Refrigerant leakage detection method and heat pump system

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerant leakage detection method, which is applied to a heat pump system, the heat pump system comprises a plurality of components, and adjacent two components in the plurality of components are connected through a pipeline. The method obtains the flow direction of the refrigerant in the pipeline between all adjacent two components, and then determines whether the refrigerant in the heat pump system leaks according to the flow direction of the refrigerant. When the refrigerant in the heat pump system leaks, the refrigerant flows to the leakage point, so that the flow direction of at least part of the refrigerant is different from that when no leakage occurs. Therefore, whether the refrigerant leaks can be determined by the flow direction of the refrigerant. The application can effectively detect whether the refrigerant in the heat pump system leaks. In the case that the refrigerant leaks, the leakage of the refrigerant can be intervened early, the refrigerant continues to leak is prevented, the performance of the heat pump system is prevented from being reduced, and the safe and efficient operation of the heat pump system can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of heat pump system detection technology, and particularly relates to a refrigerant leakage detection method and a heat pump system. Background Technology

[0002] Heat pump systems play a vital role in environmental temperature control, industrial production, and food freezing and refrigeration. Vapor compression heat pump systems are widely used due to their wide heating range, broad capacity, simple structure, and ease of use. These systems currently use large quantities of Freon refrigerants, which are colorless and odorless, making leaks difficult to detect. Leaks are often only discovered when they become severe enough to affect equipment performance. Refrigerant leaks degrade heat pump performance and cause environmental damage.

[0003] Currently, the refrigerant widely used in heat pump systems is still Freon, especially in large refrigeration equipment with significant refrigerant charges. These systems are often installed in basements, making refrigerant leaks in such equipment more dangerous and thus more critical for detection. However, effective methods for detecting refrigerant leaks in heat pump systems are currently lacking. This makes it difficult to detect leaks when they occur, hindering timely intervention. Changes in the refrigerant level within the system lead to a significant decline in performance, ultimately impacting the safe and efficient operation of the heat pump system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a refrigerant leakage detection method, which aims to effectively detect whether the refrigerant in the heat pump system is leaking, intervene in the refrigerant leakage in an early manner, prevent the refrigerant from continuing to leak, avoid the performance degradation of the heat pump system, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the heat pump system.

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application proposes a refrigerant leak detection method applied to a heat pump system. The heat pump system includes multiple components, with adjacent components connected by pipes. The refrigerant leak detection method includes:

[0006] Obtain the refrigerant flow direction of the pipes between all adjacent components;

[0007] Based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, determine whether there is a refrigerant leak in the heat pump system.

[0008] Further, determining whether there is a refrigerant leak in the heat pump system based on the refrigerant's flow direction includes:

[0009] Based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, determine whether there is a target flow direction that is opposite to the preset direction.

[0010] If there is a target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction, it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat pump system;

[0011] If there is no target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction, it is determined that no refrigerant leakage has occurred in the heat pump system;

[0012] The preset direction is the flow direction of the refrigerant when the heat pump system is working normally.

[0013] Further, after determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat pump system when there is a target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction, the refrigerant leak detection method includes:

[0014] Based on the target flow direction and the preset direction, the upstream pipeline of the pipeline where the target flow direction is located is determined; wherein, along the preset direction, the refrigerant passes sequentially through the upstream pipeline and the pipeline where the target flow direction is located;

[0015] The location of the refrigerant leak is determined based on the pipe in the target flow direction and the previous pipe; wherein the refrigerant leak location is a component between the pipe in the target flow direction and the previous pipe.

[0016] Further, prior to the step of obtaining the refrigerant flow direction of the pipes between all adjacent components, the refrigerant leak detection method includes:

[0017] Each pipe between two adjacent components is labeled with a first identifier, wherein the first identifier includes numbers and letters.

[0018] Furthermore, the heat pump system includes multiple flow sensors and a controller;

[0019] At least one flow sensor is provided between each pair of adjacent components, and the flow sensor is identified by a second identifier, wherein the second identifier includes numbers and letters;

[0020] The flow sensor is used to detect the flow direction of the refrigerant in the pipeline. The controller is connected to the signals of the plurality of flow sensors, and the controller stores the first identifier and the second identifier, as well as the correspondence between the first identifier and the second identifier.

