Air conditioner

Abstract

The air conditioner comprises a first four-way valve, the end D of the first four-way valve is connected with an exhaust port, the end C of the first four-way valve is connected with the head end of a second pipeline, and the end E of the first four-way valve and the end S of the first four-way valve are connected together and then connected to an air inlet; the end D of the second four-way valve is connected with the exhaust port, the end E of the second four-way valve is connected with the tail end of the third pipeline, and the end S of the second four-way valve is connected with the air inlet; the first end of the three-way valve is connected with the head end of the first pipeline, the second end of the three-way valve is connected with the C end of the second four-way valve, and the third end of the three-way valve is connected with the air inlet; the controller controls the conduction conditions of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve and the three-way valve according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state. According to the air conditioner, partial waste heat recovery can be achieved on the basis of complete waste heat recovery, the comprehensive energy utilization rate of an air conditioning system is increased, electricity consumption of the air conditioner is reduced, and the purpose of saving electric charge is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and particularly to an air conditioner. Background Art

[0002] In related technologies, existing air conditioners adopt a scheme of two four-way valves connected in series and two one-way valves, or a scheme of one four-way valve and four one-way valves, to fully distribute the waste heat generated by the air conditioner to the water tank, and it is impossible to distribute part of the waste heat generated by the air conditioner to the water tank. That is to say, existing air conditioners can only achieve full heat recovery of air-conditioning waste heat, reducing the overall energy utilization efficiency of the air-conditioning system, increasing the power consumption of the air conditioner, and thus unable to achieve the purpose of saving electricity bills. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. For this reason, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner. By using this air conditioner, it is possible to achieve partial recovery of waste heat on the basis of achieving full recovery of waste heat, improve the overall energy utilization rate of the air-conditioning system, reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner, and achieve the purpose of saving electricity bills.

[0004] To solve the above problems, an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioner, comprising: a compressor and a gas-liquid separator, the outlet of the gas-liquid separator is connected to the inlet of the compressor; a water tank for storing domestic water; a control valve, the first valve port of the control valve is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor; a four-way valve, the D end of the four-way valve is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor; a first heat exchanger, the first end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the second valve port of the control valve, the second end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the first end of the water tank, and the third end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the second end of the water tank; a three-way valve, the first valve port of the three-way valve is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid separator and the S end of the four-way valve, and the second valve port of the three-way valve is connected to the C end of the four-way valve; a second heat exchanger, the first end of the second heat exchanger is connected to the third valve port of the three-way valve; a first expansion valve, the first end of the first expansion valve is connected to the second end of the second heat exchanger, and the first expansion valve is used to adjust the refrigerant flow rate in the second heat exchanger; a second expansion valve, the first end of the second expansion valve is connected to the fourth end of the first heat exchanger, and the second expansion valve is used to adjust the refrigerant flow rate in the first heat exchanger; a third heat exchanger, the first end of the third heat exchanger is connected to the E end of the four-way valve; a third expansion valve, the first end of the third expansion valve is connected to the second ends of the first expansion valve and the second expansion valve, and the second end of the third expansion valve is connected to the second end of the third heat exchanger, and the third expansion valve is used to adjust the refrigerant flow rate in the third heat exchanger; a controller, the controller is connected to the control valve, the four-way valve, the three-way valve, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the third expansion valve, and the controller is configured to: obtain the outlet water temperature of the second heat exchanger and the water tank temperature; determine the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner according to the water tank temperature; determine the refrigeration state of the air conditioner according to the outlet water temperature; and control the opening and closing conditions of the control valve, the four-way valve, the three-way valve, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and / or the third expansion valve according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state.

[0005] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention controls the switching states of a control valve, a four-way valve, a three-way valve, a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, and / or a third expansion valve through a heat recovery state, i.e., the waste heat required to heat domestic water in a water tank, and a refrigeration state, so as to fully recover or partially recover the waste heat generated by the air conditioner to heat domestic water. Thus, in this application, the control valve, the four-way valve, the three-way valve, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the third expansion valve are used to more accurately distribute the flow rate of the cooler in the air conditioner, so that the air conditioner can not only fully recover the waste heat, but also partially recover the waste heat, improve the overall energy utilization rate of the air conditioning system, reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner, and thus achieve the purpose of saving electricity bills.

[0006] In some embodiments, for determining the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner according to the water tank temperature, the controller is specifically configured as follows: if the water tank temperature is less than a first preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner is a full heat recovery state; if the water tank temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature threshold and less than or equal to a second preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner is a partial heat recovery state; if the water tank temperature is greater than the second preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner is a stop heat recovery state.

[0007] The above technical solution has the following advantages or technical effects: By judging whether the water tank needs to be heated and the heating demand through the water tank temperature, different heat recovery states required by the air conditioner are determined, so that the controller can more accurately guide the refrigerant flow according to the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner. In some embodiments, for determining the refrigeration state of the air conditioner according to the heat exchange temperature of the third heat exchanger, the controller is specifically configured as follows: if the heat exchange temperature is less than a third preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the refrigeration state is non-refrigeration; if the heat exchange temperature is greater than or equal to the third preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the refrigeration state is refrigeration.

[0008] The above technical solution has the following advantages or technical effects: Monitoring the heat exchange temperature of the third heat exchanger to determine whether the air conditioner needs to be refrigerated, avoiding maintaining refrigeration in unnecessary situations and reducing energy waste.

[0009] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, and a third expansion valve. The first expansion valve is disposed on the first pipeline, the second expansion valve is disposed on the second pipeline, and the third expansion valve is disposed on the third pipeline. For controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the three-way valve according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state, the controller is specifically configured to: when the heat recovery state is a full heat recovery state or a partial heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is non-refrigeration, control the D end and the C end of the first four-way valve to be connected, the D end and the E end of the second four-way valve to be connected, the C end and the S end of the second four-way valve to be connected, the first end and the second end of the three-way valve to be connected, the first expansion valve to be conductive and in a fully open state, the second expansion valve to be conductive, and the third expansion valve to be closed.

[0010] The above technical solution has the following advantages or technical effects: By controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, the three-way valve, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the third expansion valve, the flow direction of the refrigerant is guided. Thus, the air conditioner can fully or partially recover waste heat when it is not refrigerating.

[0011] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, and a third expansion valve. The first expansion valve is disposed on the first pipeline, the second expansion valve is disposed on the second pipeline, and the third expansion valve is disposed on the third pipeline. For controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the three-way valve according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state, the controller is specifically configured to: when the heat recovery state is a full heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, control the D end and the C end of the first four-way valve to be connected, the E end and the S end of the first four-way valve to be connected, the D end and the C end of the second four-way valve to be connected, the E end and the S end of the second four-way valve to be connected, the three-way valve to be cut off, the first expansion valve to be closed, the second expansion valve to be conductive, and the third expansion valve to be conductive.

