A refrigeration machine cascade refrigeration system and method

Abstract

The application provides a refrigerating machine cascade refrigeration system and a refrigeration method, relates to the technical field of refrigerating machines, and the system comprises a first cooling loop, a second cooling loop and a third cooling loop. Cooling liquid can circulate in different cooling loops to perform heat exchange cooling on a refrigeration object. The cooled cooling liquid needs to be cooled again before being circulated. The first cooling loop cools the cooling liquid by using a cooling box, the second cooling loop cools the cooling liquid by using a refrigerating machine, and the third cooling loop cools the cooling liquid by using a combination of the cooling box and the refrigerating machine in a faster way. Through the cascade cooling mode, the refrigerating machine can be prevented from being in an overload or underload state, the service life of the refrigerating machine can be prolonged, and the system structure can be simplified through the arrangement of a first three-way valve and a second three-way valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration technology, specifically to a staged refrigeration system and refrigeration method for a refrigeration machine. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigeration units are commonly used industrial refrigeration and cooling equipment. The main working principle of a refrigeration unit is to cool ambient-temperature coolant to a specific temperature using a compressor in the refrigeration module, and then introduce the cooled coolant into the water-cooled zone of the industrial equipment for enhanced cooling. It mainly consists of three interconnected systems: a refrigerant circulation system, a water circulation system, and an electrical control system. The compressor is the core component of the entire refrigerant circulation system and the power source for refrigerant compression. Its function is to convert input electrical energy into mechanical energy to circulate and compress the refrigerant, continuously generating cooling capacity. The water circulation system injects coolant into the object being refrigerated for cooling. The electrical control system links the refrigeration unit's circulation system and the water circulation system, achieving automated and intelligent cooling of the refrigeration unit.

[0003] Significant fluctuations in the cooling demand of the object being cooled can cause overload or underload of the cooling module in the refrigeration unit, affecting the lifespan of the refrigeration unit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a staged refrigeration system and refrigeration method for a refrigeration machine, which can realize staged refrigeration of the object being refrigerated, and avoid overload or underload of the refrigeration machine during operation, thus affecting the life of the equipment.

[0005] This application provides a staged refrigeration system for a refrigerator, comprising:

[0006] First cooling circuit, second cooling circuit, third cooling circuit;

[0007] The first cooling circuit includes a cooling tank, a cooling zone for the object being cooled, and a first three-way valve, which are connected in sequence via pipes to form a loop; the cooling tank is used to contain coolant.

[0008] The second cooling circuit includes a refrigerator, the cooling zone of the object being refrigerated, and the first three-way valve, which are connected in sequence through pipes to form a loop; the refrigerator is used to cool the coolant in the second cooling circuit.

[0009] The third cooling circuit includes the cooling box, the second three-way valve, the refrigerator, the cooling zone of the object being refrigerated, and the first three-way valve, which are connected in sequence through pipelines to form a loop.

[0010] The first three-way valve is used to divert the coolant so that the coolant flows through the first cooling circuit or the second cooling circuit; the second three-way valve is used to divert the coolant so that the coolant flows through the first cooling circuit or the third cooling circuit.

[0011] In one embodiment of this application, the staged refrigeration system further includes:

[0012] The fourth cooling circuit includes an inlet pipe, the cooling tank, the second three-way valve, the refrigerator, the cooling zone of the object being cooled, the third three-way valve, and the drain pipe, which are connected in sequence through pipelines.

[0013] The coolant flowing through the cooling zone of the object being cooled is discharged from the drain pipe, the inlet pipe is used to supply new coolant to the cooling tank, and the third three-way valve is used to divert the coolant so that the coolant flows through the third cooling circuit or the fourth cooling circuit.

[0014] In one embodiment of this application, the staged refrigeration system further includes:

[0015] A first circulation pump is installed between the refrigerator and the cooling zone of the object being refrigerated.

[0016] In one embodiment of this application, the staged refrigeration system further includes:

[0017] A second circulation pump is installed on the pipeline at the outlet end of the cooling box.

[0018] In one embodiment of this application, the staged refrigeration system further includes:

[0019] A first temperature detection module for detecting the temperature at the outlet of the cooling zone of the object being refrigerated, a second temperature detection module for detecting the temperature of the cooling box, and a third temperature detection module for detecting the refrigeration temperature of the refrigeration unit.

