Explosion-proof method for combustible refrigerant and air conditioning equipment

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention discloses an anti-explosion method for a combustible refrigerant and air conditioning equipment. One specific implementation mode of the method is used for the air conditioning equipment. The air conditioning equipment comprises a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, a valve, a shell and a control panel. A pipeline bin and an electric control bin are arranged, and refrigerant sensors are installed on the pipeline bin and the electric control bin. The compressor, the heat exchanger and the valve are mounted in the pipeline bin; the control panel is mounted in the electric control cabin; the fan is communicated with the exhaust structure; the method comprises the steps that in response to electrification of the air conditioning equipment, the fan is started; in response to the fan running for the preset time, the refrigerating system is controlled to start running; continuously reading the first concentration data; in response to the fact that the first concentration data exceed a first preset value, the refrigerating system is controlled to stop running, and the fan is in a running state; when the first concentration data is lower than the first preset value, the air conditioner is controlled to stop running. According to the embodiment, when the flammable refrigerant leaks, the fan can be kept to operate, so that the use safety of the air conditioning equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the technical field of air conditioning, and more particularly to an explosion-proof method for flammable refrigerants and air conditioning equipment. Background Art

[0002] With the development of the air conditioning industry, green environmental protection has become the development trend of the industry. It has become a trend to adopt new refrigerants with a low global warming potential (GWP). However, many refrigerants with low GWP values are flammable. Currently, the method of using explosion-proof components is often adopted to prevent the deflagration of flammable refrigerants.

[0003] However, when the above method is adopted to prevent the deflagration of flammable refrigerants, there are often technical problems that the explosion-proof components only passively prevent sparks during the operation of the equipment and cannot actively reduce the gas concentration.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this background art section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the concept of the present disclosure, and thus, it may include information that does not form the prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art in this country. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The content part of the present disclosure is used to introduce the concepts in a brief form, and these concepts will be described in detail in the following detailed implementation part. The content part of the present disclosure is not intended to identify the key features or essential features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed technical solution.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure propose an explosion-proof method for flammable refrigerants and air conditioning equipment to solve one or more of the technical problems mentioned in the above background art section.

[0007] In a first aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an explosion-proof method for a flammable refrigerant, which is used for an air-conditioning device. The air-conditioning device includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, a valve, a housing, and a control board. The interior of the housing is divided into a pipeline compartment and an electric control compartment, and refrigerant sensors are installed inside both the pipeline compartment and the electric control compartment. The compressor, the heat exchanger, and the valve are all installed in the pipeline compartment. The control board is installed inside the electric control compartment. The fan is communicated with the exhaust structure on the housing. The method includes: in response to the power-on of the air-conditioning device, starting the fan to operate at a preset speed; in response to the fan operating for a preset time, controlling the refrigeration system of the air-conditioning device to start operating; continuously reading the first concentration data detected by the refrigerant sensor, where the first concentration data refers to the concentration value of the gaseous flammable refrigerant inside the housing; in response to the first concentration data exceeding a first preset value, controlling the refrigeration system to stop operating, where the fan is in an operating state; in response to the first concentration data being lower than the first preset value, controlling the air-conditioning device to stop operating.

[0008] Optionally, there are at least two refrigeration systems. The method further includes: detecting the working states of the respective refrigeration systems; in response to detecting a refrigeration system in a shutdown state, controlling the fans corresponding to the respective refrigeration systems in the shutdown state to operate at a preset time interval.

[0009] Optionally, before in response to the fan operating for a preset time and controlling the refrigeration system of the air-conditioning device to start operating, the method further includes: in response to the first concentration data exceeding a second preset value, controlling an alarm device to start, where the alarm device includes a buzzer, and the second preset value is less than the first preset value.

[0010] In a second aspect, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air-conditioning device that applies any of the explosion-proof methods for a flammable refrigerant described in the first aspect. The air-conditioning device includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, a valve, a housing, and a control board. The interior of the housing is divided into a pipeline compartment and an electric control compartment, and refrigerant sensors are installed inside both the pipeline compartment and the electric control compartment. The compressor, the heat exchanger, and the valve are all installed in the pipeline compartment. The control board is installed inside the electric control compartment. The fan is communicated with the exhaust structure on the housing.

[0011] Optionally, all the live parts of the air-conditioning device are explosion-proof parts.

[0012] Optionally, the above-mentioned pipeline compartment and the above-mentioned electronic control compartment are separated by a partition, and the air between the above-mentioned pipeline compartment and the above-mentioned electronic control compartment does not circulate; the above-mentioned compressor, the above-mentioned heat exchanger and the above-mentioned valves are connected by pipelines; the above-mentioned exhaust structure includes an air outlet, wherein the above-mentioned fan is installed at the above-mentioned air outlet; ventilation holes are provided on the above-mentioned outer shell, and the total opening area of the above-mentioned ventilation holes is obtained through the first formula; both the above-mentioned pipeline compartment and the above-mentioned electronic control compartment communicate with the outside through the above-mentioned ventilation holes.

[0013] Optionally, the above-mentioned ventilation holes are provided on the side surface of the above-mentioned outer shell, and a panel is installed on the surface.

[0014] Optionally, a communication hole is provided on the above-mentioned partition, and a pipeline is installed in the above-mentioned communication hole; a sealing device is sleeved on the above-mentioned pipeline; the above-mentioned sealing device is in close fit with the above-mentioned communication hole.

[0015] Optionally, a ventilation panel is installed at the above-mentioned air outlet.

[0016] Optionally, a buzzer and a flash lamp are installed on the top surface of the above-mentioned outer shell; both the above-mentioned buzzer and the above-mentioned flash lamp are communicatively connected to the above-mentioned control board.