[0021] Furthermore, the heat pump system includes multiple flow sensors, with at least one flow sensor provided in the pipe between each pair of adjacent components. The flow sensors are used to detect the flow direction of the refrigerant in the pipe. After determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat pump system when there is a target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction, the refrigerant leak detection method includes:

[0022] Based on the target flow direction and the preset direction, the target flow sensor that detected the target flow direction and the previous flow sensor are determined; wherein, along the preset direction, the refrigerant passes sequentially through the previous flow sensor and the target flow sensor;

[0023] The location of the refrigerant leak is determined based on the target flow sensor and the previous flow sensor; wherein the location of the refrigerant leak is the component and / or pipe between the target flow sensor and the previous flow sensor.

[0024] Further, prior to the step of obtaining the refrigerant flow direction of the pipes between all adjacent components, the refrigerant leak detection method includes:

[0025] Each of the flow sensors is labeled with a second identifier, wherein the second identifier includes numbers and letters.

[0026] Furthermore, the heat pump system includes a controller connected to the plurality of flow sensors, and the controller stores the second identifier and the correspondence between each second identifier and the pipe.

[0027] In another aspect, this application proposes a heat pump system comprising multiple components, wherein two adjacent components are connected by a pipe, and the heat pump system is tested using the refrigerant leakage detection method described in any one of the preceding claims.

[0028] Furthermore, the heat pump system includes multiple flow sensors and a controller, with at least one flow sensor provided in the pipe between each pair of adjacent components. The flow sensor is used to detect the flow direction of the refrigerant in the pipe, and the controller is connected to the multiple flow sensors.

[0029] The multiple components include a condenser, a liquid receiver, a throttling mechanism, an evaporator, a gas-liquid separator, a compressor, and an oil separator connected in sequence. The inlet of the oil separator is connected to the compressor, and the outlet of the oil separator is connected to the condenser.

[0030] This application discloses a refrigerant leak detection method applied to a heat pump system. The heat pump system includes multiple components, with adjacent components connected by pipes. This method acquires the refrigerant flow direction in the pipes between all adjacent components and then determines whether a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat pump system based on this flow direction. When a refrigerant leak occurs in the heat pump system, the refrigerant flows towards the leak point, causing at least a portion of the refrigerant to flow in a different direction than when there is no leak. Therefore, the refrigerant flow direction can be used to determine whether a leak has occurred. This application can effectively detect refrigerant leaks in heat pump systems. Knowing that a refrigerant leak is occurring allows for early intervention to prevent further leakage, avoid performance degradation of the heat pump system, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the heat pump system. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the refrigerant leak detection method in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the decomposition step S2 in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump system in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump system when detecting leaks in an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump system when detecting leaks in another embodiment of this application.

[0036] In the accompanying drawings, the reference numerals indicate: 11, condenser; 12, liquid receiver; 13, throttling mechanism; 14, evaporator; 15, gas-liquid separator; 16, compressor; 17, oil separator; 101, flow sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "circumferential", "radial", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0039] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0040] Currently, the refrigerant widely used in heat pump systems is still Freon, especially in large refrigeration equipment with significant refrigerant charges. These systems are often installed in basements, making refrigerant leaks in such equipment more dangerous and thus more critical for detection. However, effective methods for detecting refrigerant leaks in heat pump systems are currently lacking. This makes it difficult to detect leaks when they occur, hindering timely intervention. Changes in the refrigerant level within the system lead to a significant decline in performance, ultimately impacting the safe and efficient operation of the heat pump system.

[0041] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application proposes a refrigerant leakage detection method, which aims to effectively detect whether the refrigerant in the heat pump system is leaking, intervene in the refrigerant leakage as early as possible, prevent the refrigerant from continuing to leak, avoid causing a decline in the performance of the heat pump system, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the heat pump system.

[0042] As attached Figure 1 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating the refrigerant leak detection method in an embodiment of this application. (See attached diagram.) Figure 1 As can be seen, the refrigerant leakage detection method of this application includes steps S1 and S2.

[0043] S1: Obtain the refrigerant flow direction in the pipes between all adjacent components.

[0044] S2: Determine whether there is a refrigerant leak in the heat pump system based on the refrigerant flow direction.

