Novel energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses a novel energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator and a control method, and relates to the technical field of refrigeration. The device comprises a box body, a novel energy storage heat exchange system and a control system, the novel energy storage heat exchange system comprises an energy storage body containing a cold storage medium; the cooling channel penetrates through the air duct system of the energy storage body; the heat exchange part is communicated with the vehicle-mounted refrigerating system and comprises a first heat exchange structure in contact with the cold storage medium; and the air guide part drives air to flow through the cooling channel. The first heat exchange structure is provided with a channel and / or a heat exchange piece used for circulating a refrigerant of the vehicle-mounted refrigerating system, and the first heat exchange structure is used for efficiently transmitting the cooling capacity of the refrigerant of the vehicle-mounted refrigerating system to the cold storage medium and / or transmitting the cooling capacity to air through the wall of the cooling channel. Optionally, a second heat exchange structure is arranged in the cooling channel to further strengthen heat exchange of the air. By optimizing the heat exchange structure, the efficiency of refrigerating and cold accumulation by using the vehicle-mounted refrigerating system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and particularly to a new type of energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator and a control method therefor. Background Art

[0002] As cars have become an important part of modern life, people's requirements for vehicle-mounted comfort and convenience have been increasing day by day. A vehicle-mounted refrigerator, as a device that can provide refrigerated or frozen food and beverages for drivers and passengers, has received extensive attention. Currently, there are mainly two types of vehicle-mounted refrigerators on the market: thermoelectric refrigerators and compressor refrigerators.

[0003] Thermoelectric refrigerators use the Peltier effect for refrigeration. The advantages are simple structure, small size, no noise and vibration caused by moving parts, and relatively low cost. However, its disadvantages are also very prominent: low refrigeration efficiency, resulting in high energy consumption; limited refrigeration capacity, usually only able to achieve a temperature difference of 15 - 20°C lower than the ambient temperature, making it difficult to meet the requirements of refrigerated storage or even freezing; slow cooling speed.

[0004] Compressor refrigerators adopt a vapor compression refrigeration cycle similar to that of household refrigerators, which can provide fast and strong refrigeration effects, can reach refrigeration temperatures below 0°C and even freezing temperatures of -18°C, and the refrigeration efficiency is also relatively high. However, such refrigerators need to be equipped with a complete set of refrigeration systems, including a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a throttling device, etc., resulting in their complex structure, large volume, and heavy weight. They not only occupy the vehicle interior space but may also affect the vehicle's fuel economy or driving range. At the same time, the compressor generates certain noise and vibration during operation, affecting the driving experience. In addition, the cost of such refrigerators is also relatively high.

[0005] More importantly, both of the above two types of vehicle-mounted refrigerators face a common problem: how to continue refrigerating after the vehicle engine is turned off. The traditional solution is to rely on the vehicle's battery for power supply, but this will consume a large amount of electrical energy, which may affect the normal startup of the vehicle. Especially in the case of long-term parking, after the battery runs out of power, the refrigerator loses its refrigeration capacity, and the internal temperature rises rapidly, unable to ensure the storage quality of items.

[0006] To address these issues, researchers began to explore solutions for integrating in-vehicle refrigerators with the vehicle's own air-conditioning system. Vehicle air-conditioning systems typically have a refrigeration power far exceeding the requirements of the refrigerator. Utilizing their "surplus" cooling capacity to refrigerate the refrigerator can eliminate the compressor and condenser that come with the refrigerator, thereby achieving miniaturization, lightweight, low noise, and low cost. However, simple integration methods, such as directly introducing the cold air from the air conditioner or through a simple external heat exchanger, often suffer from problems such as low heat transfer efficiency, inaccurate temperature control, and the inability to utilize cold storage. Some solutions introducing the concept of cold storage can, to a certain extent, solve the problem of refrigeration after the engine is turned off, but there is still room for improvement in aspects such as the efficiency of cold storage / discharge, the compactness of the structure, and the intelligence of the control strategy. For example, how to efficiently store the cooling capacity in a limited volume? How to quickly and effectively release the stored cooling capacity to the interior of the refrigerator? How to intelligently manage the cold storage and discharge processes according to actual needs and vehicle conditions? How to meet the user's demand for deep freezing (such as -18°C) while integrating the air-conditioning system? These are challenges that the existing technologies have not been able to perfectly solve.