[0017] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for preventing explosion of combustible refrigerants and an air-conditioning device, which can improve the safety of using the air-conditioning device. Specifically, the reason for the low safety of using most air-conditioning devices is that most air-conditioning devices only use explosion-proof components and do not have a method for dealing with the leakage of combustible refrigerants, and cannot actively reduce the gas concentration when the combustible refrigerant leaks. Based on this, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for preventing explosion of combustible refrigerants for an air-conditioning device. Among them, the above air-conditioning device includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, a valve, a housing, and a control board; the interior of the housing is divided into a pipeline compartment and an electrical control compartment, and refrigerant sensors are installed inside both the pipeline compartment and the electrical control compartment; the compressor, the heat exchanger, and the valve are all installed in the pipeline compartment; the control board is installed inside the electrical control compartment; the fan is communicated with the exhaust structure on the housing; and the method includes: in response to the power-on of the air-conditioning device, starting the fan to run at a preset speed; in response to the fan running for a preset time, controlling the refrigeration system of the air-conditioning device to start running; continuously reading the first concentration data detected by the refrigerant sensor, where the first concentration data refers to the concentration value of the gaseous combustible refrigerant inside the housing; in response to the first concentration data exceeding a first preset value, controlling the refrigeration system to stop running, where the fan is in an operating state; in response to the first concentration data being lower than the first preset value, controlling the air-conditioning device to stop running. The refrigerant sensor can detect whether the combustible refrigerant leaks. When the combustible refrigerant leaks, the function of only keeping the fan running can be realized through the communication connection with the control board, and thus the gas concentration can be actively reduced when the combustible refrigerant leaks. Thereby, the safety of using the air-conditioning device is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In combination with the accompanying drawings and with reference to the following specific embodiments, the above and other features, advantages, and aspects of the various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent. Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and the elements and elements are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0019] Figure 1 is a flowchart of some embodiments of the method for preventing explosion of combustible refrigerants according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an air-conditioning device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided to more thoroughly and completely understand the present disclosure. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of the present disclosure are only for illustrative purposes and are not used to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0022] In addition, it should be noted that for the convenience of description, only parts related to the relevant invention are shown in the drawings. Without conflict, the embodiments in the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0023] It should be noted that the concepts such as "first" and "second" mentioned in the present disclosure are only used to distinguish different devices, modules or units, and are not used to limit the order or interdependence relationship of the functions performed by these devices, modules or units.

[0024] It should be noted that the modifications of "one" and "multiple" mentioned in the present disclosure are illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art should understand that unless otherwise clearly stated in the context, it should be understood as "one or more".

[0025] The names of the messages or information exchanged between multiple devices in the embodiments of the present disclosure are only for illustrative purposes and are not used to limit the scope of these messages or information.

[0026] The present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 shows a flow 100 of some embodiments of an explosion-proof method for a flammable refrigerant of some embodiments of the present disclosure. The explosion-proof method for the flammable refrigerant includes the following steps:

[0028] Step 101, in response to the power-on of the air-conditioning equipment, start the fan to operate at a preset speed.

[0029] In some embodiments, the execution entity of the explosion-proof method for flammable refrigerants can be an air-conditioning device. The above-mentioned execution entity can start the fan to operate at a preset speed in response to the power-on of the air-conditioning device. Among them, the above-mentioned air-conditioning device can include a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, valves, a housing, and a control board. Among them, the above-mentioned compressor can be of a cylindrical structure. As the core component of the refrigeration system, it compresses gaseous flammable refrigerants (such as R32, R290), increases their pressure and temperature, and drives the refrigerant to circulate in the pipeline to achieve the energy conversion of the refrigeration cycle. The overall appearance of the above-mentioned heat exchanger can be a flat cuboid, and heat transfer is achieved through the phase change of the refrigerant (from gaseous to liquid or from liquid to gaseous). The above-mentioned fan can be an explosion-proof fan and can be used for the circulating flow of the gas inside the air-conditioning device. There can be more than one such fan in the same air-conditioning device. The above-mentioned valves can include an expansion valve (throttle valve) and a solenoid valve. The above-mentioned expansion valve throttles and reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant, making it become low-pressure liquid and enter the evaporator to evaporate and absorb heat. The above-mentioned solenoid valve can be controlled to be turned on and off. When the above-mentioned control board issues a shutdown command, the solenoid valve can be powered off and closed to cut off the refrigerant pipeline and prevent new refrigerant leakage. The above-mentioned housing can be of a cuboid structure and can provide an installation space for each functional component (such as a compressor, a heat exchanger, a valve), and provide a certain degree of protection for each component. The above-mentioned control board can be a circuit board integrated with a microprocessor (such as a single-chip microcomputer, PLC), a sensor interface, and a control signal output module, and has the capabilities of data processing, logical judgment, and device control. The inside of the above-mentioned housing can be divided into a pipeline compartment and an electrical control compartment. Dividing the inside into a pipeline compartment and an electrical control compartment can isolate the mechanical components containing flammable refrigerants (compressor, heat exchanger, valve) from the electrical components (control board), and to a certain extent avoid the leaked refrigerant from contacting the electrical sparks in the electrical control compartment. Refrigerant sensors can be installed inside both the above-mentioned pipeline compartment and the above-mentioned electrical control compartment. The above-mentioned refrigerant sensors can be selected according to the type of flammable refrigerant. For example, a semiconductor refrigerant sensor (suitable for flammable refrigerants of the hydrofluorocarbon type, such as R32): detects the concentration by using the change in the conductivity of the semiconductor material after adsorbing the gas. The above-mentioned compressor, the above-mentioned heat exchanger, and the above-mentioned valves can all be installed in the above-mentioned pipeline compartment. The above-mentioned control board can be installed inside the above-mentioned electrical control compartment. This can isolate the mechanical components containing flammable refrigerants from the electrical components, and to a certain extent avoid the leaked refrigerant from contacting the electrical sparks in the electrical control compartment, reducing the risk of refrigerant deflagration. The above-mentioned fan can be connected to the exhaust structure on the above-mentioned housing. The above-mentioned exhaust structure can be the air outlet and air inlet provided on the above-mentioned housing. The above-mentioned fan can be directly aligned with the above-mentioned air outlet, and the above-mentioned air inlet can be provided on the corresponding housing of the above-mentioned pipeline compartment and the above-mentioned electrical control compartment to ensure that the air in both compartments can be sucked out to a certain extent.