[0045] Understandably, when a refrigerant leaks in a heat pump system, the refrigerant flows out from the leak point. The refrigerant flows within the heat pump system at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. Therefore, when the heat pump system is damaged or poorly sealed, the location of the damage or leak is the leak point. The refrigerant flows from the area of ​​high pressure to the area of ​​low pressure, i.e., from the leak point. At this time, the flow direction of at least part of the refrigerant in the heat pump system changes; at least part of the refrigerant flows in a different direction than when there is no leak. Therefore, the flow direction of the refrigerant can be used to determine whether a refrigerant leak has occurred. Since the refrigerant in a heat pump system flows in a predetermined direction, in the case of a leak, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the heat pump system causes the refrigerant to flow out from the leak point. Therefore, the flow direction of at least part of the refrigerant in the heat pump system will be different from the preset direction. Detecting the refrigerant flow direction can effectively detect whether there is a refrigerant leak in the heat pump system. Knowing that there is a refrigerant leak allows for early intervention to prevent further leakage, avoid performance degradation of the heat pump system, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of the heat pump system.

[0046] In some embodiments, the refrigerant leak detection method includes issuing an alarm upon determining a refrigerant leak in the heat pump system. This alerts personnel to the leak, allowing them to intervene promptly. For example, after issuing the alarm, personnel are aware of the refrigerant leak in the heat pump system. They can then repair the leak point to seal it and prevent further leakage. After repairing the leak, the remaining refrigerant in the heat pump system can be checked to determine whether to add more refrigerant to ensure sufficient refrigerant for normal operation.

[0047] In some embodiments, the refrigerant leak detection method includes, upon determining a refrigerant leak in the heat pump system, controlling the heat pump system to stop operating. When the heat pump system is in a stopped state, the refrigerant does not flow when the system pressure is balanced, preventing further refrigerant leakage. An alarm can be issued after the heat pump system stops operating to alert personnel of the refrigerant leak. When a leak point exists in the heat pump system, refrigerant leaks out from the leak point, causing refrigerant flow within the system. However, when the heat pump system is stopped, the refrigerant flow rate can be reduced, minimizing the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0048] In some embodiments, the refrigerant leak detection method includes, upon determining that there is a refrigerant leak in the heat pump system, controlling the heat pump system to stop operating. When the heat pump system is in a shutdown state, and the pressure of the heat pump system is balanced, there is no refrigerant flow, which can prevent further refrigerant leakage. At the same time, an alarm is issued to remind the staff that there is a refrigerant leak in the heat pump system.

[0049] As attached Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, step S2, determining whether the refrigerant in the heat pump system is leaking based on the refrigerant flow direction, includes steps S21, S22, and S22'.

[0050] S21: Based on the refrigerant flow direction, determine whether there is a target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction.

[0051] S22: If there is a target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction, it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat pump system.

[0052] S22`: If there is no target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction, it is determined that there is no refrigerant leakage in the heat pump system.

[0053] Steps S22 and S22' are parallel steps, but they do not occur simultaneously; rather, one occurs at a time. That is, steps S22 and S22' represent judgment steps for two different scenarios. The preset direction is the refrigerant flow direction when the heat pump system is operating normally. For example, multiple components include the condenser 11, receiver 12, throttling mechanism 13, evaporator 14, gas-liquid separator 15, compressor 16, and oil separator 17. When the heat pump system is in heating mode and operating stably, the refrigerant sequentially passes through the condenser 11, receiver 12, throttling mechanism 13, evaporator 14, gas-liquid separator 15, compressor 16, and oil separator 17 along the preset direction, and then flows back to the compressor 16, thus circulating in the heat pump system along the preset direction.

[0054] The target flow direction is the flow direction opposite to the preset direction. At least one pipe in all the pipes must have a flow direction that matches the target flow direction. If at least one target flow direction is found, it indicates a refrigerant leak in the heat pump system. If no target flow direction is found in any of the pipes, it can be determined that there is no refrigerant leak in the heat pump system.

[0055] In some embodiments, after determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat pump system in step S22, where there is a target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction, the refrigerant leak detection method includes steps S23 and S24, that is, step S2 includes steps S23 and S24.

[0056] S23: Based on the target flow direction and the preset direction, determine the upstream pipeline of the pipeline where the target flow direction is located.

[0057] In this process, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the previous stage pipeline and the pipeline in the target flow direction along the preset direction.

[0058] Understandably, when a heat pump system experiences a leak, the refrigerant flows from all sides towards the leak point. However, the refrigerant generally flows axially within the pipes. If two adjacent pipes have different flow directions, then there is a leak between them. To accurately locate the leak, it is necessary to first determine the pipe containing the target flow direction and its upstream pipe.

