A control method for a refrigerant leakage detection system and a refrigerant detection system

Abstract

The application provides a control method for a refrigerant leakage detection system and a refrigerant detection system, the control method is applied to an air conditioner, the air conditioner comprises an indoor heat exchanger and a refrigerant sensor, the refrigerant sensor comprises a sensing element for detecting refrigerant medium leakage in the indoor heat exchanger, and the control method comprises the following steps: acquiring an indoor parameter of an indoor environment and a refrigerant parameter of the refrigerant medium; judging a working mode of the air conditioner according to the indoor parameter and the refrigerant parameter; and controlling the sensing element to enter a first power-on regulation mode according to the working mode, wherein the first power-on regulation mode comprises controlling the sensing element to intermittently operate in a power-on mode and a non-power-on mode; and the application solves the technical problem that, in the prior art, the sensing element of the refrigerant sensor is always in a power-on state when the refrigerant sensor detects refrigerant leakage, long-term use causes the sensing element to gradually deteriorate, and thus the service life of the refrigerant sensor is affected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of refrigerant detection, and more specifically, to a control method and a refrigerant detection system for a refrigerant leak detection system. Background Technology

[0002] In air conditioning systems, refrigerants with low Global Warming Potential (GWP) are increasingly used to mitigate the effects of global warming. However, many refrigerants with low GWP, like R32, are flammable. Furthermore, in multi-split systems with one outdoor unit connecting multiple indoor units, the increased refrigerant charge raises the risk of fire due to leaks. Therefore, refrigerant sensors are used to detect indoor refrigerant leaks as early as possible. These sensors are installed as external devices inside the indoor unit or within the room. With external sensors, refrigerant is heavier than air, allowing for rapid detection of leaks by placing them near the ground.

[0003] However, the relevant technology has at least one of the following problems: when the refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant leak, the sensing element of the refrigerant sensor is always energized. With long-term use, the sensing element gradually deteriorates, thus affecting the service life of the refrigerant sensor. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem solved by this invention is that in the prior art, when a refrigerant sensor detects a refrigerant leak, the sensing element of the refrigerant sensor is always energized. With long-term use, the sensing element gradually deteriorates, thereby affecting the service life of the refrigerant sensor.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a control method for a refrigerant leak detection system, applied to an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger and a refrigerant sensor. The refrigerant sensor includes a sensing element for detecting refrigerant leakage in the indoor heat exchanger. The control method includes:

[0006] Obtain indoor parameters and refrigerant parameters;

[0007] Determine the operating mode of the air conditioner based on indoor parameters and refrigerant parameters;

[0008] According to the working mode, the control sensor element enters the first power-on control mode;

[0009] The first power-on control mode includes controlling the sensing element to operate intermittently in power-on and non-power-on modes.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects achieved by adopting this technical solution: By controlling the intermittent operation of the sensing element in the powered-on mode and the non-powered-on mode according to the operating mode of the air conditioner, this solution avoids the sensing element being in the powered-on state for a long time, effectively extending the service life of the sensing element.

[0011] In an example of the present invention, the operating mode includes a refrigeration mode, a heating mode, and a stop operation mode. Define the non-powered-on time ratio of the sensing element when the operating mode includes the stop operation mode as A0. The first power-on regulation mode further includes:

[0012] When the operating mode includes the refrigeration mode, control A1 > A0;

[0013] When the operating mode includes the heating mode, control A2 < A0;

[0014] Wherein, A1 is the non-powered-on time ratio when the air conditioner is in the refrigeration mode, and A2 is the non-powered-on time ratio when the air conditioner is in the heating mode.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects achieved by adopting this technical solution: By adjusting the non-powered-on time ratio of the sensing element under different operating modes of the air conditioner, this solution can not only ensure the detection function of refrigerant leakage but also reduce the power consumption of the sensing element, improving the usage efficiency of the refrigerant sensor.

[0016] Specifically, in the refrigeration mode, increasing the non-powered-on time ratio (A1 > A0) reduces the power consumption of the sensing element compared with the stop operation mode, thereby reducing the deterioration rate of the sensor element; in the heating mode, reducing the non-powered-on time ratio (A2 < A0) ensures the detection sensitivity in a high-temperature environment while extending the service life of the sensing element by intermittent power-on.