[0007] Therefore, developing a new type of cold storage technology solution that can not only make full use of the advantages of existing cold sources but also achieve long-term refrigeration after the engine is turned off through efficient cold storage technology, while being compact in structure, quiet in operation, and having intelligent temperature control capabilities and an optional deep refrigeration function, has important practical significance and market value. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the problem of low cooling capacity transfer efficiency in a cold storage system that uses the cold source of an in-vehicle air conditioner to store cold in a cold storage medium and refrigerate air. Existing technical solutions often lack optimization in the heat exchange structure design between the cold source and the cold storage medium, between the cold source and the flowing air, and between the cold storage medium and the flowing air, resulting in a slow cold storage speed, poor direct refrigeration effect on air, and low overall energy efficiency, thus affecting the performance of devices such as in-vehicle refrigerators. The main objective of the present invention is to provide a new type of energy storage in-vehicle refrigerator to significantly improve the transfer efficiency of cooling capacity among various media within the system.

[0009] To solve the above technical problems, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a new type of energy storage in-vehicle refrigerator, comprising:

[0010] A box body that defines a storage space;

[0011] A new type of energy storage heat exchange system installed on the box body, the air inlet and outlet of whose air duct system are both in communication with the storage space;

[0012] A control system for controlling the working state of the new type of energy storage heat exchange system;

[0013] The novel energy storage heat exchange system includes:

[0014] An energy storage body for absorbing and storing the cold quantity transferred from the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system; the energy storage body includes a housing having an internal accommodation space and a cold storage medium filled in the internal accommodation space;

[0015] An air duct system, including: an air inlet passage having at least one air inlet for air to enter; an air outlet passage having at least one air outlet for air to discharge; a cooling passage penetrating through the internal accommodation space of the energy storage body and sealed with the energy storage body, and both ends of the cooling passage are respectively communicated with the air inlet passage and the air outlet passage;

[0016] A heat exchange part, communicating with the refrigerant of the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system and adapted to receive the cold quantity of the refrigerant; the heat exchange part includes a first heat exchange structure in contact with the cold storage medium;

[0017] An air guiding part for driving air to flow through the air inlet passage, the cooling passage and the air outlet passage in sequence;

[0018] Wherein, when the refrigerant is introduced into the first heat exchange structure, the first heat exchange structure is adapted to cool the cold storage medium to store cold quantity, and / or directly cool the air flowing through the cooling passage; and, the air flowing through the cooling passage is adapted to exchange heat with the cold storage medium and / or the first heat exchange structure to be cooled, and the cooled air is sent out from the air outlet passage.

[0019] As a preferred technical solution, the cooling passage includes at least one air duct; the outer wall of the air duct is in direct contact with the cold storage medium and / or the first heat exchange structure. This enables the air to flow through the air duct and efficiently exchange heat with the external cold storage medium or the first heat exchange structure through the air duct wall.

[0020] As a preferred technical solution, the first heat exchange structure includes at least one first heat exchange fin for increasing the heat exchange area between the refrigerant and the cold storage medium, and at least one cold source passage for the refrigerant to flow through; the cold source passage is at least partially immersed in the cold storage medium. By providing the first heat exchange fins and the immersed cold source passage, the contact area and heat exchange efficiency between the cold source and the cold storage medium are significantly increased, which is beneficial to rapid cold storage.

[0021] As a preferred technical solution, the first heat exchange fin is connected to the outer wall of the air duct. This structure combines the heat exchange fin with the air duct wall, enabling the cold source to not only efficiently cool the cold storage medium, but also directly transfer its cold quantity to the air flowing through the air duct through the heat exchange fin and the air duct wall, achieving the dual effects of cold storage and direct refrigeration.

[0022] As a preferred technical solution, the cold source channel is connected to the outer wall of the first heat exchange fin and / or the cooling channel. This arrangement ensures the close combination of the cold source channel and the heat dissipation structure, which is conducive to the rapid conduction of cold.