[0012] The above technical solution has the following advantages or technical effects: By controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, the three-way valve, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the third expansion valve, the flow direction of the refrigerant is guided. Thus, the air conditioner can fully recover waste heat when it is refrigerating.

[0013] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, and a third expansion valve. The first expansion valve is disposed on the first pipeline, the second expansion valve is disposed on the second pipeline, and the third expansion valve is disposed on the third pipeline. For controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the three-way valve according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state, the controller is specifically configured to: under the condition that the heat recovery state is a partial heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, control the D end of the first four-way valve to communicate with the C end of the first four-way valve, the E end of the first four-way valve to communicate with the S end of the first four-way valve, the D end of the second four-way valve to communicate with the C end of the second four-way valve, the E end of the second four-way valve to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve, the first end of the three-way valve to communicate with the second end of the three-way valve, the first expansion valve to conduct and be in a fully open state, the second expansion valve to conduct, and the third expansion valve to conduct.

[0014] The above technical solution has the following advantages or technical effects: By controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, the three-way valve, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the third expansion valve to guide the flow direction of the refrigerant, the air conditioner can partially recover waste heat under the condition of refrigeration.

[0015] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further includes a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve, and a third expansion valve. The first expansion valve is disposed on the first pipeline, the second expansion valve is disposed on the second pipeline, and the third expansion valve is disposed on the third pipeline. The E end and the S end of the first four-way valve are commonly connected. For controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the three-way valve according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state, the controller is specifically configured to: under the condition that the heat recovery state is a stop heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, control the S end of the first four-way valve to communicate with the D end of the first four-way valve, the D end of the second four-way valve to communicate with the C end of the second four-way valve, the E end of the second four-way valve to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve, the first end of the three-way valve to communicate with the second end of the three-way valve, the first expansion valve to conduct and be in a fully open state, the second expansion valve to be closed, and the third expansion valve to conduct.

[0016] The above technical solution has the following advantages or technical effects: By controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, the three-way valve, the first expansion valve, the second expansion valve, and the third expansion valve to guide the flow direction of the refrigerant, the air conditioner can achieve refrigeration without recovering waste heat.

[0017] In some embodiments, when controlling the second expansion valve to be turned on, the controller is further configured to: obtain the exhaust superheat degree of the compressor and the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline; control the opening degree of the second expansion valve according to the exhaust superheat degree and / or the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline.

[0018] The above technical solution has the following advantages or technical effects: By monitoring the refrigerant flow rate in the air conditioner through the exhaust superheat degree and / or the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline, and by controlling the opening degree of the second expansion valve, it is ensured that the refrigerant flow direction in the air conditioner is in a normal state.

[0019] In some embodiments, when controlling the third expansion valve to be turned on, the controller is further configured to: obtain the exhaust superheat degree of the compressor and the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline; control the opening degree of the third expansion valve according to the exhaust superheat degree and the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline.

[0020] The above technical solution has the following advantages or technical effects: By monitoring the refrigerant flow rate in the air conditioner through the exhaust superheat degree and / or the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline, and by controlling the opening degree of the third expansion valve, it is ensured that the refrigerant flow direction in the air conditioner is in a normal state. In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: when the water tank temperature is greater than the second preset temperature threshold and the heat exchange temperature is less than the third preset temperature threshold, control the air conditioner to stop running.

[0021] The above technical solution has the following advantages or technical effects: Determine whether the air conditioner needs to continue running based on the water tank temperature and the heat exchange temperature to avoid energy waste.

[0022] The additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be partially given in the following description, partially become apparent from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the present invention. Description of the Drawings

[0023] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and easy to understand from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, where: Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a flowchart of a control method of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a flowchart of a control method of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a flowchart of a control method of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6It is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 It is a flowchart of the on - off control process of the second expansion valve according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 It is a flowchart of the on - off control process of the third expansion valve according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 It is a flowchart of the control method of an air conditioner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Reference numerals: Air conditioner 100; Indoor unit 10; Outdoor unit 20; Compressor 1; Water tank 2; First heat exchanger 3; Second heat exchanger 4; Third heat exchanger 5; First expansion valve 7; Second expansion valve 8; Third expansion valve 9; First four - way valve 10; Second four - way valve 11; Three - way valve 12. Detailed implementation manners

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary. The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0026] In this application, the air conditioner performs the refrigeration cycle by using a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes, involving compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation, and supplies refrigerant to the air that has been conditioned and heat - exchanged.

[0027] The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas in a high - temperature and high - pressure state and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0028] The expansion valve expands the liquid - phase refrigerant in a high - temperature and high - pressure state condensed in the condenser into a low - pressure liquid - phase refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the refrigerant expanded in the expansion valve and returns the refrigerant gas in a low - temperature and low - pressure state to the compressor. The evaporator can achieve a refrigeration effect by using the latent heat of evaporation of the refrigerant to perform heat exchange with the material to be cooled. Throughout the cycle, the air conditioner can adjust the temperature of the indoor space.

[0029] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner refers to the part of the refrigeration cycle including the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor unit of the air conditioner includes the indoor heat exchanger, and the expansion valve can be provided in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit.

[0030] The indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger are used as condensers or evaporators. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the air conditioner serves as a heater in the heating mode, and when the indoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the air conditioner serves as a cooler in the cooling mode.

[0031] With the popularization of air-conditioning products, users pay more and more attention to the utilization of the waste heat of air conditioners. However, only being able to perform all heat recovery or partial heat recovery will result in the comprehensive energy utilization efficiency. Therefore, current air conditioners should conduct a further exploration of the waste heat recovery generated by air conditioners.

[0032] To solve the above problems, an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention provides an air conditioner. By using this air conditioner, it is possible to achieve both all waste heat recovery and partial waste heat recovery on the basis of realizing all waste heat recovery, improve the comprehensive energy utilization rate of the air-conditioning system, reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner, and achieve the purpose of saving electricity bills.

[0033] In the embodiment, as Figure 1 shown, the air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 1, a water tank 2, a first heat exchanger 3, a second heat exchanger 4, a third heat exchanger 5, a first pipeline, a second pipeline, a third pipeline, a first four-way valve 10, a second four-way valve 11, and a three-way valve 12.

[0034] Among them, the first heat exchanger 3 is located outdoors and is used for heat exchange of the circulating refrigerant; the second heat exchanger 4 is connected to the water tank 2 and is used for heat exchange of domestic water; the third heat exchanger 5 is located indoors and is used for adjusting the indoor temperature; the compressor 1 has an exhaust port and an intake port; that is, the air conditioner is a combined heat and power unit.