[0017] In an example of the present invention, during the intermittent operation of the sensing element between the powered-on mode and the non-powered-on mode, define one continuous operation of the sensing element in the powered-on mode and one non-powered-on mode as one power-on cycle. The first power-on regulation mode includes:

[0018] Obtain the first operation time when the sensing element is in the powered-on mode and the second operation time when the sensing element is in the non-powered-on mode;

[0019] Calculate the power-on cycle according to the first operation time and the second operation time;

[0020] Calculate the non-powered-on time ratio of the sensing element according to the second operation time and the power-on cycle.

[0021] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: This solution calculates the power-on cycle of the sensing element's continuous operation in one power-on mode and one non-power-on mode using a first operating time (power-on mode) and a second operating time (non-power-on mode). Based on the power-on cycle and the second operating time (non-power-on mode), the ratio of non-power-on time is calculated, thus achieving precise control of the sensing element's operating state. Furthermore, the quantitative control method based on time parameters makes the power-on and non-power-on times of the sensing element measurable and controllable, and allows for flexible adjustment of the sensing element's power-on cycle according to actual operating conditions, thereby extending the sensing element's lifespan while ensuring detection effectiveness.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first operating time is defined as t1, a second operating time is defined as t2, and the first power-on control mode further includes:

[0023] Based on the first and second running times, the formula for calculating the energizing cycle is: T = t1 + t2;

[0024] Based on the second operating time and the power-on cycle, the formula for calculating the non-power-on time ratio of the sensing element is as follows:

[0025] Formula 1: ;

[0026] Where A is the non-energized time ratio.

[0027] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: This solution improves the accuracy of the non-energized time ratio calculation results and further realizes precise control of the working state of the sensing element.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant parameters include a first temperature of the refrigerant, and the indoor parameters include the indoor temperature. Determining the operating mode of the air conditioner based on the indoor parameters and the refrigerant parameters includes:

[0029] The operating mode of the air conditioner is determined based on the relationship between the initial temperature and the indoor temperature.

[0030] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: This solution determines the air conditioner's operating mode based on temperature parameters, enabling rapid and accurate identification of the air conditioner's operating mode. Specifically, the temperature sensor responds quickly and can reflect changes in the environment in real time, improving the accuracy of the refrigerant sensor's judgment.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first temperature is defined as T1, and an indoor temperature is defined as T2. The operating mode of the air conditioner is determined based on the magnitude of the first temperature and the indoor temperature, including:

[0032] If T1 < T2, it is determined that the working mode is the refrigeration mode;

[0033] If T1 = T2, it is determined that the working mode is the stop operation mode;

[0034] If T1 > T2, it is determined that the working mode is the heating mode.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects achieved by adopting this technical solution are as follows: By comparing the magnitude relationship between the refrigerant temperature (T1) of the refrigerant medium and the indoor temperature (T2), this solution can accurately determine the working mode (refrigeration, heating, or stop operation) of the air conditioner. Specifically, judging based on the temperature parameter can quickly respond to the change of the ambient temperature and adjust the working state of the air conditioner in real time, thereby improving the operation efficiency of the refrigerant leakage detection system and the user experience.

[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant parameters further include the first pressure of the refrigerant medium when the working mode is the stop operation mode, the refrigerant parameters further include the second pressure of the refrigerant medium when the working mode is the refrigeration mode, and the third pressure of the refrigerant medium when the working mode is the heating mode; According to the working mode, controlling the sensing element to enter the first power-on regulation mode includes:

[0037] When the refrigerant medium leaks, obtain the first leakage amount of the refrigerant medium when the sensing element operates continuously for one power-on cycle in the stop operation mode;

[0038] According to the first pressure and the second pressure, calculate the first non-power-on time of the sensing element when the refrigerant medium reaches the first leakage amount in the refrigeration mode;

[0039] According to the first pressure and the third pressure, calculate the second non-power-on time of the sensing element when the refrigerant medium reaches the first leakage amount in the heating mode.