[0020] To achieve the above and other related objectives, this application provides a staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator, applicable to the staged refrigeration system provided in any of the embodiments described above. The staged refrigeration method includes:

[0021] Obtain the current temperature of the object being cooled and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet cooling water of the object being cooled;

[0022] If the current temperature is less than the first preset value, then the first stage of cooling is activated to cool the object through the first cooling circuit;

[0023] If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset value and less than the second preset value, then the secondary cooling is activated to cool the object through the second cooling circuit.

[0024] If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value and less than the third preset value, then the third-stage or fourth-stage refrigeration is started according to the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water, so as to cool the object to be refrigerated through the third cooling circuit or through the fourth cooling circuit.

[0025] If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the third preset value, then the fourth-level cooling system is activated.

[0026] In one embodiment of this application, if the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value and less than the third preset value, then a third-stage or fourth-stage cooling system is activated based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water, including:

[0027] If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value and less than the third preset value, and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water is less than or equal to the preset temperature difference, then the third-stage cooling will be activated.

[0028] If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value and less than the third preset value, and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water is greater than the preset temperature difference, then the fourth-level cooling system is activated.

[0029] In one embodiment of this application, initiating secondary cooling includes:

[0030] Obtain the rate of temperature change of the object being cooled;

[0031] If the rate of temperature change is greater than or equal to the preset first rate, the power of the first circulation pump is adjusted.

[0032] If the rate of temperature change is less than the preset first rate, the power of the refrigerator will be adjusted.

[0033] In one embodiment of this application, regulating the power of the first circulating pump includes:

[0034] When the rate of temperature change is positive, the power of the first circulating pump is increased; when the rate of temperature change is negative, the power of the first circulating pump is decreased.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, regulating the power of the refrigerator includes:

[0036] When the rate of temperature change is positive, the power of the refrigerator is increased; when the rate of temperature change is negative, the power of the refrigerator is decreased.

[0037] As described above, the staged refrigeration system and refrigeration method for a refrigerator provided in this application have the following characteristics:

[0038] Beneficial effects:

[0039] This application discloses a staged cooling system for a refrigeration unit. The system includes a first cooling circuit, a second cooling circuit, and a third cooling circuit. Coolant circulates in different cooling circuits to exchange heat with the object being refrigerated. After heat exchange, the coolant needs to be cooled again before recirculation. The first cooling circuit uses a cooling tank for natural cooling of the coolant. The second cooling circuit uses the refrigeration unit to cool the coolant. The third cooling circuit combines the cooling tank and the refrigeration unit for faster cooling. Under underload conditions, the first cooling circuit can cool the coolant; under overload conditions, the third cooling circuit can cool the coolant. This staged cooling method avoids overload or underload conditions, thus extending the refrigeration unit's lifespan. Furthermore, the inclusion of a first three-way valve and a second three-way valve simplifies the system structure.

[0040] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort. In the drawings:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a staged refrigeration system for a refrigerator, as illustrated in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of coolant through a first cooling circuit, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of coolant through a second cooling circuit, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of coolant through a third cooling circuit, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of coolant through a fourth cooling circuit, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0047] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a staged refrigeration method for a refrigeration machine, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application.

[0048] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0049] 101. Cooling tank; 102. Cooling zone of the object being refrigerated; 103. First three-way valve; 104. Refrigeration unit; 105. Second three-way valve; 106. Liquid inlet pipe; 107. Third three-way valve; 108. Liquid outlet pipe; 109. First circulation pump; 110. Second circulation pump; 111. First temperature detection module; 112. Second temperature detection module; 113. Third temperature detection module; a. Refrigeration module; b. Heat exchange module; c. Cooling water tank. Detailed Implementation

[0050] The embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are only for illustrating this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0051] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0052] In the following description, numerous details are explored to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the present application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the present application may be practiced without these specific details. In other embodiments, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form rather than in detail to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present application.

[0053] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a staged refrigeration system for a refrigerator, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. (Reference) Figure 1 It can be seen that the staged refrigeration system of this refrigerator may include:

[0054] First cooling circuit, second cooling circuit.