[0030] The above preset rotational speed may be the rated rotational speed of the above-mentioned fan. In practice, after the air-conditioning device is powered on, the above-mentioned execution entity receives a power-on signal and can issue an instruction (such as a high-level signal) to start the above-mentioned fan. The above-mentioned fan operates at the rated rotational speed.

[0031] Step 102, in response to the fan running for a preset time, control the refrigeration system of the air-conditioning device to start running.

[0032] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned execution entity can, in response to the fan running for a preset time, control the refrigeration system of the air-conditioning device to start running. Among them, the above-mentioned preset time may be 15 seconds to 3 minutes, mainly to ensure sufficient time for ventilation and air change. The specific time can be changed according to the size of the gas volume of the air-conditioning housing, and no specific limitation is made here. The above-mentioned refrigeration system refers to a component combination that realizes refrigeration through the compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation cycle of a refrigerant. For example, the above-mentioned refrigeration system may include a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, valves, and a refrigerant pipeline.

[0033] In practice, the above-mentioned execution entity can record the running time of the above-mentioned fan through a preset timer. When the fan runs for the preset time (such as 30 seconds), a signal is sent to start the above-mentioned refrigeration system. Among them, the above-mentioned timer works based on a counter. The above-mentioned timer can be set to different working modes, such as upward counting, downward counting, or central-aligned counting mode. Taking the upward counting mode as an example, the timer starts from 0 and counts according to a preset clock frequency (provided by the control board crystal oscillator, such as 72 MHz). When the value of the counter reaches the preset count value, an interrupt signal is generated, and this interrupt signal is the key to triggering subsequent operations. For example, the initial count value of the timer can be set to the count value corresponding to 30 seconds (converted according to the clock frequency. If the clock frequency is 1 MHz, the count value corresponding to 30 seconds is 30000000). When the counter accumulates to this value, an interrupt is triggered.

[0034] It should be noted that in order to enhance safety, in the above-mentioned step 102, while detecting whether the fan has run for the preset time, it is additionally determined whether the refrigerant sensor detects the leakage of combustible refrigerant. When it is determined that there is no leakage of combustible refrigerant, the above-mentioned refrigeration system is started.

[0035] Step 103, continuously read the first concentration data detected by the refrigerant sensor.

[0036] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned execution entity can continuously read the first concentration data detected by the refrigerant sensor. Among them, the above-mentioned first concentration data refers to the concentration value of gaseous combustible refrigerant inside the housing.

[0037] In practice, the execution entity may collect the concentration data of the two refrigerant sensors in the pipeline compartment and the electric control compartment at a fixed frequency (eg, 100 ms / time), and take the maximum value as the first concentration data.

[0038] Step 104: in response to the first concentration data exceeding a first preset value, controlling the refrigeration system to stop operating.

[0039] In some embodiments, the execution subject may control the refrigeration system to stop operating in response to the first concentration data exceeding the first preset value. The fan is in operation to continue to flow air inside the air-conditioning device to reduce the concentration of the flammable refrigerant as much as possible. The first preset value refers to a concentration value close to the lower explosion limit of the flammable refrigerant, which may vary according to the different refrigerants and the different gas volumes inside the air-conditioning device, and is not specifically limited here.

[0040] In practice, the execution subject can disconnect the power supply of the refrigeration system through a relay or a solid-state relay in response to the first concentration data being greater than the first preset value, and the valve can be automatically closed after power failure (such as the solenoid valve is closed due to power failure), thereby ensuring that there is no new refrigerant leakage to a certain extent. In addition, the independent power supply of the fan can be controlled to start supplying power to the fan.

[0041] Step 105: in response to the first concentration data being lower than a first preset value, controlling the air conditioning device to stop operating.

[0042] In some embodiments, the execution entity may control the air conditioning device to stop operating in response to the first concentration data being lower than a first preset value.

[0043] In practice, the execution entity may detect that the first concentration data is less than the first preset value for three consecutive times, each time at an interval of 30 seconds, and then deem the risk eliminated, shut down the fan and the components connected to the fan, stop the air-conditioning equipment and enter standby mode.

[0044] Optionally, after executing step 101 and before executing step 102, the execution subject may also control the alarm device to start in response to the first concentration data exceeding the second preset value. The alarm device may include a buzzer. The second preset value may be a warning value that is lower than the shutdown threshold of the first preset value. The purpose of setting the second preset value is that after the fan has run for a preset time and before the refrigeration system is started, if the concentration of the flammable refrigerant exceeds the second preset value, the alarm device (such as a buzzer) is immediately started to remind the user that there is a risk of leakage, so as to facilitate early troubleshooting and avoid the concentration from further increasing to a dangerous level (such as the concentration level corresponding to the first preset value).

[0045] In practice, the above-mentioned execution entity can read the above-mentioned first concentration data of the above-mentioned refrigerant sensor (taking the maximum value from the refrigerant sensors in the pipeline compartment and the electronic control compartment). If the above-mentioned first concentration data is greater than the above-mentioned second preset value and less than the above-mentioned first preset value, for example, the second preset value = 2% LFL, the first preset value = 3.5% LFL, where LFL is the lower flammable limit, then an alarm is triggered. The alarm method can be that the above-mentioned execution entity outputs a high-level signal to the interface of the above-mentioned buzzer, driving the above-mentioned buzzer to emit continuous or intermittent sounds (such as sounding once per second and continuously alarming) until the above-mentioned first concentration data drops below the above-mentioned second preset value or the whole machine shuts down. If the above-mentioned first concentration data is greater than the above-mentioned first preset value, then directly execute the above-mentioned step 104.