[0040] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects achieved by adopting this technical solution are as follows: By calculating the non-power-on time of the sensing element using the pressure parameters of the refrigerant medium in different working modes (stop operation, refrigeration, heating), this solution realizes precise control of the sensing element. Specifically, based on the control method of the pressure parameter to calculate the non-power-on time of the sensing element, the pressure sensor can provide stable and reliable data, ensuring the accuracy of controlling the non-power-on time of the sensing element.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, let the non-power-on time of the sensing element in the stop operation mode be t0;

[0042] Based on the first and second pressures, the formula for calculating the first non-energized time of the sensing element when the refrigerant reaches the first leakage level in the cooling mode is as follows:

[0043] Formula 2: ;

[0044] Based on the first and third pressures, the formula for calculating the second non-energized time of the sensing element when the refrigerant reaches the first leakage level in heating mode is as follows:

[0045] Formula 3: ;

[0046] Where t3 is the first non-energized time, t4 is the second non-energized time, P1 is the first pressure, P2 is the second pressure, and P3 is the third pressure.

[0047] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: This solution calculates the non-energized time of the sensing element by using the pressure parameters of the air conditioner under different operating modes, thus avoiding errors caused by absolute pressure values; furthermore, by using the non-energized time (t0) of the sensing element in the air conditioner's off-running mode as a benchmark, the accuracy of controlling the non-energized time of the sensing element is improved.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant sensor further includes a control unit communicatively connected to the sensing element, defining a first concentration as the maximum allowable concentration of refrigerant leakage indoors, and the first power-on control mode further includes:

[0049] When a leak occurs in the refrigerant, the sensing element sends an alarm signal to the control unit and obtains the leak rate of the refrigerant and the indoor volume.

[0050] Calculate the leakage time required for the leaked refrigerant to reach the first concentration based on the leakage rate and indoor volume;

[0051] Based on the leakage time, the control sensor element enters the second power-on control mode.

[0052] Compared with existing technologies, the technical effects achieved by this solution are as follows: When refrigerant leaks, the sensing element sends an alarm signal to the control unit and calculates the time required for the leaked refrigerant to reach the maximum allowable concentration. This allows the sensing element to respond quickly when a refrigerant leak occurs, thereby reducing potential safety hazards and improving the safety of the air conditioner during use.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flammability limit concentration of the refrigerant is defined as C, and a preset first concentration is... C, the first power-on control mode also includes:

[0054] According to the leakage rate and the indoor volume, the calculation formula for the leakage time required for the refrigerant medium leaked into the room to reach the combustion limit is as follows:

[0055] Formula 4: ;

[0056] Where, t5 is the leakage time, a is the leakage rate, V is the indoor volume, is a preset value.

[0057] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects achieved by adopting this technical solution are as follows: By calculating the time required for the refrigerant medium to leak into the room to reach the combustion limit concentration, this solution can take preventive measures before potential hazards occur, further improving the safety of the air conditioner during use.

[0058] In an example of the present invention, the second power-on regulation mode includes:

[0059] During the intermittent operation of the sensing element in the power-on mode and the non-power-on mode, when the sensing element detects the leakage of the refrigerant medium and T < t5, the sensing element is controlled to switch from the intermittent operation action to the continuous power-on action.

[0060] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects achieved by adopting this technical solution are as follows: By switching the sensing element from intermittent operation to continuous power-on mode when refrigerant leakage is detected and T < t5, the detection frequency is increased before the refrigerant medium leaks into the room to reach the combustion limit concentration, ensuring real-time monitoring of the leakage situation, improving the reliability and safety of the refrigerant leakage detection system, and at the same time extending the service life of the sensing element; in addition, by judging the relationship between the leakage time and the power-on cycle, the refrigerant leakage detection system can intelligently adjust the power-on mode to avoid false alarms and missed alarms.

[0061] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a refrigerant detection system. The refrigerant detection system is used to execute the control method in any of the above technical solutions. The refrigerant detection system includes an acquisition module, a judgment module, and a control module; specifically, the acquisition module is used to acquire indoor parameters and refrigerant parameters of the refrigerant medium, the judgment module is used to judge the working mode of the air conditioner according to the indoor parameters and the refrigerant parameters, and the control module is used to control the sensing element to enter the first power-on regulation mode according to the working mode.

[0062] Compared with the prior art, the technical effects achieved by adopting this technical solution are as follows.

