094] In some embodiments, the step of detecting whether the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is abnormal includes the following.

[0095] 1) Calculate the pressure difference between the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch and the pressure value of the first branch of the m-th refrigerant branch.

[0096] 2) Determine whether the pressure difference is less than the pressure difference threshold.

[0097] For example, a pressure difference threshold can be set so that if the pressure difference is less than the threshold, it indicates that the pressure difference is close to 0.

[0098] 3) If the pressure difference is less than the pressure difference threshold, determine that the pressure value of the second branch of the m-th refrigerant branch is abnormal.

[0099] It should be noted that if the pressure drop of the m-th refrigerant branch is close to 0, it indicates that there is no pressure drop in that branch, and the heat exchange of that branch is very poor, for example, in the refrigeration dead zone.

[0100] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid separation control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] like Figure 4 As shown, the liquid dispensing control device 40 can be represented in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The liquid dispensing control device 40 includes a memory 41, a processor 42, and a bus 43 connecting different system components.

[0102] The memory 41 may include, for example, system memory, non-volatile storage media, etc. The system memory may store, for example, an operating system, application programs, a boot loader, and other programs. The system memory may include volatile storage media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. The non-volatile storage media may store, for example, instructions for a corresponding embodiment of at least one liquid dispensing control method being executed. Non-volatile storage media include, but are not limited to, disk storage, optical storage, flash memory, etc.

[0103] Processor 42 can be implemented using a general-purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic devices, discrete hardware components such as discrete gates or transistors. Accordingly, each module, such as the acquisition module, calculation module, and adjustment module, can be implemented by executing instructions in the central processing unit (CPU) memory to perform the corresponding steps, or by implementing dedicated circuitry to perform the corresponding steps.

[0104] For example, processor 42 is configured for memory-based instruction execution implementation such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0105] Bus 43 can use any of the various bus architectures. For example, bus architectures include, but are not limited to, the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, the Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, and the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0106] The interfaces 44, 45, and 46 of the liquid dispensing control device 40, as well as the memory 41 and processor 42, can be connected via bus 43. Input / output interface 44 provides a connection interface for input / output devices such as monitors, mice, and keyboards. Network interface 45 provides a connection interface for various networked devices. Storage interface 46 provides a connection interface for external storage devices such as floppy disks, USB flash drives, and SD cards.

[0107] Various aspects of this disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations thereof, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0108] These computer-readable program instructions are provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable device to produce a machine, such that execution of the instructions by the processor produces means for implementing the functions specified in one or more boxes of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0109] These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. These instructions cause a computer to work in a particular manner to produce an article of manufacture, including instructions that implement the functions specified in one or more boxes in a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0110] This disclosure may take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects.

[0111] This disclosure also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0112] This disclosure also provides a computer program product, including computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The method involved in any of the embodiments.

[0113] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] like Figure 5 As shown, the air conditioner includes a refrigerant distribution control device 50, a first sensor 51, a second sensor 52, and N refrigerant branches 531, 532, ..., 53N, where N is a positive integer greater than 1. The N refrigerant branches pass through an outdoor unit heat exchanger 55, and each refrigerant branch is equipped with a flow regulating valve. Figure 5 The flow regulating valves 541, 542, ..., 54N are included. The liquid separation control device 50 is... Figure 4 The liquid separation control device involved in any of the embodiments.

[0115] It should be noted that before the refrigerant enters the outdoor unit heat exchanger 55, the refrigerant pipeline is divided into several parallel branches 531, 532, ..., 53N by a distributor so that they can flow into the outdoor unit heat exchanger 55 for heat exchange.

[0116] The first sensor 51 is configured to collect the suction pressure value of the air conditioning compressor. The second sensor 52 is configured to collect the discharge pressure value of the air conditioning compressor.

[0117] exist Figure 5 In the diagram, the arrow indicates the direction of refrigerant flow.

[0118] It should be noted that during the predetermined cycle, the opening of one of the multiple branches is adjusted according to the condensing pressure at the compressor's discharge port and the evaporating pressure at the suction port to ensure that the pressure ratio between the compressor's condensing pressure and evaporating pressure is within a reasonable range. This effectively reduces compressor wear, prevents compressor damage, and extends the compressor's service life.

[0119] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Figure 6 and Figure 5 The difference is that, in Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, a third sensor is provided on each refrigerant branch, namely... Figure 6 The third sensors in the array are 611, 612, ..., 61N.

[0121] For example, the third sensor on each refrigerant branch is used to collect the pressure value of the refrigerant in that branch before it enters the air conditioner heat exchanger 60.