[0046] Optionally, the above pipeline compartment may also be provided with a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. Among them, the above pressure sensor can be installed on the pipeline in the above pipeline compartment. The above pressure sensor can be a piezoresistive or capacitive pressure sensor (suitable for high-pressure refrigerant environment), and can have a stainless-steel shell and a threaded interface (such as M12×1.5) for connecting the refrigerant pipeline. The above pressure sensor can be connected in series on the main refrigerant pipeline in the above pipeline compartment (such as the compressor outlet or the expansion valve inlet), and at least 1 can be installed in each refrigeration system. The above pressure sensor can detect the pressure of the combustible refrigerant in the pipeline in real time (such as the normal operating pressure of R32 is about 1.6 - 2.5 MPa), and output a 4 - 20 mA or 0 - 5 V signal to the above control board, which can be used to judge whether the system leaks or is abnormal. The above temperature sensor can be a thermocouple (for high-temperature scenarios) or an NTC thermistor (for medium and low-temperature scenarios), and the probe can be a metal needle shape. The above temperature sensor can be installed on the surface of the above compressor and the surface of the above heat exchanger. When installed on the above compressor, it can be installed by sticking (fixed on the surface with thermal conductive silicone); when installed on the above heat exchanger, it can be installed by winding (the probe fits the finned pipeline). The above temperature sensor can detect the surface temperatures of the above compressor and the above heat exchanger, and assist in judging the operating state of the system (such as overheating caused by poor heat dissipation). The above pressure sensor and the above temperature sensor can be connected to the above control board through an analog signal interface (ADC) or a digital interface (I2C, Modbus). The above pipeline compartment can also be installed with a gas storage tank. The above gas storage tank can be a cylindrical metal tank (made of stainless steel or carbon steel), with a wall thickness of 3 - 5 mm. Nitrogen can be filled inside the above gas storage tank. The purpose is that when the concentration of the combustible refrigerant still exceeds the standard after emergency treatment (such as continuously rotating the fan to discharge the combustible refrigerant), nitrogen in the gas storage tank is released to dilute the concentration of the combustible refrigerant. In order to realize the automatic control of the release of nitrogen, an electronic valve can be provided on the above gas storage tank. The above electronic valve can receive the on-off signal of the above control board (such as high level to open, low level to close) through a relay or a solid-state relay, and then realize the release of nitrogen. The above execution entity can also execute the following steps:

[0047] In the first step, continuously read the environmental data collected by the refrigerant sensor, the pressure sensor, and the temperature sensor. Among them, the above environmental data may include the above first concentration data, pipeline pressure data, and temperature data. The above pipeline pressure data may refer to the pressure value in the refrigerant pipeline measured by the above pressure sensor. The above temperature data may refer to the surface temperature values of the above compressor and the above heat exchanger measured by the above temperature sensor. In practice, the above execution entity can adopt a timed polling mechanism (such as once every 50 ms), and synchronously read the above environmental data through the control board I / O interface.

[0048] Second step, in response to the first concentration data being greater than the second preset value and less than the first preset value, and the pipeline pressure data being within the preset pressure range, keep the alarm device silent. Among them, the above-mentioned first concentration data is greater than the above-mentioned second preset value and less than the above-mentioned first preset value. The above-mentioned preset pressure range refers to the normal working pressure range of the combustible refrigerant in the pipeline of the above-mentioned air conditioning equipment, which can be used to judge whether the refrigerant leaks, whether the pipeline is blocked, or whether the compressor fails. The preset value can be stored using EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and the data will not be lost when the power is off. The purpose of this step is to reduce the possibility of false alarms to a certain extent. When the above-mentioned pipeline pressure data is within the above-mentioned preset pressure range, it can prove to a certain extent that the combustible refrigerant has not leaked in a large amount. Even if the above-mentioned first concentration data is greater than the above-mentioned second preset value and less than the above-mentioned first preset value, no alarm processing will be performed. It should be noted that in order to further improve safety, when it is detected that the above-mentioned first concentration data is greater than the above-mentioned first preset value, and the above-mentioned pipeline pressure data is within the above-mentioned preset pressure range, even if there may be a possibility of false alarm, the alarm device will be activated to give an alarm.

[0049] In practice, the above-mentioned execution entity can refrain from activating the above-mentioned alarm device to give a warning when it detects that the above-mentioned first concentration data is greater than the above-mentioned second preset value and less than the above-mentioned first preset value, and the above-mentioned pipeline pressure data is within the above-mentioned preset pressure range. For example, assume that the above-mentioned first concentration data is 3% LFL, the above-mentioned second preset value is 2% LFL, the above-mentioned first preset value is 5% LFL, the above-mentioned pipeline pressure data is 1.7 Mpa, and the above-mentioned preset pressure range is 1.5 - 2.5 MPa. Then at this time, the above-mentioned execution entity will not activate the above-mentioned alarm device.

[0050] In the third step, in response to the first concentration data being less than the second preset value, and the pipeline pressure data not being within the preset pressure range, and the temperature data not being within the preset temperature range, control the alarm device to start. Herein, the above-mentioned preset temperature range refers to the surface temperature range of the above-mentioned compressor and the above-mentioned heat exchanger during normal operation, for example, it can be 60 - 80 °C. Since the above-mentioned temperature data can have two sources (compressor and heat exchanger), the higher temperature can be used as the judgment basis here. In practice, the above-mentioned execution entity can control the above-mentioned alarm device to start when detecting that the above-mentioned first concentration data is less than the above-mentioned second preset value, and the above-mentioned pipeline pressure data is not within the above-mentioned preset pressure range, and the above-mentioned temperature data is not within the preset temperature range. For example, assume that the above-mentioned first concentration data is 1.53% LFL, the above-mentioned second preset value is 1.6% LFL, the above-mentioned pipeline pressure data is 1.3 Mpa, the above-mentioned preset pressure range is 1.5 - 2.5 Mpa, and the above-mentioned temperature data is 90 °C (the preset temperature range is 60 - 80 °C), then control the above-mentioned alarm device to start.