[0055] The first cooling circuit includes a cooling box 101, a cooling zone 102 for the object being cooled, and a first three-way valve 103, which are connected in sequence through pipes to form a loop. The outlet end of the cooling box 101 is connected to the inlet end of the cooling zone 102 for the object being cooled, the outlet end of the cooling zone 102 for the object being cooled is connected to the first end of the first three-way valve 103, and the second end of the first three-way valve 103 is connected to the inlet end of the cooling box 101.

[0056] The second cooling circuit includes a refrigerator 104, a cooling zone 102, and a first three-way valve 103, which are connected in sequence via pipes to form a loop. The outlet end of the refrigerator 104 is connected to the inlet end of the cooling zone 102, the outlet end of the cooling zone 102 is connected to the first end of the first three-way valve 103, and the third end of the first three-way valve 103 is connected to the inlet end of the refrigerator 104.

[0057] The cooling tank 101 is used to hold the coolant, and the refrigeration unit 104 is used to cool the coolant in the second cooling circuit. The first three-way valve 103 is used to divert the coolant so that the coolant flows through the first cooling circuit or the second cooling circuit.

[0058] It should be noted that, Figure 1 The direction of the middle arrow indicates the flow direction of the coolant. The coolant can be water, ethylene glycol and its mixtures, propylene glycol, mineral oil, or fluorinated fluid, etc.

[0059] In one embodiment of this application, the object to be refrigerated can be industrial equipment, including power generation equipment, chemical plants, metal processing equipment, electronic equipment, or machinery manufacturing, etc. To maintain the normal operating temperature of industrial equipment, improve efficiency, and extend its service life, a cooling zone is often provided in the industrial equipment to circulate coolant. In this embodiment, the cooling zone 1 02 can be the cooling zone of the industrial equipment.

[0060] Please see Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of coolant through a first cooling circuit, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 2 In the diagram, the direction of the arrows marked with dashed lines indicates the flow direction of the coolant. (Reference) Figure 2 As can be seen, when the coolant flows through the first cooling circuit, it cools the object being cooled through the object cooling zone 102. The coolant exchanges heat in the object cooling zone 102. After heat exchange, the coolant can flow into the cooling tank 101 for natural cooling. After the coolant has cooled naturally, it can be recirculated in the first cooling circuit.

[0061] When the cooling capacity required for the object being cooled is small, if the refrigerator 104 is used to cool the object, the operating load of the refrigerator 104 will be lower than its minimum stable operating point, causing the refrigerator 104 to operate under load. Under underload conditions, the compressor of the refrigerator 104 will frequently start and stop. This frequent starting and stopping will cause internal components of the compressor, such as bearings and pistons, to bear additional pressure, thereby accelerating their wear, shortening the compressor's lifespan, and consequently shortening the lifespan of the refrigerator 104. Therefore, when the cooling capacity required for the object being cooled is small, the cooling tank 101 can be used to naturally cool the coolant, and the naturally cooled coolant can be used to cool the object. This can prevent the refrigerator 104 from operating under load and can extend the lifespan of the refrigerator 104.

[0062] In one embodiment of this application, the refrigerator 104 can rapidly cool the coolant. The refrigerator 104 may include a refrigeration module a, a heat exchange module b, and a cooling water tank c. The refrigeration module a may include a compressor, and the heat exchange module b may be an evaporator.

[0063] The compressor is responsible for drawing in low-pressure, low-temperature gaseous refrigerant and compressing it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas through mechanical action. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant enters the condenser and exchanges heat with the external environment or cooling medium, releasing heat and gradually cooling down to a liquid state. The liquid refrigerant exiting the condenser rapidly decreases in pressure as it passes through the expansion valve, causing its temperature to drop sharply, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid or gas-liquid mixture, ready to enter the evaporator. As the final link in the refrigeration cycle, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant in the evaporator absorbs heat from the object being cooled and evaporates into a gaseous state. This process cools the object, achieving the purpose of refrigeration. Simultaneously, the vaporized refrigerant returns to the compressor to begin a new cycle. A cooling water tank stores coolant, which is pumped into the condenser to help remove heat from the refrigerant before returning to the tank for further cooling. This design helps maintain stable system operation and effectively utilizes water resources.