[0059] S24: Determine the location of the refrigerant leak based on the pipe where the target flow direction is located and the previous pipe.

[0060] Among them, the refrigerant leak location is the component between the pipe in the target flow direction and the upstream pipe.

[0061] If the refrigerant is flowing in the target direction due to a leak, then the leak point can be located in the component between the pipe in the target flow direction and the upstream pipe.

[0062] For example, along a preset direction, the refrigerant sequentially passes through the condenser 11, the receiver 12, the throttling mechanism 13, the evaporator 14, the gas-liquid separator 15, the compressor 16, and the oil separator 17, and then flows back to the compressor 16, thus circulating in the heat pump system along the preset direction. When the target flow direction is on the pipe between the throttling mechanism 13 and the receiver 12, the target flow direction is that the refrigerant flows from the throttling mechanism 13 to the receiver 12. The upstream pipe is the pipe between the condenser 11 and the receiver, and the refrigerant flow direction in the upstream pipe is along the condenser 11 to the receiver 12. That is, the refrigerant flows from the pipe between the throttling mechanism 13 and the receiver 12 to the receiver 12, and the refrigerant flows from the pipe between the condenser 11 and the receiver 12 to the receiver 12. As can be seen from the above embodiment, the refrigerant flows from all sides to the leak point, so the leak point can be determined to be in the receiver 12.

[0063] According to the above embodiments, this application can determine the location of a refrigerant leak based on the pipe where the target flow direction is located and the previous pipe. This application can accurately locate the leak point, providing information to personnel so that they can quickly repair the leak and prevent further refrigerant leakage.

[0064] In some embodiments, before obtaining the refrigerant flow direction of the pipes between all adjacent components in step S1, the refrigerant leak detection method includes step S01.

[0065] S01: Mark the pipe between each pair of adjacent components with a first identifier, wherein the first identifier includes numbers and letters.

[0066] Understandably, a heat pump system consists of multiple pipes. Labeling these pipes allows for quick identification of the pipe containing the target flow direction and its upstream pipe. Furthermore, the labels of these pipes can be transmitted to the heat pump system's display, enabling personnel to quickly pinpoint the leak location based on the labels. Step S01 can be performed during the first use of the heat pump system after it leaves the factory; thereafter, step S01 is not required. Step S01 can also be performed as needed.

[0067] For example, the first identifier is a number, as shown in the appendix. Figure 3 As shown, the heat pump system includes a condenser 11, a receiver 12, a throttling mechanism 13, an evaporator 14, a gas-liquid separator 15, a compressor 16, and an oil separator 17 connected in sequence. The pipe between the condenser 11 and the receiver 12 is labeled 1; the pipe between the receiver 12 and the throttling mechanism 13 is labeled 2; the pipe between the throttling mechanism 13 and the evaporator 14 is labeled 3; the pipe between the evaporator 14 and the gas-liquid separator 15 is labeled 4; the pipe between the gas-liquid separator 15 and the compressor 16 is labeled 5; the pipe between the compressor 16 and the oil separator 17 is labeled 6; and the pipe between the oil separator 17 and the condenser 11 is labeled 7. When the target flow direction is in the pipe between the throttling mechanism 13 and the evaporator 14, the pipe can be identified as 3, and the upstream pipe as 2. The leak point can then be determined to be on the component between the pipes labeled 3 and 2. Labels 3 and 2 can be sent to the heat pump system's display, and a structural diagram of the heat pump system will be displayed on the screen. (See attached diagram) Figure 4 As shown, the pipes corresponding to labels 3 and 2 are marked in red to facilitate the display's visibility and allow staff to quickly locate the leak. In some embodiments, the schematic diagram of the heat pump system in the display may or may not show the first and second labels.

[0068] For example, when the target flow direction is in the pipeline between the gas-liquid separator 15 and the compressor 16, the pipeline can be identified as 5, and the upstream pipeline as 4. That is, the upstream pipeline identified as 4 is the pipeline between the evaporator 14 and the gas-liquid separator 15. Then, the leak point can be determined to be on the component between the pipelines identified as 5 and 4. Identifications 5 and 4 can be sent to the heat pump system's display, and a structural diagram of the heat pump system can be displayed on the screen. (See attached diagram) Figure 5 As shown, the pipes corresponding to labels 5 and 4 are marked in red so that staff can see the content displayed on the monitor and quickly determine the location of the leak.