[0051] In the fourth step, record the time point when the first concentration data is higher than the first preset value. In practice, the above-mentioned execution entity can use an independent RTC chip (such as DS3231), and store the above-mentioned time point as an 8-byte structure (year, month, day, hour, minute, second, millisecond) through the I2C interface, and record the time point when the above-mentioned first concentration data is higher than the above-mentioned first preset value into the memory (integrated on the above-mentioned control board). It should be noted that the above-mentioned time point can be used to generate an alarm log subsequently.

[0052] In the fifth step, in response to the fan having run for a preset time from the time point, read the concentration data at this time to obtain the second concentration data. Herein, the above-mentioned second concentration data can be the concentration value of the remaining combustible refrigerant inside the air-conditioning equipment after the above-mentioned first concentration data is higher than the above-mentioned first preset value and the fan has run for a preset time. The main function of this step is to detect whether it is effective to reduce the concentration of combustible refrigerant by using the fan. In practice, the above-mentioned execution entity can start timing from when it detects that the above-mentioned first concentration data is higher than the above-mentioned first preset value. When the fan has run for a preset time (such as 2 minutes), detect the concentration value of the combustible refrigerant again to obtain the above-mentioned second concentration data.

[0053] In the sixth step, compare the second concentration data with the first preset value. In practice, the above-mentioned execution entity can compare the above-mentioned second concentration data with the above-mentioned first preset value through a conditional statement. If the above-mentioned second concentration data is greater than the above-mentioned first preset value, an opening instruction (such as a low-level signal) can be issued.

[0054] Step 7: In response to the second concentration data being greater than the first preset value, control the electronic valve to open. In practice, after detecting that the second concentration data is greater than the first preset value, the above-mentioned execution entity can determine that the combustible refrigerant is severely leaked, and it is difficult to dilute the concentration of the combustible refrigerant in a short time only by the above-mentioned fan. At this time, the above-mentioned execution entity can send a high-level or low-level signal to the above-mentioned electronic valve to open the above-mentioned electronic valve. The nitrogen gas stored in the above-mentioned gas storage tank can be released and filled inside the air-conditioning equipment to assist in diluting the concentration of the combustible refrigerant.

[0055] The above-mentioned first step to seventh step, as an inventive point of the embodiment of the present disclosure, solves the technical problem of "false alarms are likely to occur in the explosion-proof method for combustible refrigerants". The factors that cause false alarms in the explosion-proof method for combustible refrigerants are as follows: Currently, the commonly used explosion-proof method for combustible refrigerants only relies on the refrigerant sensor to detect whether the combustible refrigerant leaks. However, relying solely on the refrigerant sensor to detect the concentration may lead to misjudgment or missed judgment due to sensor drift and environmental interference (such as oil fume and water vapor). If the above-mentioned factors are solved, the effect of reducing false alarms in the explosion-proof method for combustible refrigerants can be achieved. To achieve this effect, the present disclosure additionally provides a method of joint monitoring by multiple sensors, which intuitively judges whether the refrigerant leaks by simultaneously determining the concentration of the combustible refrigerant and the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant pipeline. And it is supplemented by the surface temperatures of the compressor and the heat exchanger to judge whether the components fail. Thus, the effect of reducing false alarms in the explosion-proof method for combustible refrigerants is achieved.

[0056] Optionally, in the same air-conditioning equipment, there can be two sets of the above-mentioned refrigeration systems. The above-mentioned execution entity can also execute the following steps:

[0057] Step 1: Detect the working states of each refrigeration system. Among them, the above-mentioned working states can include running and shutdown. In practice, the above-mentioned execution entity can detect the compressor current of each set of refrigeration systems by detecting the current sensor connected in series in the compressor power supply circuit. If there is current in the compressor, it is determined as the "running state". If there is no current in the compressor, it is determined as the "shutdown state".

[0058] Step 2: In response to detecting a refrigeration system in a shutdown state, control the fans corresponding to each refrigeration system in the shutdown state to operate at a preset time interval. Herein, the above-mentioned preset time interval can be preset by the manufacturer or set by the user according to the refrigerant leakage rate (for example, if it is expected that a small leakage needs 10 minutes to accumulate to the alarm threshold, the above-mentioned preset time interval can be set to 10 minutes), and no specific limitation is made here. In practice, the above-mentioned execution entity can send a start command to the fan corresponding to the refrigeration system determined to be in the shutdown state to operate for 2 minutes, and no specific limitation is made here, as long as it can ensure that the corresponding pipeline compartment is ventilated at least once. After the operation ends, control the above-mentioned fan to start again after the above-mentioned preset time interval (such as 10 minutes).

[0059] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an explosion-proof method for combustible refrigerants, which can improve the safety of using air-conditioning equipment. Specifically, the reason for the low safety of using most air-conditioning equipment is that most air-conditioning equipment only uses explosion-proof components and does not have a processing method for dealing with the leakage of combustible refrigerants, and cannot actively reduce the gas concentration when the combustible refrigerant leaks. Based on this, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an explosion-proof method for combustible refrigerants for air-conditioning equipment. Among them, the above-mentioned air-conditioning equipment includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, a valve, a housing, and a control board; the interior of the above-mentioned housing is divided into a pipeline compartment and an electric control compartment, and refrigerant sensors are installed inside both the above-mentioned pipeline compartment and the above-mentioned electric control compartment; the above-mentioned compressor, the above-mentioned heat exchanger, and the above-mentioned valve are all installed in the above-mentioned pipeline compartment; the control board is installed inside the above-mentioned electric control compartment; the above-mentioned fan is communicated with the exhaust structure on the above-mentioned housing; and the above-mentioned method includes: in response to the above-mentioned air-conditioning equipment being powered on, starting the above-mentioned fan to operate at a preset speed; in response to the above-mentioned fan operating for a preset time, controlling the refrigeration system of the above-mentioned air-conditioning equipment to start running; continuously reading the first concentration data detected by the above-mentioned refrigerant sensor, where the above-mentioned first concentration data refers to the concentration value of the gaseous combustible refrigerant inside the above-mentioned housing; in response to the above-mentioned first concentration data exceeding a first preset value, controlling the above-mentioned refrigeration system to stop running, where the above-mentioned fan is in an operating state; in response to the above-mentioned first concentration data being lower than the above-mentioned first preset value, controlling the above-mentioned air-conditioning equipment to stop running. The refrigerant sensor can detect whether the combustible refrigerant leaks. When the combustible refrigerant leaks, the function of only keeping the fan running can be realized through the communication connection with the control board, and thus the gas concentration can be actively reduced when the combustible refrigerant leaks. Thereby, the safety of using air-conditioning equipment is improved.