[0035] The first ends of the first pipeline and the second pipeline are both used to connect to the exhaust port, the second ends of the first pipeline and the second pipeline are both used to connect to the first end of the third pipeline, the second end of the third pipeline is used to connect to the exhaust port, the first heat exchanger 3 is located on the first pipeline, the second heat exchanger 4 is located on the second pipeline, and the third heat exchanger 5 is located on the third pipeline; the D end of the first four-way valve 10 is connected to the exhaust port, the C end of the first four-way valve 10 is connected to the first end of the second pipeline, and the E end of the first four-way valve 10 and the S end of the first four-way valve 10 are connected together and then connected to the intake port; the D end of the second four-way valve 11 is connected to the exhaust port, the E end of the second four-way valve 11 is connected to the second end of the third pipeline, and the S end of the second four-way valve 11 is connected to the intake port; the first end of the three-way valve 12 is connected to the first end of the first pipeline, the second end of the three-way valve 12 is connected to the C end of the second four-way valve 11, and the third end of the three-way valve 12 is connected to the intake port.

[0036] Based on the architecture of the above air conditioner 100, referring to Figure 2 shown, the controller of the air conditioner is configured to execute the following steps S1 - step S4.

[0037] Step S1, obtain the heat exchange temperature of the third heat exchanger and the water tank temperature.

[0038] Specifically, temperature sensors can be set between the second heat exchanger 4 and the water tank 2 to monitor the water tank temperature and send the obtained water tank temperature to the controller. In addition, the third heat exchanger can be a plate heat exchanger, and the heat exchange temperature can be determined by detecting the temperature of the outlet of the plate heat exchanger.

[0039] Step S2, determine the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner according to the water tank temperature.

[0040] Specifically, the heat recovery of the air conditioner 100 utilizes the waste heat generated during the operation of the air conditioner 100 for recovery, which is used to heat the domestic water in the water tank 2 or for other waste heat utilization. The heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is determined according to the water tank temperature, that is, the amount of waste heat to be recovered required to heat the water in the water tank is determined according to the water tank temperature. If the water tank temperature is relatively low, more waste heat is required to heat the water in the water tank 2 at this time, then the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is determined to be full heat recovery, so as to maximize the recovery and utilization of waste heat and improve the heating efficiency; if the water tank temperature is moderate, some waste heat is still required to heat the water in the water tank 2 at this time, then the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is determined to be partial heat recovery, so as to provide appropriate waste heat for heating the water tank 2, thereby ensuring both the heating efficiency and avoiding unnecessary energy waste. Thus, the air conditioner 100 in the present application can dynamically adjust the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner according to the water tank temperature, so as to select an appropriate heat recovery state in combination with the water tank temperature, which can not only ensure that the water in the water tank 2 reaches the required temperature, but also optimize the operation efficiency of the air conditioning system and reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

[0041] Step S3, determine the refrigeration state of the air conditioner according to the heat exchange temperature.

[0042] Specifically, when the third heat exchanger 5 is refrigerating, the refrigerant flowing through it exchanges heat with the indoor air, so that the temperature of the refrigerant increases. The third heat exchanger 5 uses the waste heat generated by refrigeration to heat the domestic water in the water tank. At this time, the high-temperature refrigerant exchanges heat with the water discharged from the third heat exchanger 5 to increase the outlet water temperature of the water discharged from the third heat exchanger 5. On the contrary, if the third heat exchanger 5 does not refrigerate, the outlet water temperature of the third heat exchanger 5 cannot be increased. Based on this, the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is determined by the outlet water temperature of the third heat exchanger 5, that is, it is determined whether the air conditioner 100 is refrigerating by the outlet water temperature of the third heat exchanger 5. For example, if the outlet water temperature is higher than the refrigeration temperature threshold for determining the refrigeration of the air conditioner 100, then the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is determined to be refrigeration; if the outlet water temperature is lower than the refrigeration temperature threshold for determining the refrigeration of the air conditioner 100, then the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is determined to be non-refrigeration.

[0043] Step S4: Control the conduction states of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the three-way valve according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state.

[0044] Specifically, to solve this problem, in this application, the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is determined according to the water tank temperature, that is, the waste heat required to heat the domestic water in the water tank is determined according to the water tank temperature, and according to the refrigeration state of the air conditioner, so as to control the conduction states of the first four-way valve 10, the second four-way valve 11, and the three-way valve 12 for different heat recovery states and refrigeration states, thereby changing the flow path of the refrigerant in the air conditioner 100, so that all or part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows into the second pipeline, and thus can pass through the second heat exchanger 4 to heat the domestic water, so as to fully or partially recover the waste heat generated by the air conditioner 100 to heat the domestic water, thereby meeting the heating demand of the domestic water in the water tank and at the same time meeting the user's demand for refrigeration or non-refrigeration. Therefore, compared with the existing air conditioner using a scheme of two series-connected four-way valves and two one-way valves, or a scheme of one four-way valve and four one-way valves to achieve full recovery of waste heat, in this application, the scheme of the first four-way valve 10, the second four-way valve 11, and the three-way valve 12 is adopted to more accurately distribute the flow rate of the refrigerant in the air conditioner 100, so that the air conditioner 100 can not only achieve full recovery of waste heat, but also achieve partial recovery of waste heat, improve the comprehensive energy utilization rate of the air conditioning system, reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 100, and thus achieve the purpose of saving electricity bills.

[0045] Exemplarily, if it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is full heat recovery and the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is non-refrigeration, then by controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve 10, the second four-way valve 11, and the three-way valve 12, so that all the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows into the second pipeline and then flows back to the compressor 1 through the third pipeline, or, if the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is full heat recovery and the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is refrigeration, at this time, the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1 is guided to flow into the third pipeline after passing through the second pipeline; or, if it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is partial heat recovery and the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is non-refrigeration, then by controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve 10, the second four-way valve 11, and the three-way valve 12, so that a part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows into the second pipeline, so that another part of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows into the third pipeline; or, if the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is partial heat recovery and the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is refrigeration, at this time, the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1 is guided to flow into the third pipeline after passing through the first pipeline and the second pipeline, thereby realizing full heat recovery and partial heat recovery, improving the comprehensive energy utilization rate of the air conditioning system, reducing the power consumption of the air conditioner 100, and thus achieving the purpose of saving electricity bills.

[0046] According to the air conditioner 100 of an embodiment of the present invention, by the heat recovery state, i.e., the waste heat required to heat the domestic water in the water tank 2 and the refrigeration state, the conduction conditions of the first four-way valve 10, the second four-way valve 11, and the three-way valve 12 are controlled, so as to fully recover or partially recover the waste heat generated by the air conditioner 100 to heat the domestic water. Therefore, in this application, the first four-way valve 10, the second four-way valve 11, the three-way valve 12, the first pipeline, the second pipeline, and the third pipeline are adopted to more accurately distribute the flow rate of the cooler in the air conditioner 100, so that the air conditioner 100 can not only fully recover the waste heat, but also partially recover the waste heat, improve the comprehensive energy utilization rate of the air conditioning system, reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 100, and thus achieve the purpose of saving electricity bills.