[0069] In some embodiments, the heat pump system includes multiple flow sensors 101 and a controller. At least one flow sensor 101 is provided between each pair of adjacent components in the pipe, and each flow sensor 101 is identified by a second identifier, which includes numbers and letters. The flow sensors 101 are used to detect the flow direction of the refrigerant in the pipe. There are multiple flow sensors 101, and each pipe has at least one flow sensor 101. The flow sensors 101 correspond to specific pipes. Identifying the flow sensors allows identification of which flow sensor 101 detected the flow direction. This prevents confusion between the flow directions detected by multiple flow sensors 101, facilitating the subsequent confirmation of the approximate location of leaks. The flow sensors 101 are microfluidic flow sensors (MFS), which can be used for monitoring ultra-low flow rates in both gaseous and liquid states. The microfluidic flow sensor 101 includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and two pressure sensors, measuring the pressure drop across a precision-machined channel to determine the flow direction. The microflow sensor 101 determines the refrigerant flow direction based on pressure drop, without requiring specific refrigerant properties, and is applicable to heat pump systems using pure or mixed refrigerants. In this embodiment, the heat pump system has a heating capacity greater than 100kW.

[0070] The controller is connected to multiple flow sensors 101. Each flow sensor 101 transmits its detected flow direction information to the controller, allowing the controller to obtain the refrigerant flow direction in the pipes between all adjacent components and determine whether a refrigerant leak is occurring, as well as the specific location of the leak. The controller stores a first identifier and a second identifier, along with their corresponding relationship. The second identifier allows the controller to identify a specific flow sensor 101 from among the multiple flow sensors 101, and the first identifier allows it to identify a specific flow sensor 101 from among multiple pipes. Each flow sensor 101 transmits at least the detected flow direction signal to the controller. This signal includes the second identifier information of the flow sensor 101, enabling the controller to recognize the flow sensor 101. Upon receiving the flow direction information and second identifier information from the flow sensor 101, the controller determines the first identifier based on the second identifier information and the corresponding relationship between the first and second identifiers. The pipe is then identified based on the first identifier. This prevents confusion regarding the pipe containing the flow direction detected by the flow sensor 101.

[0071] In the above embodiments, the pipeline is used as the target object. The component between the pipeline and the upstream pipeline where the target flow direction is located is the approximate location of the leak. Checking this component can accurately locate the leak point and save investigation time.

[0072] In some embodiments, the heat pump system includes a display that shows a structural diagram of the heat pump system, in which at least the pipes are marked with a first identifier. When the flow sensor 101 transmits detected flow direction information and second identifier information to the controller, the controller determines the first identifier based on the correspondence between the second identifier information, the first identifier, and the second identifier. Then, the pipe is determined based on the first identifier, and the flow direction is marked on the pipe and displayed. When the flow direction of the pipe is the target flow direction, the target flow direction and / or the pipe containing the target flow direction are highlighted in red, as are the upstream pipe and / or the flow direction of the upstream pipe. In this way, operators can find the approximate location of the leak point from the structural diagram of the heat pump system on the display screen, facilitating a quick understanding of the refrigerant flow direction and the approximate location of the leak point.

[0073] In some embodiments, the heat pump system includes a plurality of flow sensors 101, with at least one flow sensor 101 provided between each pair of adjacent components. The flow sensor 101 is used to detect the flow direction of the refrigerant in the pipe. In step S22, after determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat pump system when there is a target flow direction opposite to the preset direction, the refrigerant leak detection method includes steps S23' and S24', that is, step S2 includes steps S23' and S24'.

[0074] S23`: Based on the target flow direction and the preset direction, determine the target flow sensor 101 that detects the target flow direction and the previous flow sensor 101.

[0075] In this process, the refrigerant passes sequentially through the previous flow sensor 101 and the target flow sensor 101 along a preset direction.

[0076] S24': Determine the location of the refrigerant leak based on the target flow sensor 101 and the previous flow sensor 101.

[0077] The refrigerant leak location is in the component and / or pipe between the target flow sensor 101 and the previous flow sensor 101.

[0078] Flow sensor 101 detects a flow direction in the pipe. Besides leaks in components of the heat pump system, leaks can also occur in the pipe, leading to refrigerant leakage. Compared to components, the probability of a leak in the pipe is lower, but it still exists. By using flow sensor 101 as the target, the leak point can be determined to be in the pipe or components between the two flow sensors 101, expanding the range of possible leak points. This allows staff to comprehensively investigate the potential leak locations and prevents any missed leaks.