[0064] Please see Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of coolant through a second cooling circuit, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 3 In the diagram, the direction of the arrows marked with dashed lines indicates the flow direction of the coolant. (Reference) Figure 3As can be seen, when the coolant flows through the second cooling circuit, it cools the object being refrigerated through the cooling zone 102. The coolant undergoes heat exchange in the cooling zone 102, and the cooled coolant then flows into the refrigerator 104, where it is rapidly cooled. After rapid cooling, the coolant can recirculate in the second cooling circuit. Compared to natural cooling by the cooling tank 101, using the refrigerator 104 to cool the coolant is faster and suitable for applications where the object being refrigerated has a high temperature and requires rapid cooling.

[0065] In one embodiment of this application, the staged refrigeration system may further include a first circulation pump 109 disposed between the refrigerator 104 and the cooling zone 102 of the object being refrigerated.

[0066] In one embodiment of this application, the staged refrigeration system of the refrigeration unit may further include: a second circulation pump 110 disposed between the second three-way valve 105 and the cooling box 101.

[0067] It should be noted that the circulating pump can be used to increase the pressure of the staged refrigeration system of the refrigerator, so as to drive the coolant to circulate in each cooling circuit and ensure that the temperature of the object being refrigerated is within an appropriate temperature range.

[0068] The cooling effect of coolant flowing through the second cooling circuit is better than that of coolant flowing through the first cooling circuit. When the cooling demand is low, using the first cooling circuit to cool the object can avoid the cooling module a of the refrigerator 104 being underloaded when using the refrigerator 104 for cooling.

[0069] When using the second cooling circuit to cool the object being refrigerated, the refrigerator 104 and the first circulating pump 109 can work together at their optimal power levels. Specifically, the refrigerator 104 and the first circulating pump 109 can each be adjusted within their respective optimal operating power ranges. The optimal operating power range for the first circulating pump 109 can be 80% to 100% of its rated power, and the optimal operating power range for the refrigerator 104 can be 70% to 100% of its rated power.

[0070] In one embodiment of this application, the staged refrigeration system may further include a third cooling circuit, comprising a cooling tank 101, a second three-way valve 105, a refrigerator 104, a cooling zone 102 for the object being refrigerated, and a first three-way valve 103 connected sequentially by pipes to form a loop. The second three-way valve 105 is used to divert the coolant, allowing the coolant to flow through either the first or third cooling circuit.

[0071] It should be noted that the outlet end of the cooling box 101 is connected to the first end of the second three-way valve 105, the second end of the second three-way valve 105 is connected to the inlet end of the refrigerator 104, the outlet end of the refrigerator 104 is connected to the inlet end of the cooling zone 102 of the object being refrigerated, and the outlet end of the cooling zone 102 of the object being refrigerated is connected to the first end of the first three-way valve 103.

[0072] Please see Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of coolant through a third cooling circuit, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 4 In the diagram, the direction of the arrows marked with dashed lines indicates the flow direction of the coolant. (Reference) Figure 4 As can be seen, when the coolant flows through the third cooling circuit, it cools the object being refrigerated through the cooling zone 102. The coolant exchanges heat in the cooling zone 102, and the cooled coolant can flow into the cooling tank 101 for natural cooling. After natural cooling, the coolant can be rapidly cooled again by the refrigerator 104. After rapid cooling, the coolant can circulate again in the third cooling circuit. When using the third cooling circuit to cool the object being refrigerated, the cooled coolant after heat exchange is first cooled in the cooling tank 101. The refrigerator 104 can then rapidly cool the naturally cooled coolant in the cooling tank 101. Compared to the refrigerator 104 directly cooling the cooled coolant after heat exchange, this increases the cooling speed of the coolant, thereby increasing the cooling speed of the object being refrigerated. It also prevents the refrigerator 104 from operating under overload conditions and extends its lifespan.

[0073] In one embodiment of this application, the staged refrigeration system may further include a fourth cooling circuit, comprising an inlet pipe 106, a cooling tank 101, a second three-way valve 105, a refrigerator 104, a cooling zone 102 for the object being refrigerated, a third three-way valve 107, and a drain pipe 108 connected sequentially by pipelines. The coolant flowing through the cooling zone 102 for the object being refrigerated is discharged from the drain pipe 108. The inlet pipe 106 is used to supply new coolant to the cooling tank 101. The third three-way valve 107 is used to divert the coolant, allowing it to flow through either the third or fourth cooling circuit.