[0047] In some embodiments, for determining the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 according to the water tank temperature, the controller is specifically configured as follows: if the water tank temperature is less than the first preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is the full heat recovery state; if the water tank temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature threshold and less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is the partial heat recovery state; if the water tank temperature is greater than the second preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is the stop heat recovery state.

[0048] Wherein, the temperature preset threshold is a temperature critical value preset for controlling the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100. The first temperature preset threshold and the second temperature preset threshold can be set according to the actual situation and are not specifically limited here. Among them, the first temperature preset threshold can be 45 °C, and the second temperature preset threshold can be 55 °C.

[0049] Specifically, if the water tank temperature is less than the first preset temperature threshold, at this time, more waste heat is needed to heat the water in the water tank 2, then it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is the full heat recovery state, that is, all the waste heat generated by the air conditioner 100 is distributed to the water tank 2; if the water tank temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature threshold and less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold, at this time, still some waste heat is needed to heat the water in the water tank 2, then it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is the partial heat recovery state, that is, part of the waste heat generated by the air conditioner 100 is distributed to the water tank 2; if the water tank temperature is greater than the second preset temperature threshold, at this time, no waste heat is needed to heat the water in the water tank 2, then it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is the stop heat recovery state.

[0050] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 3 As shown, when determining the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 according to the water tank temperature, the specific process of the controller includes the following steps.

[0051] Step S5: Determine whether the water tank temperature is lower than the first preset temperature threshold. If so, execute Step S6; if not, execute Step S7.

[0052] Step S6: The heat recovery state required by the air conditioner is the total heat recovery state.

[0053] Step S7: Determine whether the water tank temperature is higher than the second preset temperature threshold. If so, execute Step S8; if not, execute Step S9.

[0054] Step S8: The heat recovery state required by the air conditioner is the partial heat recovery state.

[0055] Step S9: The heat recovery state required by the air conditioner is the stop heat recovery state.

[0056] In some embodiments, for determining the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 according to the heat exchange temperature of the third heat exchanger 5, the controller is specifically configured to determine that the refrigeration state is non-refrigeration if the heat exchange temperature is lower than the third preset temperature threshold; and determine that the refrigeration state is refrigeration if the heat exchange temperature is greater than or equal to the third preset temperature threshold.

[0057] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 4 as shown, for determining the refrigeration state of the air conditioner according to the outlet water temperature, the specific process of the controller includes the following steps.

[0058] Step S10: Determine whether the heat exchange temperature is lower than the third preset temperature threshold. If so, execute Step S11; if not, execute Step S12.

[0059] Step S11: The refrigeration state of the air conditioner is non-refrigeration.

[0060] Step S12: The refrigeration state of the air conditioner is refrigeration.

[0061] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 shown, the air conditioner 100 further includes a first expansion valve 7, a second expansion valve 8, and a third expansion valve 9.

[0062] Among them, the first expansion valve 7 is arranged on the first pipeline, the second expansion valve 8 is arranged on the second pipeline, and the third expansion valve 9 is arranged on the third pipeline. For controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve 10, the second four-way valve 11, and the three-way valve 12 according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state, the controller is specifically configured to control the D end and the C end of the first four-way valve 10 to be connected, the D end and the E end of the second four-way valve 11 to be connected, the C end and the S end of the second four-way valve 11 to be connected, the first end and the second end of the three-way valve 12 to be connected, the first expansion valve 7 to be conductive and in a fully open state, the second expansion valve 8 to be conductive, and the third expansion valve 9 to be closed under the conditions that the heat recovery state is a full heat recovery state or a partial heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is non-refrigeration.

[0063] Specifically, if it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is a full heat recovery state and the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is non-refrigeration, or if it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is a partial heat recovery state and the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is non-refrigeration, then control the D end and the C end of the first four-way valve 10 to be connected, the D end and the E end of the second four-way valve 11 to be connected, the C end and the S end of the second four-way valve 11 to be connected, the first end and the second end of the three-way valve 12 to be connected, the first expansion valve 7 to be conductive and in a fully open state, the second expansion valve 8 to be conductive, and the third expansion valve 9 to be closed. The refrigerant flow direction at this time is as shown in Figure 5 shown. That is to say, the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1 flows into the D end of the first four-way valve 10, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 4 through the C end of the first four-way valve 10. That is, all the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1 flows into the second heat exchanger 4, and the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 4 is high-temperature refrigerant. The high-temperature refrigerant exchanges heat with the domestic water in the water tank 2. At this time, the second heat exchanger 4 uses the heat of all the refrigerant to heat the domestic water in the water tank 2. The heat-exchanged refrigerant flows into the second expansion valve 8 through the fourth end of the second heat exchanger 4 to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 4 to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant. Then, the throttled and depressurized refrigerant flows into the first heat exchanger 3 through the first expansion valve 7 in a fully open state. The first heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air, that is, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air to further reduce the temperature of the refrigerant. The heat-exchanged refrigerant flows into the first end of the three-way valve 12 through the first end of the first heat exchanger 3, and then flows back to the compressor 1 through the intake port of the compressor 1 after passing through the third end of the three-way valve 12. Thus, the air conditioner 100 realizes the full recovery or partial recovery of waste heat under the condition of non-refrigeration.

[0064] In some embodiments, for controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve 10, the second four-way valve 11, and the three-way valve 12 according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state, the controller is specifically configured to control the D end of the first four-way valve 10 to communicate with the C end of the first four-way valve 10, the E end of the first four-way valve 10 to communicate with the S end of the first four-way valve 10, the D end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the C end of the second four-way valve 11, the E end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve 11, the three-way valve 12 to be cut off, the first expansion valve 7 to be closed, the second expansion valve 8 to be conductive, and the third expansion valve 9 to be conductive under the condition that the heat recovery state is the full heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration.

[0065] Specifically, if it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is the full heat recovery state and the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is refrigeration, control the D end of the first four-way valve 10 to communicate with the C end of the first four-way valve 10, the E end of the first four-way valve 10 to communicate with the S end of the first four-way valve 10, the D end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the C end of the second four-way valve 11, the E end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve 11, the three-way valve 12 to be cut off, the first expansion valve 7 to be closed, the second expansion valve 8 to be conductive, and the third expansion valve 9 to be conductive. At this time, the refrigerant flow direction is as shown in Figure 6 That is to say, the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1 flows into the D end of the first four-way valve 10, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 4 through the C end of the first four-way valve 10. That is, all the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1 flows into the second heat exchanger 4, and the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 4 is high-temperature refrigerant. The high-temperature refrigerant exchanges heat with the domestic water in the water tank 2. At this time, the second heat exchanger 4 uses all the heat of all the refrigerant to heat the domestic water in the water tank 2, that is, the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is in the full heat recovery state. The heat-exchanged refrigerant flows into the second expansion valve 8 through the fourth end of the second heat exchanger 4 to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 4 to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant. Then the refrigerant after throttling and pressure reduction flows into the third expansion valve 9. The refrigerant after throttling and pressure reduction by the third expansion valve 9 further reduces the temperature of the refrigerant, and then flows into the third heat exchanger 5 through the second end of the third expansion valve 9. The refrigerant flowing in the third heat exchanger 5 exchanges heat with the indoor air to absorb indoor heat to reduce the indoor temperature, that is, the third heat exchanger 5 absorbs heat. At this time, the air conditioner 100 operates in the refrigeration mode. Then the heat-exchanged refrigerant flows into the E end of the second four-way valve 11 through the first end of the third heat exchanger 5, and then flows back to the compressor 1 through the S end of the second four-way valve 11 and the intake port of the compressor 1. Thus, the air conditioner 100 realizes the full recovery of waste heat under the condition of refrigeration.