[0060] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an air-conditioning equipment according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It includes a compressor 1, a heat exchanger 2, a fan 3, a pipeline compartment 4, a partition 5, an electric control compartment 6, an extension structure 7, and a ventilation window 8.

[0061] In some embodiments, the above-mentioned air-conditioning equipment may include a compressor 1, a heat exchanger 2, a blower 3, valves, a housing, and a control board. Among them, the above-mentioned compressor 1 may have a cylindrical structure. As the core component of the refrigeration system, it compresses gaseous combustible refrigerants (such as R32, R290), increases their pressure and temperature, and drives the refrigerant to circulate in the pipeline to achieve the energy conversion of the refrigeration cycle. The overall appearance of the above-mentioned heat exchanger 2 may be a flat cuboid, and heat transfer is achieved through the phase change of the refrigerant (gas to liquid or liquid to gas). The above-mentioned blower 3 may be an explosion-proof blower, which can be used for the circulating flow of the gas inside the air-conditioning equipment. There may be more than one blower 3 in the same air-conditioning equipment. The above-mentioned valves may include an expansion valve (throttle valve) and a solenoid valve. The above-mentioned expansion valve throttles and reduces the pressure of the high-pressure liquid refrigerant, making it into low-pressure liquid and entering the evaporator to evaporate and absorb heat. The above-mentioned solenoid valve can perform on-off control. When the above-mentioned control board issues a shutdown instruction, the solenoid valve can be powered off and closed to cut off the refrigerant pipeline and prevent new refrigerant leakage. The above-mentioned housing may be a cuboid structure, which can provide an installation space for each functional component (such as a compressor, a heat exchanger, valves, a control board) and provide a certain degree of protection for each component. The above-mentioned control board may be a circuit board integrated with a microprocessor (such as a single-chip microcomputer, PLC), a sensor interface, and a control signal output module, and has the capabilities of data processing, logical judgment, and equipment control. The inside of the above-mentioned housing can be divided into a pipeline compartment 4 and an electrical control compartment 6. Dividing the inside of the above-mentioned housing into a pipeline compartment 4 and an electrical control compartment 6 reduces the risk of electrical faults or explosions caused by the contact between refrigerant leakage and electrical components. Especially when the live components of the air-conditioning equipment are explosion-proof components, this isolation further enhances the safety performance. For example, in some industrial environments, if the refrigerant leaks into the electrical control compartment 6 and encounters an electrical spark, it is extremely likely to cause danger, and the isolation design can effectively avoid such situations. In addition, the two compartments are independently arranged, which is convenient for targeted heat dissipation and air flow management. The ventilation path and ventilation volume can be reasonably designed according to their respective heat dissipation requirements. For example, for the pipeline compartment 4, a large amount of heat is generated when the compressor and heat exchanger inside it are operating. The independent ventilation design can more efficiently take away this heat and ensure the stable refrigeration or heating performance of the equipment to a certain extent. In addition, the division of the pipeline compartment 4 and the electrical control compartment 6 can make the internal structure of the equipment clearer. When maintenance personnel perform maintenance and troubleshooting, they can quickly locate the area where the problem lies. The above-mentioned compressor 1, the above-mentioned heat exchanger 2, and the above-mentioned valves can be connected through pipelines so that the refrigerant can circulate. Refrigerant sensors can be installed inside both the pipeline compartment 4 and the electrical control compartment 6. The above-mentioned refrigerant sensors can be selected according to the type of combustible refrigerant. For example, a semiconductor refrigerant sensor (suitable for combustible refrigerants such as hydrofluorocarbons, such as R32): it detects the concentration by using the change in the conductivity of the semiconductor material after adsorbing the gas. By real-time analyzing the data collected by the refrigerant sensors in the two compartments, potential faults can be detected in a timely manner.Once the refrigerant concentration in the pipeline compartment is abnormal, it may indicate problems such as system leakage or compressor failure. At this time, the refrigerant sensor transmits the data to the above control board, and the above control board can trigger an alarm according to the preset program to remind the user or maintenance personnel to conduct inspections and repairs in a timely manner. The above-mentioned fan 3 can be communicated with the exhaust structure on the above-mentioned housing.

[0062] Optionally, the energized components (such as fans, compressors, heat exchangers, etc.) of the above air-conditioning equipment can all be explosion-proof components. This can prevent electrical sparks from igniting the leaked combustible refrigerant.

[0063] Optionally, the above pipeline compartment 4 and the above electronic control compartment 6 can be separated by a partition 5, and the air between the above pipeline compartment 4 and the above electronic control compartment 6 can be non-circulating. The above partition 5 can be a metal plate-like structure. The above compressor 1, the above heat exchanger 2, and the above valves can all be installed in the above pipeline compartment 4. The above control board can be installed inside the above electronic control compartment 6. This can isolate the mechanical components containing combustible refrigerant from the electrical components, to a certain extent avoid the leaked refrigerant from contacting the electrical sparks in the electronic control compartment 6, and reduce the risk of refrigerant deflagration. The above exhaust structure can be the air outlet and ventilation holes provided on the above housing. The above fan 3 can be installed at the above air outlet, and the above ventilation holes can be provided on the corresponding housing of the above pipeline compartment 4 and the above electronic control compartment 6, so that both the above pipeline compartment 4 and the above electronic control compartment 6 are communicated with the outside through the above ventilation holes, to ensure that the air in both compartments can be sucked out to a certain extent. The above ventilation holes can be opened at multiple positions simultaneously. The above ventilation holes can be provided on both the side and the bottom panel, which can further enhance the air circulation effect. The side ventilation holes are responsible for the preliminary exchange of the overall air, and the bottom panel ventilation holes focus on the close-range heat dissipation of the heating components. This multi-position design can more flexibly adjust the air flow rate and direction according to the heat distribution in different areas during the operation of the equipment, ensure that the air in the above pipeline compartment 4 and the electronic control compartment 6 can be fully updated, maintain the equipment operating within a suitable temperature range, and at the same time better meet the ventilation requirements in different usage environments. The above ventilation holes can be provided with more than one. For the air intake effect, the total opening area of the above ventilation holes can be obtained through the first formula. Among them, the above first formula is as follows:

[0064] A = (Q / V) / t

[0065] Wherein, A represents the total area of the ventilation holes, Q represents the internal air volume of the air conditioner, V represents the wind speed of the ventilation holes, and t represents the time when the leaked combustible refrigerant theoretically exceeds the explosion accumulation.

[0066] Optionally, the above ventilation holes can be provided on the side surface of the above housing, and a panel can be installed on the surface. The above ventilation holes can be a plurality of small holes distributed on the side surface of the above housing. The above panel can be a metal mesh or a plastic plate with heat dissipation holes. The above ventilation holes can provide an air intake channel, and the above panel can prevent dust and insects from entering.

[0067] Optionally, as Figure 2 shown, communication holes can be provided on the above partition 5, and pipes can be installed in the above communication holes. It should be noted that the above communication holes are not shown in the drawings. The above communication holes refer to the holes opened on the above partition 5 through which pipes can pass. The components in the above pipeline compartment 4 and the electronic control compartment 6 are connected through the above pipes to realize communication between the components in the two compartments. A sealing device can be sleeved on the above pipes, and the above sealing device can be closely attached to the above communication holes. The above sealing device can be a rubber ring or a sealing ring, which is tightly sleeved on the outside of the above pipes to realize the relative sealing of the above pipeline compartment 4 and the above electronic control compartment 6.

[0068] Optionally, a ventilation panel can be installed at the above air outlet. The above ventilation panel can be a metal grid or a plastic grille, covering the above air outlet, with a flow guiding groove or a louver structure. The above ventilation panel can protect the fan blades, prevent foreign objects from entering, and at the same time optimize the air outlet direction (such as guiding the flow and reducing noise).

[0069] Optionally, a buzzer and a flash lamp can be installed on the top surface of the above housing. Both the above buzzer and the above flash lamp can be communicatively connected to the above control board. The above buzzer can be a circular plastic housing. The above flash lamp can be an LED lamp group. The above buzzer can emit a sound, and the above flash lamp can flash, for fault alarm (such as refrigerant leakage).

[0070] Optionally, as Figure 2As shown, the above ventilation holes can be located on the bottom panel of the above housing. The above ventilation holes can be holes provided on the above bottom panel and can be used for heat dissipation at the bottom of the air conditioning device. The side panel of the above housing can be provided with an extension structure 7 protruding from the above bottom panel. The above extension structure 7 can be a flange structure extending downward from the bottom of the side panel. The purpose is to support the bottom panel of the air conditioning device. Assuming that the above bottom panel is directly attached to the installation surface, the above ventilation holes opened on the above bottom panel will become ineffective. A reinforcing rib can be provided at the connection between the above extension structure 7 and the above bottom panel. The above reinforcing rib can be a triangular or strip-shaped protrusion at the connection between the above extension structure 7 and the above bottom panel, and the purpose is to strengthen the strength of the above bottom panel and the above extension structure 7. Both the above compressor 1 and the above heat exchanger 2 can be installed on the above bottom panel. The above ventilation holes can be provided in an area adjacent to the above compressor 1 and the above heat exchanger 2, and can directly absorb external cold air to cool the above compressor 1 and the above heat exchanger 2 installed at the bottom. A vent window 8 can be installed on the above extension structure 7. The above vent window 8 can allow external air to enter the space at the bottom of the air conditioning device surrounded by the above extension structure 7 and the above bottom panel, so as to ensure that the ventilation holes opened on the above bottom panel can ventilate normally. Elastic buckles can be provided on both sides of the above vent window 8. The above elastic buckles can be plastic buckles and can be snapped into the card slots of the extension structure 7 to achieve quick installation and disassembly of the vent window 8. An insect-proof net can be installed inside the above vent window 8. Magnets can be provided around the above insect-proof net. The above insect-proof net can be a metal net or a nylon net, and the edge is embedded with a magnet, and can be adsorbed on the frame of the vent window 8 through the magnet, used to filter sundries such as insects and leaves in the air, and is convenient for disassembly and cleaning. Even if some small sundries enter the space at the bottom of the air conditioning device and block some of the ventilation holes, the above vent window 8 can be removed for cleaning. This cleaning method does not require moving the air conditioning device and is suitable for quick operation by a single person. The above vent window 8 can include blades (similar to the blades of a louver, but the tilt angle cannot be adjusted). The above blades can be arranged horizontally and form a preset angle (such as 45°) with the above side panel, can control the intake direction, and at the same time prevent rainwater from directly invading the space at the bottom of the air conditioning device to protect the bottom of the air conditioning device (such as the bottom panel) from being easily rusted. It should be noted that, Figure 2 The above elastic buckles, the above blades and the above insect-proof net are not shown.