[0074] Please see Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the flow of coolant through a fourth cooling circuit, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 5 In the diagram, the direction of the arrows marked with dashed lines indicates the flow direction of the coolant. (Reference) Figure 5As can be seen, when the coolant flows through the fourth cooling circuit, it cools the object being refrigerated through the cooling zone 102. The coolant undergoes heat exchange in the cooling zone 102, and the cooled coolant is discharged from the staged refrigeration system of the refrigerator 104 through the drain pipe 108. New coolant is then supplied to the staged refrigeration system of the refrigerator 104 through the inlet pipe 106. This new coolant can be rapidly cooled by the refrigerator 104, and after rapid cooling, it can quickly cool the object being refrigerated. Compared to using the third cooling circuit to cool the object, the coolant used by the refrigerator 104 in the fourth cooling circuit has a lower temperature and a faster cooling speed, thus accelerating the cooling rate of the object being refrigerated.

[0075] In one embodiment of this application, the staged refrigeration system of the refrigerator may further include: a first temperature detection module 111 for detecting the temperature at the outlet end of the cooling zone 102 of the object being refrigerated, a second temperature detection module 112 for detecting the temperature of the cooling box 101, and a third temperature detection module 113 for detecting the refrigeration temperature of the refrigerator 104. The temperature detection modules can be devices such as temperature sensors or thermal imagers. When the temperature detection module is a temperature sensor, the first temperature detection module 111 can be installed on the pipe at the outlet end of the cooling zone 102 of the object being refrigerated, the second temperature detection module can be installed on the surface of the cooling box 101, and the third temperature detection module 113 can be installed on the surface of the cooling water tank c of the refrigerator 104.

[0076] Detecting the temperatures of the staged refrigeration system of the refrigerator facilitates the control of the system, allowing for the switching of each cooling circuit when the temperature meets preset conditions, and cooling the object through the corresponding cooling circuit.

[0077] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator, as shown in an exemplary embodiment of this application. This staged refrigeration method can be applied to the staged refrigeration system provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, this exemplary staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator includes:

[0079] Step S610: Obtain the current temperature of the object being refrigerated and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet cooling water of the object being refrigerated.

[0080] In one embodiment of this application, a target temperature detection module can be used to detect the current temperature of the object being cooled. When the object is cooled through a first cooling circuit, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water can be the temperature difference between the outlet temperature of the cooling zone of the object and the temperature of the cooling box. When the object is cooled through a second, third, or fourth cooling circuit, the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water can be the temperature difference between the outlet temperature of the cooling zone of the object and the refrigeration temperature of the refrigeration unit.

[0081] Step S620: If the current temperature is less than the first preset value, then start the first-stage cooling to cool the object through the first cooling circuit.

[0082] In one embodiment of this application, if the current temperature is lower than a first preset value, a first-stage cooling system can be activated to cool the object being cooled via a first cooling circuit. The first preset value can be determined based on the lower limit of the optimal power of the chiller and the lower limit of the optimal power of the first circulating pump. The lower limit of the optimal power can be the minimum value within the optimal operating power range. For example, when cooling the object via a second cooling circuit, the first circulating pump and chiller are controlled to operate at the lower limit of their optimal power to meet the cooling requirements of the object. The temperature of the object being cooled when its cooling requirements are met is determined, and this temperature is set as the first preset value. The first preset value can also be a preset value set based on expert experience.

[0083] In step S630, if the current temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset value and less than the second preset value, then the secondary cooling is activated to cool the object through the second cooling circuit.

[0084] In one embodiment of this application, if the current temperature is greater than or equal to a first preset value and less than a second preset value, secondary cooling can be activated to cool the object to be cooled through a second cooling circuit.

[0085] When using the second cooling circuit to cool the object being refrigerated, the refrigerator and the first circulating pump can work together at their optimal power.

[0086] Step S640: If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value and less than the third preset value, then start the third-stage or fourth-stage cooling according to the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water, so as to cool the object being cooled through the third cooling circuit or the fourth cooling circuit.

[0087] In one embodiment of this application, if the current temperature is greater than or equal to a second preset value and less than a third preset value, then a third-stage or fourth-stage cooling system can be activated based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water.