[0066] In some embodiments, for controlling the conduction states of the first four-way valve 10, the second four-way valve 11, and the three-way valve 12 according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state, the controller is specifically configured to control the D end of the first four-way valve 10 to communicate with the C end of the first four-way valve 10, the E end of the first four-way valve 10 to communicate with the S end of the first four-way valve 10, the D end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the C end of the second four-way valve 11, the E end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve 11, the first end of the three-way valve 12 to communicate with the second end of the three-way valve 12, the first expansion valve 7 to be conductive and in a fully open state, the second expansion valve 8 to be conductive, and the third expansion valve 9 to be conductive under the condition that the heat recovery state is a partial heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration.

[0067] Specifically, if it is determined that the required heat recovery state of the air conditioner 100 is a partial heat recovery state and the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is refrigeration, control the D end of the first four-way valve 10 to communicate with the C end of the first four-way valve 10, the E end of the first four-way valve 10 to communicate with the S end of the first four-way valve 10, the D end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the C end of the second four-way valve 11, the E end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve 11, the first end of the three-way valve 12 to communicate with the second end of the three-way valve 12, the first expansion valve 7 to be conductive and in a fully open state, the second expansion valve 8 to be conductive, and the third expansion valve 9 to be conductive. At this time, the refrigerant flow direction is referred to Figure 7As shown, that is to say, part of the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1 flows into the D end of the second four-way valve 11, then flows into the second end of the three-way valve 12 through the C end of the second four-way valve 11, and then flows into the first heat exchanger 3 through the first end of the three-way valve 12. The first heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air, that is, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant. After heat exchange, the refrigerant flows into the third expansion valve 9 through the first expansion valve 7 in the fully open state. After the refrigerant is throttled and depressurized by the third expansion valve 19, the temperature of the refrigerant is further reduced, and then it flows into the third heat exchanger 5 through the second end of the third expansion valve 9. Another part of the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1 flows into the D end of the first four-way valve, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 4 through the C end of the first four-way valve, that is, part of the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1 flows into the second heat exchanger 4, and the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger 4 is high-temperature refrigerant. The high-temperature refrigerant exchanges heat with the domestic water in the water tank 3. At this time, the second heat exchanger 4 uses the heat of part of the refrigerant to heat the domestic water in the water tank 3. After heat exchange, the refrigerant flows into the second expansion valve 10 through the fourth end of the second heat exchanger 4 to adjust the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing out of the second heat exchanger 4 to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant, and then the refrigerant after throttling and depressurization flows into the third expansion valve 9 again. After the refrigerant is throttled and depressurized by the third expansion valve 9, the temperature of the refrigerant is further reduced, and then it flows into the third heat exchanger 5 through the second end of the third expansion valve 9. The refrigerant flowing in the third heat exchanger 5 exchanges heat with the indoor air to absorb the indoor heat to reduce the indoor temperature, that is, the third heat exchanger 5 absorbs heat. At this time, the air conditioner 100 operates in the cooling mode, and then the refrigerant after heat exchange flows into the E end of the second four-way valve 11 through the first end of the third heat exchanger 5, and then flows back to the compressor 1 through the S end of the second four-way valve 11 and into the intake port of the compressor 1. Thus, the air conditioner 100 realizes partial recovery of waste heat under the condition of refrigeration.

[0068] In some embodiments, the conduction states of the first four-way valve 10, the second four-way valve 11, and the three-way valve 12 are controlled according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state. The controller is specifically configured to control the S end of the first four-way valve 10 to communicate with the D end of the first four-way valve 10, the D end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the C end of the second four-way valve 11, the E end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve 11, the first end of the three-way valve 12 to communicate with the second end of the three-way valve 12, the first expansion valve 7 to conduct and be in the fully open state, the second expansion valve 8 to be closed, and the third expansion valve 9 to conduct under the condition that the heat recovery state is the stop heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration.

[0069] Specifically, if it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner 100 is the stop heat recovery state, and the refrigeration state of the air conditioner 100 is refrigeration, control the S end of the first four-way valve 10 to communicate with the D end of the first four-way valve 10, the D end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the C end of the second four-way valve 11, the E end of the second four-way valve 11 to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve 11, the first end of the three-way valve 12 to communicate with the second end of the three-way valve 12, the first expansion valve 7 to conduct and be in the fully open state, the second expansion valve 8 to close, and the third expansion valve 9 to conduct. At this time, the refrigerant flow direction reference Figure 8 is shown. That is to say, the refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1 flows into the D end of the second four-way valve 11, flows into the second end of the three-way valve 12 through the C end of the second four-way valve 11, and then flows into the first heat exchanger 3 through the first end of the three-way valve 12. The first heat exchanger 3 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air, that is, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air to reduce the refrigerant temperature. The refrigerant after heat exchange flows into the third expansion valve 9 through the fully open first expansion valve 7. The refrigerant after throttling and pressure reduction by the third expansion valve 9 further reduces the refrigerant temperature, and then flows into the third heat exchanger 5 through the second end of the third expansion valve 9. The refrigerant flowing in the third heat exchanger 5 exchanges heat with the indoor air to absorb the indoor heat to reduce the indoor temperature, that is, the third heat exchanger 5 absorbs heat. At this time, the air conditioner 100 operates in the refrigeration mode. Then the refrigerant after heat exchange flows into the E end of the second four-way valve 11 through the first end of the third heat exchanger 5, and then flows back to the compressor 1 through the S end of the second four-way valve 11 and the intake port of the compressor 1. Thus, the air conditioner 100 realizes refrigeration without recovering waste heat.

[0070] In some embodiments, when controlling the second expansion valve 8 to conduct, the controller is further configured to obtain the exhaust superheat of the compressor 1 and the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline; control the opening degree of the second expansion valve 8 according to the exhaust superheat and / or the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline. That is to say, under the conditions that the heat recovery state is the full heat recovery state or the partial heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is non-refrigeration, or under the conditions that the heat recovery state is the partial heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, when controlling the second expansion valve to conduct, control the opening degree of the second expansion valve according to the exhaust superheat and / or the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline.