[0063] After adopting the technical solution of the present invention, the following technical effects can be achieved:

[0064] The present invention provides a control method and a refrigerant detection system for a refrigerant leak detection system. By controlling the sensing element to operate intermittently in a powered-on mode and a non-powered mode according to the working mode of the air conditioner, the sensing element is avoided from being in a powered-on state for a long time, which effectively extends the service life of the sensing element. Attached Figure Description

[0065] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings to be used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0066] Figure 1 A flowchart of a control method for a refrigerant leak detection system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the elapsed time of a single energized mode and a single non-energized mode of continuous operation of the sensing element provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant detection system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0070] 100. Acquisition module; 200. Judgment module; 300. Control module. Detailed Implementation

[0071] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] To solve the above problems, on the one hand, such as Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides a control method for a refrigerant leak detection system, applied to an air conditioner. The air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger and a refrigerant sensor. The refrigerant sensor includes a sensing element for detecting refrigerant leakage in the indoor heat exchanger. The control method includes:

[0073] S100: Obtain indoor parameters and refrigerant parameters;

[0074] S200: Determines the operating mode of the air conditioner based on indoor parameters and refrigerant parameters;

[0075] S300: According to the working mode, control the sensing element to enter the first power-on control mode;

[0076] Among them, the first power-on control mode includes controlling the sensing element to operate intermittently in the powered-on mode and the non-powered-on mode.

[0077] In this solution, by controlling the sensing element to operate intermittently in the powered-on mode and the non-powered-on mode according to the operating mode of the air conditioner, it avoids the sensing element being in the powered-on state for a long time and effectively extends the service life of the sensing element.

[0078] It should be noted that the detection method of the sensing element provided in the embodiment of the present invention includes any one of semiconductor type, infrared type, and thermal conductivity type. Preferably, the detection method of the sensing element is semiconductor type.

[0079] In an example of the present invention, the operating mode includes a cooling mode, a heating mode, and a stop operation mode. Define the non-powered-on time ratio of the sensing element when the operating mode includes the stop operation mode as A0. The first power-on control mode further includes:

[0080] When the operating mode includes the cooling mode, control A1 > A0;

[0081] When the operating mode includes the heating mode, control A2 < A0;

[0082] Among them, A1 is the non-powered-on time ratio when the air conditioner is in the cooling mode, and A2 is the non-powered-on time ratio when the air conditioner is in the heating mode.

[0083] In this solution, by adjusting the non-powered-on time ratio of the sensing element under different operating modes of the air conditioner, it can not only ensure the detection function of refrigerant leakage but also reduce the power consumption of the sensing element, improving the use efficiency of the refrigerant sensor.

[0084] Specifically, in the cooling mode, since the pressure of the refrigerant medium in the indoor heat exchanger is lower than the pressure of the refrigerant medium in the stop operation mode, when the refrigerant medium leaks, the leakage speed in the cooling mode is slower than that in the stop operation mode. By increasing the non-powered-on time ratio (A1 > A0), compared with the stop operation mode, the power consumption of the sensing element is reduced, thereby reducing the deterioration speed of the sensor element and further extending the service life of the refrigerant sensor; in the heating mode, the pressure of the refrigerant medium in the indoor heat exchanger is higher than the pressure of the refrigerant medium in the stop operation mode. When the refrigerant medium leaks, the leakage speed in the heating mode is faster than that in the stop operation mode. Reduce the non-powered-on time ratio (A2 < A0) to ensure the detection sensitivity in a high-temperature environment while extending the service life of the sensing element by intermittent power-on.

[0085] In an example of the present invention, during the intermittent operation of the sensing element in the powered-on mode and the non-powered-on mode, define that one continuous operation of the sensing element in the powered-on mode and one non-powered-on mode is an energization cycle (such as Figure 2 As shown, with Ton and Toff as one cycle, during the Ton phase, the sensor element is in an energized mode, and during the Toff phase, the sensor element is in a de-energized mode. The first energization control mode includes:

[0086] The first operating time of the sensing element in the powered-on mode and the second operating time of the sensing element in the unpowered mode are obtained.

[0087] Calculate the power-on cycle based on the first operating time and the second operating time;

[0088] Calculate the non-energized time ratio of the sensing element based on the second operating time and energizing cycle.