[0088] In one embodiment, if the current temperature is greater than or equal to a second preset value and less than a third preset value, then a third-stage or fourth-stage cooling system is activated based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water. This includes: if the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value and less than the third preset value, and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water is less than or equal to a preset temperature difference, then a third-stage cooling system is activated; if the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value and less than the third preset value, and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water is greater than a preset temperature difference, then a fourth-stage cooling system is activated.

[0089] It should be noted that when starting the fourth-stage refrigeration, the discharge volume through the drain pipe can be the same as the inflow volume through the inlet pipe. When using the third and fourth cooling circuits to cool the object, the refrigeration unit, the first circulation pump, and the second circulation pump can work together at their optimal power levels.

[0090] Step S650: If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the third preset value, then start the fourth-level cooling.

[0091] In one embodiment of this application, if the current temperature is greater than or equal to a third preset value, then level four cooling can be activated.

[0092] In one embodiment, the process of starting the secondary cooling in step S630 may include steps S631 to S633.

[0093] Step S631: Obtain the rate of temperature change of the object being cooled.

[0094] In one embodiment of this application, the rate of temperature change of the object being cooled can be obtained. The rate of temperature change can be determined by comparing the current temperature of the object with its temperature at the previous moment.

[0095] For example, Tn is the temperature of the object being cooled at time n (the current temperature), Tn-1 is the temperature of the object being cooled at time n-1 (the previous temperature), and Δt is the time difference between time n and time n-1. Then, the rate of temperature change V of the object being cooled is... Tn = (Tn-Tn-1) / Δt.

[0096] Step S632: If the rate of temperature change is greater than or equal to the preset first rate, then adjust the power of the first circulation pump.

[0097] In one embodiment of this application, if the rate of temperature change is greater than or equal to a preset first rate, the power of the first circulating pump is adjusted. When the rate of temperature change is large, the cooling water flow rate can be changed by adjusting the power of the first circulating pump, so that all equipment in the second cooling circuit can operate under normal conditions.

[0098] In one embodiment, regulating the power of the first circulation pump includes:

[0099] When the rate of temperature change is positive, increase the power of the first circulation pump; when the rate of temperature change is negative, decrease the power of the first circulation pump.

[0100] Step S633: If the rate of temperature change is less than the preset first rate, then adjust the power of the refrigerator.

[0101] In one embodiment of this application, if the rate of temperature change is less than a preset first rate, the power of the refrigerator can be adjusted. Since the refrigeration module of the refrigerator involves heat exchange, the adjustment efficiency is low and there is a certain lag. Therefore, when the rate of temperature change is small, the object to be refrigerated can be cooled by adjusting the power of the refrigerator through the second cooling circuit.

[0102] In one embodiment, regulating the power of the refrigerator includes:

[0103] When the rate of temperature change is positive, increase the power of the refrigerator; when the rate of temperature change is negative, decrease the power of the refrigerator.

[0104] For example, the rate of temperature change V of the object being cooled can be... Tn Compare with the preset value k, in V Tn When k ≥ k, adjust the power of the first circulation pump, V Tn When V is positive, the power of the first circulation pump is increased. Tn When the value is negative, reduce the power of the first circulation pump; at V Tn When k < k, adjust the power of the chiller, V Tn When V is a positive number, the power of the cooling module is increased. Tn When the value is negative, the power of the cooling module is reduced.

[0105] For example, setting k to 0.5, Δt to 0.5 seconds, the temperature of the object being cooled at time n-1 is 48.2℃, and the temperature of the object being cooled at time n is 48.6℃, V is calculated. Tn =0.8, which is greater than k, so we choose to increase the power of the first circulation pump and increase the flow rate of cooling water to improve the cooling effect on the object being cooled and promptly control the temperature of the object being cooled within the expected temperature range.

[0106] Throughout the entire control process, the first circulation pump and the refrigeration module of the chiller operate at their optimal power, which improves energy efficiency, reduces maintenance, extends equipment lifespan, and lowers production costs.

[0107] Embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device, including: one or more processors; and a storage device for storing one or more programs, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the electronic device to implement the staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator provided in the above embodiments.