[0071] Specifically, when the refrigerant flow rate in the air conditioner 100 is too large, the residence time of the refrigerant in the compressor 1 is relatively short, and the refrigerant cannot fully exchange heat with the compressor 1, resulting in insufficient superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust. When the refrigerant flow rate in the air conditioner 100 is too small, the residence time of the refrigerant in the compressor 1 is relatively long, and the refrigerant fully exchanges heat with the compressor 1, resulting in too high superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust. Also, the saturation temperature of the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline is the temperature when the refrigerant is in a saturated state (i.e., part liquid and part vapor coexist) at a certain refrigerant pressure. And the saturation temperature of the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline can heat the domestic water in the water tank only when it is greater than the water temperature of the water tank. Therefore, the opening degree of the second expansion valve 8 is controlled according to the superheat of the exhaust and / or the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline. For example, when controlling the opening degree of the second expansion valve 8 according to the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline, if the water temperature of the water tank is T1, then the opening degree of the second expansion valve 10 is adjusted to control the saturation temperature of the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline between T1 + 1°C and T1 + 3°C. Among them, if the saturation temperature of the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline is lower than T1, the opening degree of the second expansion valve 8 is reduced to decrease the refrigerant flow rate, so that the refrigerant can fully exchange heat with the compressor 1, thereby increasing the saturation temperature of the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline of the compressor 1. If the saturation temperature of the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline is greater than T1 + 3°C, the opening degree of the second expansion valve 8 is increased to increase the refrigerant flow rate, so that the refrigerant cannot fully exchange heat with the compressor 1, thereby reducing the saturation temperature of the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline of the compressor 1. Or, the opening degree of the second expansion valve 8 is controlled according to the superheat of the exhaust. Among them, the superheat of the exhaust refers to the difference between the exhaust temperature and the saturation temperature corresponding to the exhaust pressure. The superheat of the exhaust should be within a preset superheat range. The preset superheat range can be 15°C - 20°C. If the superheat of the exhaust is lower than the lower limit of the preset superheat range, it indicates that the refrigerant flow rate is too large at this time, and the opening degree of the second expansion valve 8 is reduced to decrease the refrigerant flow rate, so that the refrigerant can fully exchange heat with the compressor 1, thereby increasing the superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust and avoiding the problem of too low superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust. If the superheat of the exhaust is higher than the upper limit of the preset superheat range, it indicates that the refrigerant flow rate is too small at this time, and the opening degree of the second expansion valve 8 is increased to increase the refrigerant flow rate. At this time, the refrigerant cannot fully exchange heat with the compressor 1, thereby reducing the superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust and avoiding the problem of too high superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust.

[0072] Exemplarily, referring to Figure 9 As shown, for controlling the opening degree of the second expansion valve 10 according to the superheat of the exhaust and / or the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline, the specific process of the controller includes the following steps.

[0073] Step S13, obtain the superheat of the compressor's exhaust and the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline.

[0074] Step S14, control the opening degree of the second expansion valve according to the superheat of the exhaust and / or the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline.

[0075] In some embodiments, when controlling the third expansion valve 9 to be turned on, the controller is further configured to obtain the exhaust superheat degree of the compressor and the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline; and control the opening degree of the third expansion valve 9 according to the exhaust superheat degree and the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline. That is to say, under the conditions that the heat recovery state is the full heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, or under the conditions that the heat recovery state is the partial heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, or under the conditions that the heat recovery state is the stop heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, when controlling the third expansion valve 9 to be turned on, control the opening degree of the third expansion valve 9 according to the exhaust superheat degree and the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline.

[0076] Specifically, when the refrigerant flow rate in the air conditioner 100 is too large, the residence time of the refrigerant in the compressor 1 is relatively short, and the refrigerant cannot fully exchange heat with the compressor 1, resulting in insufficient superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust. When the refrigerant flow rate in the air conditioner 100 is too small, the residence time of the refrigerant in the compressor 1 is relatively long, and the refrigerant fully exchanges heat with the compressor 1, resulting in too high superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust. Also, the saturation temperature of the pipeline refrigerant pressure is the temperature when the refrigerant is in a saturated state (i.e., part liquid and part vapor coexist) under a certain refrigerant pressure. And the saturation temperature of the pipeline refrigerant pressure can heat the domestic water in the water tank only when it is greater than the water temperature of the water tank. Therefore, the opening degree of the third expansion valve 9 is controlled according to the superheat of the exhaust and / or the pipeline refrigerant pressure. For example, when controlling the opening degree of the third expansion valve 9 according to the pipeline refrigerant pressure, if the water temperature of the water tank is T1, then the opening degree of the third expansion valve 9 is used to control the saturation temperature of the pipeline refrigerant pressure between T1 + 1~T1 + 3°C. Among them, if the saturation temperature of the pipeline refrigerant pressure is lower than T1, the opening degree of the third expansion valve 9 is reduced to reduce the refrigerant flow rate, so that the refrigerant can fully exchange heat with the compressor 1, thereby increasing the saturation temperature of the pipeline refrigerant pressure of the compressor 1; if the saturation temperature of the pipeline refrigerant pressure is greater than T1 + 3°C, the opening degree of the third expansion valve 9 is increased to increase the refrigerant flow rate, so that the refrigerant cannot fully exchange heat with the compressor 1, thereby reducing the saturation temperature of the pipeline refrigerant pressure of the compressor 1. Or, the opening degree of the third expansion valve 9 is controlled according to the superheat of the exhaust. Among them, the superheat of the exhaust refers to the difference between the exhaust temperature and the saturation temperature corresponding to the exhaust pressure, and the superheat of the exhaust should be within a preset superheat range. The preset superheat range can be 15°C - 20°C. If the superheat of the exhaust is lower than the lower limit value of the preset superheat range, it means that the refrigerant flow rate is too large at this time, then the opening degree of the third expansion valve 9 is reduced to reduce the refrigerant flow rate, so that the refrigerant can fully exchange heat with the compressor 1, thereby increasing the superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust and avoiding the problem of too low superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust. If the superheat of the exhaust is higher than the upper limit value of the preset superheat range, it means that the refrigerant flow rate is too small at this time, then the opening degree of the third expansion valve 9 is increased to increase the refrigerant flow rate. At this time, the refrigerant cannot fully exchange heat with the compressor 1, thereby reducing the superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust and avoiding the problem of too high superheat of the compressor 1's exhaust.

[0077] Among them, referring to Figure 10 As shown, for controlling the opening degree of the third expansion valve 12 according to the superheat of the exhaust and / or the pipeline refrigerant pressure, the specific process of the controller includes the following steps.

[0078] Step S15, obtain the superheat of the compressor's exhaust and the pipeline refrigerant pressure Step S16, control the opening degree of the third expansion valve according to the superheat of the exhaust and the pipeline refrigerant pressure.