[0089] This solution calculates the power-on cycle of a single operation in power-on mode and a single operation in non-power-on mode by using a first operating time (power-on mode) and a second operating time (non-power-on mode). Based on the power-on cycle and the second operating time (non-power-on mode), it calculates the non-power-on time ratio, achieving precise control of the sensor's operating state. Furthermore, this time-parameter-based quantitative control method makes the power-on and non-power-on times of the sensor measurable and controllable, and allows for flexible adjustment of the sensor's power-on cycle according to actual operating conditions, thereby extending the sensor's lifespan while ensuring detection effectiveness.

[0090] In one embodiment of the present invention, a first operating time is defined as t1, a second operating time is defined as t2, and the first power-on control mode further includes:

[0091] Based on the first and second running times, the formula for calculating the energizing cycle is: T = t1 + t2;

[0092] Based on the second operating time and the power-on cycle, the formula for calculating the non-power-on time ratio of the sensing element is as follows:

[0093] Formula 1: ;

[0094] Where A is the non-energized time ratio.

[0095] This solution improves the accuracy of the non-energized time ratio calculation results and further realizes precise control over the operating state of the sensing element.

[0096] In one specific embodiment, the first operating time of the sensing element in the energized mode is 1 minute, and the second operating time of the sensing element in the de-energized mode is 1 minute. Therefore, the energization cycle of the sensing element is 2 minutes, and the de-energized time ratio of the sensing element is... .

[0097] In an example of the present invention, the refrigerant parameter includes the first temperature of the refrigerant medium, the indoor parameter includes the indoor temperature, and judging the operating mode of the air conditioner according to the indoor parameter and the refrigerant parameter includes:

[0098] Judging the operating mode of the air conditioner according to the magnitude relationship between the first temperature and the indoor temperature.

[0099] This solution judges the operating mode of the air conditioner based on temperature parameters, and can quickly and accurately identify the operating mode of the air conditioner. Specifically, the temperature sensor responds quickly and can reflect the changes in the environment in real time, improving the judgment accuracy of the refrigerant sensor.

[0100] In an example of the present invention, the first temperature is defined as T1, the indoor temperature is defined as T2, and judging the operating mode of the air conditioner according to the magnitudes of the first temperature and the indoor temperature includes:

[0101] If T1 < T2, it is determined that the operating mode is the cooling mode;

[0102] If T1 = T2, it is determined that the operating mode is the stop operation mode;

[0103] If T1 > T2, it is determined that the operating mode is the heating mode.

[0104] This solution can accurately judge the operating mode (cooling, heating or stop operation) of the air conditioner by comparing the magnitude relationship between the refrigerant temperature (T1) of the refrigerant medium and the indoor temperature (T2). Specifically, judging based on temperature parameters can quickly respond to changes in the ambient temperature and adjust the operating state of the air conditioner in real time, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the refrigerant leakage detection system and the user experience.

[0105] In an example of the present invention, the refrigerant parameter further includes the first pressure of the refrigerant medium when the operating mode is the stop operation mode, the refrigerant parameter further includes the second pressure of the refrigerant medium when the operating mode is the cooling mode, and the third pressure of the refrigerant medium when the operating mode is the heating mode; controlling the sensing element to enter the first power-on regulation mode according to the operating mode includes:

[0106] When the refrigerant medium leaks, obtaining the first leakage amount of the refrigerant medium when the operating mode is the stop operation mode after the sensing element continuously operates for one power-on cycle;

[0107] According to the first pressure and the second pressure, calculating the first non-power-on time of the sensing element when the refrigerant medium reaches the first leakage amount in the cooling mode of operation;

[0108] According to the first pressure and the third pressure, calculating the second non-power-on time of the sensing element when the refrigerant medium reaches the first leakage amount in the heating mode of operation.

[0109] This solution achieves precise control of the sensing element by calculating the non-energized time of the sensing element using the pressure parameters of the refrigerant under different operating modes (stop operation, cooling, heating). Specifically, the pressure parameter-based control method calculates the non-energized time of the sensing element, and the pressure sensor provides stable and reliable data, ensuring the accuracy of controlling the non-energized time of the sensing element.