[0079] In some embodiments, before obtaining the refrigerant flow direction of the pipes between all adjacent components in step S1, the refrigerant leak detection method includes step S01'.

[0080] S01: Label each flow sensor 101 with a second identifier.

[0081] The second identifier includes numbers and letters. Understandably, the heat pump system has multiple pipes, each equipped with at least one flow sensor 101. There are multiple flow sensors 101. Identifying the flow sensors 101 allows for quick identification of the target flow sensor 101 detecting the target flow direction and the previous flow sensor 101. Furthermore, the second identifier of the target flow sensor 101 detecting the target flow direction, along with the second identifier of the previous flow sensor 101, can be transmitted to the heat pump system's display, enabling personnel to quickly confirm the potential location of the leak based on the second identifier. Step S01' can be performed during the first use of the heat pump system after it leaves the factory; thereafter, step S01' is not required. Step S01' can also be performed as needed.

[0082] For example, the second identifier is a letter, and the heat pump system includes a condenser 11, a liquid receiver 12, a throttling mechanism 13, an evaporator 14, a gas-liquid separator 15, a compressor 16, and an oil separator 17 connected in sequence. Then, the flow sensor 101 on the pipe between the condenser 11 and the liquid receiver 12 is identified as A, the flow sensor 101 on the pipe between the liquid receiver 12 and the throttling mechanism 13 is identified as B, the flow sensor 101 on the pipe between the throttling mechanism 13 and the evaporator 14 is identified as C, the flow sensor 101 on the pipe between the evaporator 14 and the gas-liquid separator 15 is identified as D, the flow sensor 101 on the pipe between the gas-liquid separator 15 and the compressor 16 is identified as E, the flow sensor 101 on the pipe between the compressor 16 and the oil separator 17 is identified as F, and the flow sensor 101 on the pipe between the oil separator 17 and the condenser 11 is identified as G. When the flow sensor 101 on the pipe between the throttling mechanism 13 and the evaporator 14 detects the target flow direction, this flow sensor 101 can be identified as C, and the previous flow sensor 101 as B. The leak point can then be determined to be on the pipe or component between the flow sensors 101 identified as C and B. Identifications C and B can be sent to the heat pump system's display, which will show a schematic diagram of the heat pump system. (See attached diagram) Figure 4As shown, the flow sensors 101 corresponding to labels C and B in the structural diagram of the heat pump system are highlighted in red to facilitate the display's visual representation and allow staff to quickly determine the approximate location of the leak. In some embodiments, the structural diagram of the heat pump system in the display may or may not show the second label.

[0083] In some embodiments, the heat pump system includes a controller connected to a plurality of flow sensors 101. The controller stores a second identifier and a correspondence between each second identifier and a pipe. The correspondence between the flow sensors 101 and the pipe allows identification of which flow sensor 101 detected the flow direction. This prevents confusion between the flow directions detected by multiple flow sensors 101, facilitating subsequent confirmation of the approximate location of leaks.

[0084] The controller is connected to multiple flow sensors 101. Each flow sensor 101 transmits its retrieved flow direction information to the controller, allowing the controller to obtain the refrigerant flow direction in the pipes between all adjacent components. Based on this flow direction, the controller determines whether a refrigerant leak is occurring and the approximate location of the leak. The controller stores a second identifier and a mapping between the second identifier and the pipe. The specific flow sensor 101 can be identified from the multiple flow sensors 101 based on the second identifier. Each flow sensor 101 transmits at least the detected flow direction signal to the controller. This signal includes the second identifier information of the flow sensor 101, enabling the controller to identify the flow sensor 101. Upon receiving the flow direction information and second identifier information from the flow sensor 101, the controller determines the pipe based on the second identifier information, the mapping between the second identifier and the pipe. This prevents confusion regarding the pipe containing the flow direction retrieved by the flow sensor 101.

[0085] This application also provides a heat pump system, which includes multiple components. Adjacent components are connected by pipes, and the heat pump system uses the refrigerant leak detection method described in any of the above embodiments for detection. The refrigerant leak detection method has been described in detail in the above embodiments. Since the heat pump system uses the refrigerant leak detection method described in any of the above embodiments, the refrigerant leak detection method of the heat pump system includes the steps and corresponding beneficial effects described in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0086] In some embodiments, the heat pump system includes a plurality of flow sensors 101 and a controller (not shown in the figure), with at least one flow sensor 101 provided in the pipe between each pair of adjacent components. The flow sensor 101 is used to detect the flow direction of the refrigerant in the pipe, and the controller is signal-connected to the plurality of flow sensors 101.