[0079] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to control the air conditioner 100 to stop operating when the water tank temperature is greater than a second preset temperature threshold and the heat exchange temperature is less than a third preset temperature threshold.

[0080] Specifically, when the water tank temperature is greater than the second preset temperature threshold, the temperature of the domestic water in the water tank 2 has reached the user's requirement. If heat recovery continues to heat the domestic water in the water tank, it will cause energy waste and may also pose a safety hazard due to the too high water tank temperature. And when the heat exchange temperature of the third heat exchanger 5 is less than the third preset temperature threshold, at this time the indoor temperature is very low, then the air conditioner 100 does not need to continue refrigerating, so the air conditioner 100 is controlled to stop operating. Thus, the air conditioner 100 is controlled to stop operating when the domestic water temperature is relatively high and the indoor temperature is relatively low, thereby avoiding energy waste.

[0081] The following refers to Figure 11 to illustrate the control process of the air conditioner 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention by way of example. The specific steps are as follows.

[0082] Step S17, start.

[0083] Step S18, the user inputs the operating mode of the air conditioner, where the operating mode is the refrigeration mode.

[0084] Among them, the user can input the operating mode of the air conditioner through the remote control, the air conditioner application program in the mobile terminal or the control panel on the body of the air conditioner, and input the operating mode of the air conditioner through operation methods such as language and gestures.

[0085] Step S19, the air conditioner enters the refrigeration mode.

[0086] Step S20, the refrigeration circulating water pump operates for 2 minutes.

[0087] Step S21, the controller determines whether the heat exchange temperature is less than the third preset temperature threshold. If so, execute step S39. If not, execute step S22.

[0088] Step S22, the controller determines whether the water tank temperature is less than the first preset temperature threshold. If so, execute step S23. If not, execute step S48.

[0089] Step S23, if the required heat recovery state of the air conditioner is the total heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, the third heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, and the refrigerant flowing in the third heat exchanger exchanges heat with the indoor air to absorb the indoor heat to reduce the indoor temperature, thereby realizing the refrigeration of the air conditioner.

[0090] Step S24, control the third end of the three-way valve to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve.

[0091] Step S25: Control the D port of the first four-way valve to communicate with the C port of the first four-way valve, control the D port of the second four-way valve to communicate with the C port of the second four-way valve, and control the E port of the second four-way valve to communicate with the S port of the second four-way valve.

[0092] Step S26: Control the second expansion valve to be fully open.

[0093] Step S27: Control the first expansion valve to close.

[0094] Step S28: Control the opening degree of the third expansion valve according to the exhaust superheat degree and / or the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline.

[0095] Step S29: The user sets the second preset temperature threshold, where the second preset temperature threshold can be 55°C.

[0096] Step S30: Judge whether the water tank temperature is greater than the second preset temperature threshold. If so, execute Step S32; if not, execute Step S31.

[0097] Step S31: Judge whether the water tank temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature threshold and less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold. If so, execute Step S48; if not, execute Step S21.

[0098] Step S32: If the required heat recovery state of the air conditioner is the stop heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration.

[0099] Step S33: Judge whether the heat exchange temperature is less than the third preset temperature threshold. If so, execute Step S55; if not, execute Step S34.

[0100] Step S34: Control the second expansion valve to close.

[0101] Step S35: Control the first expansion valve to be fully open.

[0102] Step S36: Control the opening degree of the second expansion valve according to the exhaust superheat degree and / or the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline.

[0103] Step S37: Control the second port of the three-way valve to communicate with the C port of the second four-way valve.

[0104] Step S38: Control the operating state of the fan according to the refrigerant pressure in the pipeline, and execute Step S21.

[0105] Step S39: Judge whether the water tank temperature is less than the first preset temperature threshold. If so, execute Step S40; if not, execute Step S22.

[0106] Step S40, if the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner is the total heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, the first heat exchanger serves as an evaporator, and the first heat exchanger exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the outdoor air, that is, the refrigerant releases heat to the outdoor air to further reduce the temperature of the refrigerant.

[0107] Step S41, control the third end of the three-way valve to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve.

[0108] Step S42, control the D end of the first four-way valve to communicate with the C end of the first four-way valve, and control the D end of the second four-way valve to communicate with the C end of the second four-way valve, and control the E end of the second four-way valve to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve.

[0109] Step S43, control the opening degree of the second expansion valve according to the exhaust superheat degree and / or the pipeline refrigerant pressure.

[0110] Step S44, control the second expansion valve to be fully open.

[0111] Step S45, control the third expansion valve to close.

[0112] Step S46, the user sets the second preset temperature threshold.

[0113] Step S47, determine whether the water tank temperature is greater than the second preset temperature threshold. If so, execute step S33. If not, execute step S30.

[0114] Step S48, if the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner is the partial heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration.

[0115] Step S49, the second end of the three-way valve communicates with the C end of the second four-way valve.

[0116] Step S50, control the D end of the first four-way valve to communicate with the C end of the first four-way valve, and control the D end of the second four-way valve to communicate with the C end of the second four-way valve, and control the E end of the second four-way valve to communicate with the S end of the second four-way valve.

[0117] Step S51, control the opening degree of the second expansion valve according to the exhaust superheat degree and / or the pipeline refrigerant pressure.

[0118] Step S52, control the first expansion valve to be fully open.

[0119] Step S53, control the opening degree of the third expansion valve according to the exhaust superheat degree and / or the pipeline refrigerant pressure.

[0120] Step S54, the user sets the second preset temperature and executes step S30.

[0121] Step S55, control the air conditioner to stop running.

[0122] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "schematic embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0123] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and purposes of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

[0124] In the description of this specification, any process or method description shown in the flowchart or described in other ways herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or part of code including one or more executable instructions for implementing a customized logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present invention includes additional implementations, where the functions can be executed in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the reverse order according to the functions involved, rather than in the order shown or discussed, which should be understood by those skilled in the technical field to which the embodiments of the present invention belong.

[0125] The logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or described in other ways herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing a logical function, and can be specifically implemented in any computer-readable medium for use by an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a system including a processor, or other systems that can fetch and execute instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device), or in combination with these instruction execution systems, apparatus, or devices. For the purposes of this specification, a "computer-readable medium" can be any device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include the following: an electrical connection portion having one or more wirings (electronic device), a portable computer diskette (magnetic device), a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber device, and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM). Additionally, a computer-readable medium can even be paper or other suitable media on which a program can be printed, because the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other media, followed by editing, interpretation, or other suitable processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0126] It should be understood that each part of the present invention can be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented by software or firmware stored in a memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented by hardware, as in another embodiment, any one or a combination of the following techniques well known in the art can be used: discrete logic circuits having logic gate circuits for implementing logical functions on data signals, application specific integrated circuits having appropriate combinational logic gate circuits, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and the like.