[0110] In one embodiment of the present invention, the non-energized time of the sensing element when the operating mode is the off-run mode is t0;

[0111] Based on the first and second pressures, the formula for calculating the first non-energized time of the sensing element when the refrigerant reaches the first leakage level in the cooling mode is as follows:

[0112] Formula 2: ;

[0113] Based on the first and third pressures, the formula for calculating the second non-energized time of the sensing element when the refrigerant reaches the first leakage level in heating mode is as follows:

[0114] Formula 3: ;

[0115] Where t3 is the first non-energized time, t4 is the second non-energized time, P1 is the first pressure, P2 is the second pressure, and P3 is the third pressure.

[0116] This solution calculates the non-energized time of the sensing element by using the pressure parameters of the air conditioner under different operating modes, thus avoiding errors caused by absolute pressure values. Furthermore, by using the non-energized time (t0) of the sensing element when the air conditioner is in the off-running mode as a benchmark, the accuracy of controlling the non-energized time of the sensing element is improved.

[0117] In a specific embodiment, let the first operating time of the sensing element in the energized mode when the air conditioner is in the off-running mode be 1 minute, and the second operating time in the non-energized mode be t0 = 1 minute, T = 1 minute + 1 minute = 2 minutes. Then, the ratio of the non-energized time of the sensing element when the air conditioner is in the off-running mode is: Assuming the refrigerant temperature is 20℃ when the air conditioner is in off mode, the first pressure of the refrigerant at this time, according to the pH chart, is P1 = 1.5MPa. Assuming the refrigerant temperature is 5℃ when the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the second pressure of the refrigerant at this time, according to the pH chart, is P2 = 1MPa. To ensure that the refrigerant leakage is the same when the air conditioner is in cooling mode as it is in off mode, the non-energized time of the sensing element when the air conditioner is in cooling mode is:

[0118] ;

[0119] Therefore, the ratio of the non-energized time of the sensing element when the air conditioner is in cooling mode is: Therefore, A1 > A0;

[0120] Assuming the refrigerant temperature is 50℃ when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the third pressure of the refrigerant at this time can be found to be P3 = 3.1MPa according to the pH graph. To ensure that the refrigerant leakage is the same when the air conditioner is in heating mode as it is in off mode, the non-energized time of the sensing element when the air conditioner is in heating mode is:

[0121] ;

[0122] Therefore, the ratio of the non-energized time of the sensing element when the air conditioner is in heating mode is: Therefore, A0 > A2, which fulfills the requirement of extending the service life of the sensing element.

[0123] In one embodiment of the present invention, the refrigerant sensor further includes a control unit communicatively connected to the sensing element, defining a first concentration as the maximum allowable concentration of refrigerant leakage indoors, and the first power-on control mode further includes:

[0124] When a leak occurs in the refrigerant, the sensing element sends an alarm signal to the control unit and obtains the leak rate of the refrigerant and the indoor volume.

[0125] Calculate the leakage time required for the leaked refrigerant to reach the first concentration based on the leakage rate and indoor volume;

[0126] Based on the leakage time, the control sensor element enters the second power-on control mode.

[0127] This solution sends an alarm signal to the control unit when refrigerant leaks, and calculates the time required for the leaked refrigerant to reach the maximum permissible concentration in the room. This allows the sensor to respond quickly when a refrigerant leak occurs, thereby reducing potential safety hazards and improving the safety of the air conditioner during use.

[0128] In one embodiment of the present invention, the flammability limit concentration of the refrigerant is defined as C, and a preset first concentration is... C, the first power-on control mode also includes:

[0129] The formula for calculating the leakage time required for the leaked refrigerant to reach its flammability limit, based on the leakage rate and indoor volume, is as follows:

[0130] Formula 4: ;

[0131] where, t5 is the leakage time, a is the leakage speed, is the indoor volume, is a preset value.

[0132] By calculating the time required for the refrigerant medium to leak into the room to reach the combustion limit concentration, this solution can take preventive measures before potential hazards occur, further improving the safety of the air conditioner during use.

[0133] In an example of the present invention, the second power-on control mode includes:

[0134] During the intermittent operation of the sensing element in the power-on mode and the non-power-on mode, when the sensing element detects a refrigerant medium leak and T < t5, the sensing element is controlled to switch from the intermittent operation action to the continuous power-on action.