[0122] For example, air conditioning heat exchanger 60 includes at least one of an outdoor unit heat exchanger and an indoor unit heat exchanger.

[0123] For example, both the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers are liquid-cooled heat exchangers.

[0124] It should be noted that, under normal and high temperature conditions, the performance of the air conditioner can be further optimized by adjusting the condenser and evaporator.

[0125] It should be noted that a sensor is installed on the refrigerant branch to detect the pressure value of the refrigerant before it enters the air conditioner heat exchanger, so as to detect whether there is a problem of uneven liquid distribution in this branch.

[0126] For example, the third sensor can be either a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor. If the third sensor is a temperature sensor, the temperature value collected by the temperature sensor is converted into the corresponding pressure value.

[0127] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, each refrigerant branch is equipped with a fourth sensor, namely... Figure 6 The fourth sensor in the series is 621, 622, ..., 62N.

[0128] For example, the fourth sensor on each refrigerant branch is used to collect the pressure of the refrigerant after it leaves the air conditioner heat exchanger in each refrigerant branch.

[0129] It should be noted that a sensor is installed on the refrigerant branch to detect the pressure value of the refrigerant after it leaves the air conditioner heat exchanger, so as to detect whether there is a fault in that branch.

[0130] For example, the fourth sensor can be either a pressure sensor or a temperature sensor. If the fourth sensor is a temperature sensor, the temperature value collected by the temperature sensor is converted into the corresponding pressure value.

[0131] By implementing the above embodiments of this disclosure, the following beneficial effects can be obtained.

[0132] 1. Under low-temperature operating conditions, this disclosure can effectively reduce the heat exchange during low-temperature condensation by adjusting the opening of the refrigerant branch, ensuring that the condensing pressure is within a reasonable range and guaranteeing the life of the compressor.

[0133] 2. Under high-temperature conditions, this invention can effectively achieve uniform liquid separation, significantly improve the heat exchange capacity between the unit and the refrigerant, reduce the unit's condensing pressure, and reduce the unit's operating power.

[0134] 3. If a branch pipe is blocked or leaking, this disclosure can detect and accurately identify the faulty branch pipe in real time, thereby improving the reliability of the liquid cooling module.

[0135] In some embodiments, the functional units described above may be implemented as general-purpose processors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, or any suitable combination thereof for performing the functions described herein.

[0136] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.

[0137] The description in this disclosure is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to its forms. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to better illustrate the principles and practical application of this disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to understand this disclosure and to design various embodiments with various modifications suitable for a particular purpose.

Claims

1. A method for controlling liquid separation, performed by a liquid separation control device, comprising: receiving, at a first predetermined period, a suction pressure value of a compressor collected by a first sensor and a discharge pressure value of the compressor collected by a second sensor, in a case where an outdoor ambient temperature is lower than a first temperature threshold value; adjusting an opening degree of a flow regulating valve on one of N refrigerant branches through an outdoor heat exchanger, in a case where a ratio of the discharge pressure value to the suction pressure value is not within a first predetermined range, so as to adjust the ratio to be within the first predetermined range, N being a positive integer greater than 1, the height of the 1st refrigerant branch to the Nth refrigerant branch among the N refrigerant branches decreasing in turn; wherein the adjusting of the opening degree of the flow regulating valve on one of the N refrigerant branches through the outdoor heat exchanger comprises: inquiring a first refrigerant branch in an open state in order of the 1st refrigerant branch to the Nth refrigerant branch, in a case where the ratio is less than a lower limit value of the first predetermined range; if the i-th refrigerant branch is the first refrigerant branch in the open state, closing the flow regulating valve on the i-th refrigerant branch, .

2. The liquid distribution control method according to claim 1, wherein the adjusting of the opening degree of the flow regulating valve on one of the N refrigerant branches through the outdoor heat exchanger comprises: controlling the compressor to stop, in a case where the 1st refrigerant branch to the N-1th refrigerant branch are all in a closed state.