[0127] Those of ordinary skill in the art of this technology can understand that all or part of the steps carried by the method of the above embodiments can be completed by a program instructing relevant hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When the program is executed, it includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0128] In addition, each functional unit in various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically alone, or two or more units can be integrated into one module. The above integrated module can be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of a software functional module. When the integrated module is implemented in the form of a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0129] The above-mentioned storage medium can be a read-only memory, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0130] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to terms such as "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples", etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic descriptions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example.

[0131] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and purposes of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that: include: A water tank, wherein the water tank is used to store domestic water; A first heat exchanger, which is located outdoors and is used to exchange heat for the circulating refrigerant; A second heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger is connected to the water tank and is used to exchange heat for the domestic water; A third heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger is located indoors and is used to adjust the indoor temperature; a compressor having an exhaust port and an intake port; A first pipeline, a second pipeline and a third pipeline, wherein the head end of the first pipeline and the head end of the second pipeline are both used to connect to the exhaust port, the end of the first pipeline and the end of the second pipeline are both used to connect to the head end of the third pipeline, the end of the third pipeline is used to connect to the exhaust port, the first heat exchanger is located on the first pipeline, the second heat exchanger is located on the second pipeline, and the third heat exchanger is located on the third pipeline; a first four-way valve, wherein a D end of the first four-way valve is connected to the exhaust port, a C end of the first four-way valve is connected to the head end of the second pipeline, and an E end of the first four-way valve is connected to an S end of the first four-way valve and then connected to the air inlet; a second four-way valve, wherein a D end of the second four-way valve is connected to the exhaust port, an E end of the second four-way valve is connected to an end of the third pipeline, and an S end of the second four-way valve is connected to the air inlet; a three-way valve, wherein a first end of the three-way valve is connected to a head end of the first pipeline, a second end of the three-way valve is connected to a C end of the second four-way valve, and a third end of the three-way valve is connected to the air inlet; A controller, the controller being configured to: Determining the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner according to the water tank temperature; determining a cooling state of the air conditioner according to a heat exchange temperature of the third heat exchanger; The conductance of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve, and the three-way valve is controlled according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: For determining the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner according to the water tank temperature, the controller is specifically configured as follows: If the water tank temperature is lower than a first preset temperature threshold, determining that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner is a full heat recovery state; If the water tank temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature threshold and less than or equal to the second preset temperature threshold, determining that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner is a partial heat recovery state; If the water tank temperature is greater than the second preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the heat recovery state required by the air conditioner is a stop heat recovery state.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that: For determining the cooling state of the air conditioner according to the heat exchange temperature of the third heat exchanger, the controller is specifically configured as follows: If the heat exchange temperature is lower than a third preset temperature threshold, determining that the refrigeration state is non-refrigeration; If the heat exchange temperature is greater than or equal to the third preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the cooling state is cooling.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve and a third expansion valve, wherein the first expansion valve is arranged on the first pipeline, the second expansion valve is arranged on the second pipeline, and the third expansion valve is arranged on the third pipeline. For controlling the conduction of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve and the three-way valve according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state, the controller is specifically configured as follows: Under the condition that the heat recovery state is a full heat recovery state or a partial heat recovery state, and the refrigeration state is non-refrigeration, the D end of the first four-way valve is controlled to be connected to the C end of the first four-way valve, the D end of the second four-way valve is controlled to be connected to the E end of the second four-way valve, the C end of the second four-way valve is controlled to be connected to the S end of the second four-way valve, the first end of the three-way valve is controlled to be connected to the second end of the three-way valve, the first expansion valve is turned on and is in a fully open state, the second expansion valve is turned on, and the third expansion valve is closed.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve and a third expansion valve, wherein the first expansion valve is arranged on the first pipeline, the second expansion valve is arranged on the second pipeline, and the third expansion valve is arranged on the third pipeline. For controlling the conduction of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve and the three-way valve according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state, the controller is specifically configured as follows: Under the condition that the heat recovery state is the full heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, the D end of the first four-way valve is controlled to be connected with the C end of the first four-way valve, the E end of the first four-way valve is controlled to be connected with the S end of the first four-way valve, the D end of the second four-way valve is controlled to be connected with the C end of the second four-way valve, the E end of the second four-way valve is controlled to be connected with the S end of the second four-way valve, the three-way valve is cut off, the first expansion valve is closed, the second expansion valve is turned on, and the third expansion valve is turned on.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air conditioner further comprises a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve and a third expansion valve, wherein the first expansion valve is arranged on the first pipeline, the second expansion valve is arranged on the second pipeline, and the third expansion valve is arranged on the third pipeline. For controlling the conduction of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve and the three-way valve according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state, the controller is specifically configured as follows: Under the condition that the heat recovery state is a partial heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, the D end of the first four-way valve is controlled to be connected with the C end of the first four-way valve, the E end of the first four-way valve is controlled to be connected with the S end of the first four-way valve, the D end of the second four-way valve is controlled to be connected with the C end of the second four-way valve, the E end of the second four-way valve is controlled to be connected with the S end of the second four-way valve, the first end of the three-way valve is controlled to be connected with the second end of the three-way valve, the first expansion valve is controlled to be turned on and is in a fully open state, the second expansion valve is controlled to be turned on, and the third expansion valve is controlled to be turned on.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The air conditioner further includes a first expansion valve, a second expansion valve and a third expansion valve, wherein the first expansion valve is arranged on the first pipeline, the second expansion valve is arranged on the second pipeline, and the third expansion valve is arranged on the third pipeline, and the E end of the first four-way valve is connected to the S end of the first four-way valve. For controlling the conduction of the first four-way valve, the second four-way valve and the three-way valve according to the heat recovery state and the refrigeration state, the controller is specifically configured as follows: Under the condition that the heat recovery state is the stop heat recovery state and the refrigeration state is refrigeration, the S end of the first four-way valve is controlled to be connected with the D end of the first four-way valve, the D end of the second four-way valve is controlled to be connected with the C end of the second four-way valve, the E end of the second four-way valve is controlled to be connected with the S end of the second four-way valve, the first end of the three-way valve is controlled to be connected with the second end of the three-way valve, the first expansion valve is turned on and is in a fully open state, the second expansion valve is closed, and the third expansion valve is turned on.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 4 or 6, characterized in that: When controlling the second expansion valve to be turned on, the controller is further configured to: Obtaining the exhaust superheat of the compressor and the pipeline refrigerant pressure; The opening of the second expansion valve is controlled according to the exhaust gas superheat and / or the pipeline refrigerant pressure.

9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: When controlling the third expansion valve to be turned on, the controller is further configured to: Obtaining the exhaust superheat of the compressor and the pipeline refrigerant pressure; The opening degree of the third expansion valve is controlled according to the exhaust gas superheat and the pipeline refrigerant pressure.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller is also configured to: When the water tank temperature is greater than a second preset temperature threshold and the heat exchange temperature is less than a third preset temperature threshold, the air conditioner is controlled to stop running.

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