[0023] As a preferred technical solution, the cooling channel includes at least one air duct; the heat exchange part further has a second heat exchange structure located inside the air duct, and the second heat exchange structure includes at least one second heat exchange fin for increasing the heat exchange area between the air flowing through the air duct and the cold source. Adding a second heat exchange structure inside the air duct can directly perform forced cooling on the air, further improving the refrigeration efficiency and the temperature reduction speed.

[0024] As a preferred technical solution, the second heat exchange fin is connected to the inner wall of the air duct. This ensures sufficient contact between the heat exchange fin and the flowing air.

[0025] As a preferred technical solution, the heat exchange part further includes a temperature control valve, which is arranged on the pipeline for introducing the cold source into the heat exchange part and is used to adjust the cold source flow rate flowing into the heat exchange part according to the temperature of the energy storage body. Through the temperature control valve, the cold source flow rate can be intelligently controlled according to the cold storage demand, avoiding excessive cold storage or waste of cold.

[0026] As a preferred technical solution, the air guiding part includes a fan; a fan is provided at least at one of the positions between the air inlet channel and the cooling channel, or between the air outlet channel and the cooling channel, at the air inlet, at the air outlet, and inside the cooling channel. The fan provides the power for air flow, and its position can be flexibly selected according to the specific design.

[0027] As a preferred technical solution, the control system includes: a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the storage space; a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the energy storage body; a controller electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the air guiding part; the controller is used to control the opening and closing of the air guiding part according to the detection results of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. By real-time monitoring the temperature inside the refrigerator and the temperature of the cold storage body, the operation of the fan is controlled on demand, achieving the purpose of precise temperature control and energy saving.

[0028] As a preferred technical solution, when the new energy storage heat exchange system includes a temperature control valve, the controller is also electrically connected to the temperature control valve and is used to control the opening and closing or the opening degree of the temperature control valve according to the detection result of the second temperature sensor and / or the vehicle operation state. Incorporating the temperature control valve into the control system can manage the cold storage process more intelligently.

[0029] As a preferred technical solution, the vehicle-mounted refrigerator further includes a cold air inlet air duct; the cold air inlet air duct guides the cooled air from the air outlet passage of the air duct system to the upper region of the storage space and sends it out. Optimizing the air supply path of the cold air helps to form a more uniform temperature distribution in the storage space.

[0030] As a preferred technical solution, at least a part of the cold air inlet air duct is arranged on the outer wall of the box body. This arrangement can reduce the occupation of the storage space.

[0031] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a new type of energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator. The vehicle-mounted refrigerator includes a box body defining a storage space, a new type of energy storage heat exchange system installed on the box body, and a control system for controlling the working state of the new type of energy storage heat exchange system. The new type of energy storage heat exchange system includes: an energy storage body, an air duct system, a heat exchange part communicating with a vehicle-mounted refrigeration system, and a wind guiding part for driving air to flow through the energy storage body for heat exchange; the energy storage body includes a shell having an internal accommodation space and a cold storage medium filled in the internal accommodation space. The air inlet and air outlet of the air duct system are both communicated with the storage space. The control method includes the following steps:

[0032] Obtain the actual temperature TC in the storage space served by the energy storage heat exchange system and the target temperature TS set by the user.

[0033] Obtain the actual temperature TX of the energy storage body and the cold storage saturation temperature TXb of the cold storage medium.

[0034] According to the comparison result between the actual temperature TC and the target temperature TS, and the comparison result between the actual temperature TX and the cold storage saturation temperature TXb, control the running state of the wind guiding part and the interaction state between the heat exchange part and the refrigerant.

[0035] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the step of controlling the running state of the wind guiding part and the interaction state between the heat exchange part and the refrigerant includes:

[0036] When it is detected that the actual temperature TC is greater than a first temperature threshold determined based on the target temperature TS, turn on the wind guiding part and make the heat exchange part receive cold from the refrigerant.