3. The liquid distribution control method of claim 1, wherein, the adjusting of the opening degree of the flow regulating valve on one of the N refrigerant branches through the outdoor heat exchanger comprises: inquiring a first refrigerant branch not in a maximum opening degree state in order of the Nth refrigerant branch to the 1st refrigerant branch, in a case where the ratio is greater than an upper limit value of the first predetermined range. maximizing a flow rate adjustment valve on the jth refrigerant branch if the jth refrigerant branch is the first refrigerant branch not in the maximum opening state, . 4.The method according to claim 1, wherein the upper limit value of the first predetermined range is a ratio of a predetermined high pressure protection parameter to the suction pressure value of the compressor. 5.The method according to any one of claims 1-4, further comprising: receiving, at a second predetermined period, a first branch pressure value collected by a third sensor on each refrigerant branch through an air conditioner heat exchanger, in a case where the outdoor ambient temperature is greater than a second temperature threshold value, the first branch pressure value being a pressure value of refrigerant in the each refrigerant branch before entering the air conditioner heat exchanger, the second temperature threshold value being greater than the first temperature threshold value; calculating a pressure average value of the first branch pressure values of the N refrigerant branches; in a case where a difference between the pressure average value and the first branch pressure value of the kth refrigerant branch is not in the second predetermined range, adjusting the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve on the kth refrigerant branch so as to adjust the difference between the pressure average value and the first branch pressure value of the kth refrigerant branch to be within the second predetermined range, .

6. The liquid distribution control method of claim 5, wherein the adjusting of the opening degree of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch comprises: decreasing the opening degree of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch, in a case where a difference between the pressure average value and the first branch pressure value of the kth refrigerant branch is less than a lower limit value of the second predetermined range.

7. The liquid distribution control method of claim 5, wherein the adjusting of the opening degree of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch comprises: increasing the opening degree of the flow regulating valve on the kth refrigerant branch, in a case where the difference between the pressure average value and the first branch pressure value of the kth refrigerant branch is greater than an upper limit value of the second predetermined range. 8.The method according to claim 5, further comprising: In a case where the outdoor environment temperature is greater than a second temperature threshold, a second branch pressure collected by a fourth sensor located on each refrigerant branch is received at the second predetermined period, the second branch pressure being a pressure of refrigerant in each refrigerant branch after leaving the air conditioner heat exchanger; determining whether the second branch pressure value of the mth refrigerant branch is abnormal, wherein ; In a case where the second branch pressure value of the mth refrigerant branch is abnormal, a flow regulating valve on the mth refrigerant branch is closed, and an alarm information is sent.

9. The liquid distribution control method of claim 8, wherein, The detection of whether the second branch pressure value of the mth refrigerant branch is abnormal includes: detecting whether the second branch pressure value of the mth refrigerant branch is an atmospheric pressure value of a current environment; In a case where the second branch pressure value of the mth refrigerant branch is the atmospheric pressure value, it is determined that the second branch pressure value of the mth refrigerant branch is abnormal.

10. The liquid distribution control method of claim 8, wherein The detection of whether the second branch pressure value of the mth refrigerant branch is abnormal includes: calculating a pressure difference between the second branch pressure value of the mth refrigerant branch and the first branch pressure value of the mth refrigerant branch; judging whether the pressure difference is less than a pressure difference threshold; In a case where the pressure difference is less than the pressure difference threshold, it is determined that the second branch pressure value of the mth refrigerant branch is abnormal.

11. The liquid distribution control method of claim 5, wherein The air conditioner heat exchanger includes at least one of an outdoor unit heat exchanger and an indoor unit heat exchanger, and the outdoor unit heat exchanger and the indoor unit heat exchanger are liquid cooling heat exchangers.

12. A liquid distribution control device, comprising: a memory; a processor coupled to the memory, the processor being configured to execute an instruction stored in the memory to implement the liquid distribution control method of any one of claims 1-11.

13. An air conditioner, comprising: the liquid distribution control device of claim 12; a first sensor configured to collect a suction pressure value of a compressor; a second sensor configured to collect a discharge pressure value of the compressor; N refrigerant branches, wherein the N refrigerant branches pass through an outdoor unit heat exchanger, and each refrigerant branch of the N refrigerant branches is provided with a flow regulating valve, and N is a positive integer greater than 1.

14. The air conditioner of claim 13, further comprising: a third sensor provided on each refrigerant branch and configured to collect a pressure value of refrigerant in each refrigerant branch before entering an air conditioner heat exchanger.

15. The air conditioner of claim 14, further comprising: a fourth sensor provided on each refrigerant branch and configured to collect a pressure of refrigerant in each refrigerant branch after leaving the air conditioner heat exchanger.

16. The air conditioner of claim 14 or 15, wherein The air conditioner heat exchanger includes at least one of an outdoor unit heat exchanger and an indoor unit heat exchanger, and the outdoor unit heat exchanger and the indoor unit heat exchanger are liquid cooling heat exchangers.

17. A computer readable storage medium, wherein, The computer readable storage medium stores computer instructions, and the instructions are executed by the processor to implement the liquid distribution control method of any one of claims 1-11.

18. A computer program product comprising computer instructions, wherein the computer instructions, when executed by a processor, implement the liquid distribution control method of any one of claims 1-11.

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