[0135] By switching the sensing element from intermittent operation to continuous power-on mode when refrigerant leakage is detected and T < t5, this solution can increase the detection frequency before the refrigerant medium leaks into the room to reach the combustion limit concentration, ensuring that the refrigerant sensor can reliably detect the threshold concentration, improving the reliability and safety of the refrigerant leakage detection system, and also extending the service life of the sensing element; in addition, by judging the relationship between the leakage time and the power-on cycle, the refrigerant leakage detection system can intelligently adjust the power-on mode to avoid false alarms and missed alarms.

[0136] In a specific embodiment, the refrigerant medium in the indoor heat exchanger provided by the embodiment of the present invention is R32 (whose chemical composition is difluoromethane), and the combustion limit concentration of R32 is C = 0.307 kg / m 3 , assuming that the first operating time of the sensing element in the power-on mode is 1 min and the second operating time in the non-power-on mode is 1 min, then T = 1 min + 1 min = 2 min. Assuming a = 10 kg / h and V = 22 m 3 , , then the leakage time required for the refrigerant medium leaked into the room to reach the combustion limit is:

[0137] ; [[ID=3i]]

[0138] It can be seen from this that in a room with a volume of 22 m 3 , under the maximum leakage conditions, the maximum allowable concentration of the refrigerant medium in the room will be reached 10 minutes after the leakage starts. , so when Ton = 1 minute and toff = 1 minute, it can be repeated 5 times within 10 minutes. At the worst condition where the sensing element enters the non-powered mode at the moment of the 5th cycle of continuous intermittent operation and reaches the first concentration, the sensor element enters the powered mode after 1 minute, and an alarm is sent to the control unit after 1 minute, with a 2-minute delay compared to the case of continuous power-on detection. Therefore, when it is detected that there is a refrigerant leak and T < t5 = 10 min, the sensing element is switched from intermittent operation to continuous power-on mode to increase the detection frequency before the refrigerant medium leaks into the room and reaches the combustion limit concentration, avoiding the above-mentioned situation where, at the worst condition where the sensing element enters the non-powered mode at the moment of the last cycle of continuous intermittent operation and reaches the first concentration, there is a 2-minute delay compared to the case of continuous power-on detection.

[0139] On the other hand, as Figure 3 shown, the present invention also provides a refrigerant detection system. The refrigerant detection system is used to execute the control method in any of the above technical solutions. The refrigerant detection system includes an acquisition module 100, a judgment module 200, and a control module 300; specifically, the acquisition module 100 is used to acquire the indoor parameters of the room and the refrigerant parameters of the refrigerant medium, the judgment module 200 is used to judge the working mode of the air conditioner according to the indoor parameters and the refrigerant parameters, and the control module 300 is used to control the sensing element to enter the first power-on regulation mode according to the working mode.

[0140] Although the present invention is disclosed as above, the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be subject to the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A control method for a refrigerant leak detection system, characterized in that, Applied to an air conditioner, the air conditioner includes an indoor heat exchanger and a refrigerant sensor, the refrigerant sensor includes a sensing element for detecting refrigerant medium leakage in the indoor heat exchanger, and the control method includes: Obtain indoor parameters of the room and obtain refrigerant parameters of the refrigerant medium; Judge the operating mode of the air conditioner according to the indoor parameters and the refrigerant parameters; Control the sensing element to enter a first power-on regulation mode according to the operating mode; Wherein, the first power-on regulation mode includes controlling the sensing element to operate intermittently between a power-on mode and a non-power-on mode; The operating mode includes a refrigeration mode, a heating mode, and a stop operation mode. Define the non-power-on time ratio of the sensing element when the operating mode includes the stop operation mode as A0, and the first power-on regulation mode further includes: When the operating mode includes the refrigeration mode, control A1 > A0; When the operating mode includes the heating mode, control A2 < A0; Wherein, A1 is the non-power-on time ratio when the air conditioner is in the refrigeration mode, and A2 is the non-power-on time ratio when the air conditioner is in the heating mode.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the intermittent operation of the sensing element between the power-on mode and the non-power-on mode, define one continuous operation of the sensing element in the power-on mode and one non-power-on mode as one power-on cycle, and the first power-on regulation mode includes: Obtain the first operation time when the sensing element is in the power-on mode and the second operation time when the sensing element is in the non-power-on mode; Calculate the power-on cycle according to the first operation time and the second operation time; Calculate the non-power-on time ratio of the sensing element according to the second operation time and the power-on cycle.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Define the first operation time as t1 and the second operation time as t2, and the first power-on regulation mode further includes: The calculation formula for calculating the power-on cycle according to the first operation time and the second operation time is: T = t1 + t2; The calculation formula for calculating the non-power-on time ratio of the sensing element according to the second operation time and the power-on cycle is: Formula 1: ; Wherein, A is the non-power-on time ratio.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant parameters include the first temperature of the refrigerant medium, and the indoor parameters include the indoor temperature. Judging the operating mode of the air conditioner according to the indoor parameters and the refrigerant parameters includes: Judge the operating mode of the air conditioner according to the magnitude relationship between the first temperature and the indoor temperature.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Define the first temperature as T1 and the indoor temperature as T2. Judging the operating mode of the air conditioner according to the magnitude of the first temperature and the indoor temperature includes: If T1 < T2, then determine that the operating mode is the refrigeration mode; If T1 = T2, then determine that the operating mode is the stop operation mode; If T1 > T2, then determine that the operating mode is the heating mode.