[0071] As an inventive point of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the above optional embodiments solve the technical problem of "inconvenient cleaning of the bottom space of the air conditioning equipment". The factors that cause the inconvenient cleaning of the bottom space of the air conditioning equipment are as follows: In order to ensure the use effect of the ventilation holes on the bottom plate of the air conditioning equipment, air windows are usually provided in the extension structure below the air conditioning equipment. The currently common form of air windows is usually to directly open windows in the extension structure, which makes it easy for sundries to enter the space at the bottom of the air conditioning equipment, thereby affecting the ventilation effect of the ventilation holes opened on the bottom panel. And the air conditioning equipment is generally large in size, and it is difficult for a single person to clean it by moving the air conditioning equipment. If the above factors are solved, the cleaning convenience of the bottom space of the air conditioning equipment can be improved. To achieve this effect, the present disclosure additionally provides a detachable air window. On the one hand, the detachable air window can block some sundries from entering the space at the bottom of the air conditioner through a detachable insect-proof net. On the other hand, even if some tiny sundries enter the space at the bottom of the air conditioning equipment and block some ventilation holes, the air window can be removed for cleaning. This cleaning method does not require moving the air conditioning equipment and is suitable for quick operation by a single person. Thus, the cleaning convenience of the bottom space of the air conditioning equipment is improved.

[0072] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air conditioning equipment that can actively reduce the gas concentration when a combustible refrigerant leaks. Specifically, the reason why most air conditioning equipments cannot actively reduce the gas concentration when a combustible refrigerant leaks is that: most air conditioning equipments only use explosion-proof components and do not have the function of detecting whether a combustible refrigerant leaks and lack a treatment method for dealing with the leakage of a combustible refrigerant. Based on this, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an air conditioning equipment configured to execute Figure 1 any of the corresponding explosion-proof methods for combustible refrigerants, wherein the above air conditioning equipment includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, a valve, a housing and a control board; the interior of the above housing is divided into a pipeline compartment and an electric control compartment, and refrigerant sensors are installed inside both the above pipeline compartment and the above electric control compartment; the above compressor, the above heat exchanger and the above valve are all installed in the above pipeline compartment; the control board is installed inside the above electric control compartment; the above fan is communicated with the exhaust structure on the above housing; the above pipeline compartment and the above electric control compartment are separated by a partition, and the air between the above pipeline compartment and the above electric control compartment does not circulate; the above compressor, the above heat exchanger and the above valve are connected by pipelines; the above exhaust structure includes an air outlet, wherein the above fan is installed at the above air outlet; ventilation holes are provided on the above housing, and the total opening area of the above ventilation holes is obtained by a first formula; both the above pipeline compartment and the above electric control compartment are communicated with the outside through the above ventilation holes. The refrigerant sensor can detect whether a combustible refrigerant leaks. When a combustible refrigerant leaks, the function of only keeping the fan running can be realized through the communication connection with the control board. Thus, the gas concentration can be actively reduced when a combustible refrigerant leaks.

[0073] The above description is only some preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and an explanation of the applied technical principles. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the technical solutions formed by the specific combination of the above technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by any combination of the above technical features or their equivalent features without departing from the above inventive concept. For example, the technical solutions formed by mutually replacing the above features with the technical features (but not limited to) disclosed in the embodiments of the present disclosure that have similar functions.

Claims

1. A method for preventing explosion of flammable refrigerants, used in air conditioning equipment, wherein: The air conditioning equipment includes a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, a valve, a casing and a control panel; The interior of the shell is divided into a pipeline compartment and an electric control compartment, and refrigerant sensors are installed inside the pipeline compartment and inside the electric control compartment; The compressor, the heat exchanger and the valve are all installed in the pipeline compartment; The control panel is installed inside the electric control compartment; The fan is in communication with the exhaust structure on the housing; as well as The method comprises: In response to the air conditioning device being powered on, starting the fan to run at a preset speed; In response to the fan running for a preset time, controlling the refrigeration system of the air-conditioning equipment to start running; Continuously reading first concentration data detected by the refrigerant sensor, wherein the first concentration data refers to a concentration value of the gaseous flammable refrigerant in the housing; In response to the first concentration data exceeding a first preset value, controlling the refrigeration system to stop operating, wherein the fan is in an operating state; In response to the first concentration data being lower than the first preset value, the air conditioning device is controlled to stop operating.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The refrigeration system comprises at least two sets; and the method further comprises: Detecting the working status of each of the refrigeration systems; In response to detecting that a refrigeration system is in a shutdown state, fans corresponding to each refrigeration system in a shutdown state are controlled to operate at preset time intervals.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Before controlling the refrigeration system of the air-conditioning equipment to start operating in response to the fan operating for a preset time, the method further includes: In response to the first concentration data exceeding a second preset value, an alarm device is controlled to be activated, wherein the alarm device includes a buzzer, and the second preset value is smaller than the first preset value.

4. An air conditioning device, configured to perform the explosion prevention method for flammable refrigerants according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the air conditioning device comprising a compressor, a heat exchanger, a fan, a valve, a housing and a control panel; The interior of the shell is divided into a pipeline compartment and an electric control compartment, and refrigerant sensors are installed inside the pipeline compartment and inside the electric control compartment; The compressor, the heat exchanger and the valve are all installed in the pipeline compartment; The control panel is installed inside the electric control compartment; The fan is communicated with the exhaust structure on the shell.

5. The air conditioning device according to claim 4, wherein: The live parts of the air-conditioning equipment are all explosion-proof parts.

6. The air conditioning device according to claim 4, wherein: The pipeline compartment and the electric control compartment are separated by a partition, and air does not circulate between the pipeline compartment and the electric control compartment; The compressor, the heat exchanger and the valve are connected via a pipeline; The exhaust structure comprises an air outlet, wherein the fan is installed at the air outlet; Ventilation holes are provided on the housing, and the total opening area of ​​the ventilation holes is obtained by a first formula; The pipeline compartment and the electric control compartment are both connected to the outside through the ventilation holes.

7. The air conditioning device according to claim 6, wherein: The ventilation holes are arranged on the side of the shell, and a panel is installed on the surface.

8. The air conditioning device according to claim 6, wherein: The partition is provided with a communication hole, and a pipeline is installed in the communication hole; The pipeline is provided with a sealing device; The sealing device is tightly fitted with the communicating hole.

9. The air conditioning device according to claim 6, wherein: The air outlet is equipped with a ventilation panel.

10. The air conditioning device according to claim 4, wherein: A buzzer and a flash light are installed on the top surface of the shell; The buzzer and the flashlight are both connected to the control board for communication.

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