[0087] The components include a condenser 11, a liquid receiver 12, a throttling mechanism 13, an evaporator 14, a gas-liquid separator 15, a compressor 16, and an oil separator 17 connected in sequence. The inlet of the oil separator 17 is connected to the compressor 16, and the outlet of the oil separator 17 is connected to the condenser 11.

[0088] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for detecting refrigerant leakage, characterized in that, The refrigerant leak detection method is applied to a heat pump system, which includes multiple components. Adjacent components are connected by pipes. The refrigerant leak detection method includes: Obtain the refrigerant flow direction of the pipes between all adjacent components; Based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, determine whether there is a refrigerant leak in the heat pump system; Determining whether the refrigerant in the heat pump system is leaking based on the refrigerant's flow direction includes: Based on the flow direction of the refrigerant, determine whether there is a target flow direction that is opposite to the preset direction. If there is a target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction, it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat pump system; If there is no target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction, it is determined that no refrigerant leakage has occurred in the heat pump system; The preset direction is the flow direction of the refrigerant when the heat pump system is working normally.

2. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat pump system when there is a target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction, the refrigerant leak detection method includes: Based on the target flow direction and the preset direction, the upstream pipeline of the pipeline where the target flow direction is located is determined; wherein, along the preset direction, the refrigerant passes sequentially through the upstream pipeline and the pipeline where the target flow direction is located; The location of the refrigerant leak is determined based on the pipe in the target flow direction and the upstream pipe; wherein the refrigerant leak location is a component between the pipe in the target flow direction and the upstream pipe.

3. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before the step of obtaining the refrigerant flow direction in the pipes between all adjacent components, the refrigerant leak detection method includes: Each pipe between two adjacent components is labeled with a first identifier, wherein the first identifier includes numbers and letters.

4. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heat pump system includes multiple flow sensors and a controller; At least one flow sensor is provided between each pair of adjacent components, and the flow sensor is identified by a second identifier, wherein the second identifier includes numbers and letters; The flow sensor is used to detect the flow direction of the refrigerant in the pipeline. The controller is connected to the signals of the plurality of flow sensors, and the controller stores the first identifier and the second identifier, as well as the correspondence between the first identifier and the second identifier.

5. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat pump system includes multiple flow sensors, and at least one flow sensor is provided in the pipe between each pair of adjacent components. The flow sensor is used to detect the flow direction of the refrigerant in the pipe. After determining that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the heat pump system when there is a target flow direction opposite to the preset direction in the flow direction, the refrigerant leak detection method includes: Based on the target flow direction and the preset direction, the target flow sensor that detected the target flow direction and the previous flow sensor are determined; wherein, along the preset direction, the refrigerant passes sequentially through the previous flow sensor and the target flow sensor; The location of the refrigerant leak is determined based on the target flow sensor and the previous flow sensor; wherein the location of the refrigerant leak is the component and / or pipe between the target flow sensor and the previous flow sensor.

6. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before the step of obtaining the refrigerant flow direction in the pipes between all adjacent components, the refrigerant leak detection method includes: Each of the flow sensors is labeled with a second identifier, wherein the second identifier includes numbers and letters.

7. The refrigerant leakage detection method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heat pump system includes a controller connected to the plurality of flow sensors, and the controller stores the second identifier and the correspondence between each second identifier and the pipe.

8. A heat pump system, characterized in that, The heat pump system includes multiple components, with adjacent components connected by pipes, and the heat pump system is tested using the refrigerant leakage detection method according to any one of claims 1-7.

9. The heat pump system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The heat pump system includes multiple flow sensors and a controller. Each pipe between two adjacent components is provided with at least one flow sensor. The flow sensor is used to detect the flow direction of the refrigerant in the pipe, and the controller is connected to the multiple flow sensors. The multiple components include a condenser, a liquid receiver, a throttling mechanism, an evaporator, a gas-liquid separator, a compressor, and an oil separator connected in sequence. The inlet of the oil separator is connected to the compressor, and the outlet of the oil separator is connected to the condenser.

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