6. The control method according to claim 1, wherein The refrigerant parameters further include the first pressure of the refrigerant medium when the operating mode is the stop operation mode, the refrigerant parameters further include the second pressure of the refrigerant medium when the operating mode is the refrigeration mode, and the third pressure of the refrigerant medium when the operating mode is the heating mode; The controlling the sensing element to enter the first power-on regulation mode according to the operating mode includes: When the refrigerant medium leaks, obtain the first leakage amount of the refrigerant medium when the operating mode is the stop operation mode after the sensing element operates continuously for one power-on cycle; According to the first pressure and the second pressure, calculate the first non-power-on time of the sensing element when the refrigerant medium reaches the first leakage amount in the refrigeration mode of the operating mode; According to the first pressure and the third pressure, calculate the second non-power-on time of the sensing element when the refrigerant medium reaches the first leakage amount in the heating mode of the operating mode.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Let the non-power-on time of the sensing element when the operating mode is the stop operation mode be t0; The calculation formula for the first non-power-on time of the sensing element when the refrigerant medium reaches the first leakage amount in the refrigeration mode of the operating mode according to the first pressure and the second pressure is: Formula 2: ; The calculation formula for the second non-power-on time of the sensing element when the refrigerant medium reaches the first leakage amount in the heating mode of the operating mode according to the first pressure and the third pressure is: Formula 3: ; Where, t3 is the first non-power-on time, t4 is the second non-power-on time, P1 is the first pressure, P2 is the second pressure, and P3 is the third pressure.

8. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant sensor further includes a control unit communicatively connected to the sensing element. Define the maximum concentration of the refrigerant medium allowed to leak indoors as the first concentration. The first power-on regulation mode further includes: When the refrigerant medium leaks, the sensing element sends an alarm signal to the control unit, and obtains the leakage speed of the refrigerant medium and the indoor volume of the room; According to the leakage speed and the indoor volume, calculate the leakage time required for the refrigerant medium leaking into the room to reach the first concentration; According to the leakage time, control the sensing element to enter the second power-on regulation mode.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The flammability limit concentration of the refrigerant is defined as C, and the first concentration is preset to be... C, the first power-on control mode also includes: The calculation formula for the leakage time required for the refrigerant medium leaking into the room to reach the combustion limit according to the leakage speed and the indoor volume is: Formula 4: ; Where t5 is the leakage time, a is the leakage rate, and V is the indoor volume. This is the default value.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second power-on regulation mode includes: During the intermittent operation of the sensing element in the power-on mode and the non-power-on mode, when the sensing element detects that the refrigerant medium leaks and T < t5, control the sensing element to change from the intermittent operation action to the continuous power-on action.

11. A refrigerant detection system, characterized in that, The refrigerant detection system is used to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The refrigerant detection system includes: Acquisition module (100) is used to acquire indoor parameters and refrigerant parameters of the refrigerant medium. The judgment module (200) is used to determine the working mode of the air conditioner based on the indoor parameters and refrigerant parameters; The control module (300) is used to control the sensing element to enter the first power-on control mode according to the working mode.

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