[0108] Another aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a computer's processor, causes the computer to perform the staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator provided in the various embodiments described above. This computer-readable storage medium may be included in the electronic device described in the above embodiments, or it may exist independently and not assembled into the electronic device.

[0109] Another aspect of this application provides a computer program product or computer program including computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the computer device to perform the staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator provided in the various embodiments described above.

[0110] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "comprising" and "including" as used throughout the specification and claims are open-ended terms and should therefore be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to".

[0111] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator, applied to a staged refrigeration system for a refrigerator, characterized in that, A staged refrigeration system for refrigeration units includes: The system comprises a first cooling circuit, a second cooling circuit, a third cooling circuit, a fourth cooling circuit, and a first circulating pump. The first cooling circuit includes a cooling tank, a second three-way valve, a cooling zone for the object being cooled, a first three-way valve, and the cooling tank, which are connected in sequence via pipelines to form a loop; the cooling tank is used to contain coolant. The second cooling circuit includes a refrigerator, the cooling zone of the object being cooled, the first three-way valve, and the refrigerator connected in sequence through pipes to form a loop; the refrigerator is used to cool the coolant in the second cooling circuit. The third cooling circuit includes the cooling box, the second three-way valve, the refrigerator, the cooling zone of the object being refrigerated, the first three-way valve, and the cooling box, which are connected in sequence through pipelines to form a loop. The first three-way valve is used to divert the coolant so that the coolant flows through the first cooling circuit or the second cooling circuit; the second three-way valve is used to divert the coolant so that the coolant flows through the first cooling circuit or the third cooling circuit. The fourth cooling circuit includes an inlet pipe, the cooling tank, the second three-way valve, the refrigerator, the cooling zone of the object being cooled, the third three-way valve, and the drain pipe, which are connected in sequence through pipelines. The coolant flowing through the cooling zone of the object being cooled is discharged from the drain pipe, the inlet pipe is used to deliver new coolant to the cooling tank, and the third three-way valve is used to divert the coolant so that the coolant flows through the third cooling circuit or the fourth cooling circuit. A first circulation pump is installed on the pipeline between the refrigerator and the cooling zone of the object being refrigerated; The staged refrigeration method of the refrigeration machine includes: Obtain the current temperature of the object being cooled and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet cooling water of the object being cooled; If the current temperature is less than the first preset value, then the first stage of cooling is activated to cool the object through the first cooling circuit; If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset value and less than the second preset value, then the secondary cooling is activated to cool the object through the second cooling circuit. If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value and less than the third preset value, then the third-stage or fourth-stage refrigeration is started according to the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water, so as to cool the object to be refrigerated through the third cooling circuit or through the fourth cooling circuit. If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the third preset value, then the fourth-level cooling is activated to cool the object through the fourth cooling circuit; Initiating secondary cooling includes: Obtain the rate of temperature change of the object being cooled; If the rate of temperature change is greater than or equal to the preset first rate, the power of the first circulation pump is adjusted. If the rate of temperature change is less than the preset first rate, the power of the refrigerator will be adjusted.

2. The staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The staged refrigeration system of the refrigeration unit also includes: A second circulation pump is installed on the pipeline at the outlet end of the cooling box.

3. The staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The staged refrigeration system of the refrigeration unit also includes: A first temperature detection module for detecting the temperature at the outlet of the cooling zone of the object being refrigerated, a second temperature detection module for detecting the temperature of the cooling box, and a third temperature detection module for detecting the refrigeration temperature of the refrigeration unit.

4. The staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value and less than the third preset value, then the third or fourth stage of cooling is activated based on the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water, including: If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value and less than the third preset value, and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water is less than or equal to the preset temperature difference, then the third-stage cooling will be activated. If the current temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value and less than the third preset value, and the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet of the cooling water is greater than the preset temperature difference, then the fourth-level cooling system is activated.

5. The staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Adjusting the power of the first circulation pump includes: When the rate of temperature change is positive, the power of the first circulating pump is increased; when the rate of temperature change is negative, the power of the first circulating pump is decreased.

6. The staged refrigeration method for a refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Adjusting the power of the chiller includes: When the rate of temperature change is positive, the power of the refrigerator is increased; when the rate of temperature change is negative, the power of the refrigerator is decreased.

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