[0037] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the step of controlling the running state of the wind guiding part and the interaction state between the heat exchange part and the refrigerant further includes:

[0038] When it is detected that the actual temperature TC is less than the second temperature threshold determined based on the target temperature TS, and the actual temperature TX is greater than the third temperature threshold determined based on the cold storage saturation temperature TXb, the air guiding part is closed, and the state where the heat exchange part receives cold from the refrigerant is maintained to prioritize cold storage.

[0039] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the step of controlling the operating state of the air guiding part and the interaction state between the heat exchange part and the refrigerant further includes:

[0040] When it is detected that the actual temperature TC is less than the second temperature threshold and the actual temperature TX is less than the fourth temperature threshold determined based on the cold storage saturation temperature TXb, the heat exchange part is stopped from receiving cold from the refrigerant, and the air guiding part is turned on after a preset delay time.

[0041] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange part includes a temperature control valve; the step of making the heat exchange part receive the refrigerant from the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system includes opening the temperature control valve; the step of stopping the heat exchange part from receiving the refrigerant from the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system includes closing the temperature control valve.

[0042] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, after the step of sending a start signal to the compressor of the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system, it further includes:

[0043] Detect the vehicle operating state, and determine whether the vehicle is in mode 1 where the vehicle-mounted air conditioner evaporator or the battery cooling system is working, or in mode 2 where neither the vehicle-mounted air conditioner evaporator nor the battery cooling system is working;

[0044] If in mode 1, control the compressor to operate at a preset high speed VH;

[0045] If in mode 2, control the compressor to operate at a preset low speed VL.

[0046] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, when the heat exchange part stops receiving the refrigerant from the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system and the vehicle is in mode 2, a stop signal is sent to the compressor.

[0047] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0048] 1. Efficient heat exchange: Through the optimized design of the first heat exchange structure (the first heat exchange fin, the cold source channel is immersed) and the second heat exchange structure (the second heat exchange fin), the heat exchange efficiency from the cold source to the cold storage medium, from the cold source to the air, and from the cold storage medium to the air is significantly improved.

[0049] 2. Quick cold storage and refrigeration: The efficient heat exchange structure enables faster cold storage speed, and at the same time, the ability to directly cool air is enhanced, improving the refrigeration response speed.

[0050] 3. Compact structure optimization: The close integration of the heat exchange structure with the energy storage body and the cooling channel is conducive to the miniaturization and integration of the system.

[0051] 4. Extended off-line cold preservation time: Efficient cold storage means that more cold energy can be stored, thus extending the cold preservation time after the vehicle engine is turned off.

[0052] 5. Improvement of the temperature uniformity inside the box: Combined with the optimized cold air inlet duct, the temperature distribution inside the refrigerator can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0053] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0054] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a new type of energy storage heat exchange system provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional view of a new type of energy storage heat exchange system provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 3 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional view of another new type of energy storage heat exchange system provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 4 FIG. is a schematic cross-sectional view of a new type of energy storage heat exchange system including a second heat exchange structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 5 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a new type of composite heat exchange system including a secondary refrigeration part in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 6 FIG. is a schematic three-dimensional sectional view of a new type of composite heat exchange system including a secondary refrigeration part in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a new type of energy storage vehicle refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 8 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a new type of composite heat exchange vehicle refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention

[0062] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of a three - dimensional partial section of a new type of composite heat - exchange vehicle refrigerator provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 10 It is a schematic flow diagram of a control method for a new type of energy - storage heat - exchange system (without a secondary refrigeration part) provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 11 It is a schematic flow diagram of a control method for a new type of composite heat - exchange system (with a secondary refrigeration part) provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Wherein:

[0066] 10. Energy storage body; 11. Shell; 111. Internal accommodation space; 12. Cold storage medium;

[0067] 20. Air duct system; 21. Air inlet channel; 22. Air outlet channel; 23. Cooling channel;

[0068] 30. Heat - exchange part; 31. First heat - exchange structure; 311. First heat - exchange fin; 312. Cold source channel;

[0069] 32. Second heat - exchange structure; 321. Second heat - exchange fin; 33. Temperature control valve;

[0070] 40. Air - guiding part; 41. Fan;

[0071] 50. Secondary refrigeration part; 51. Semiconductor refrigeration element; 52. Heat - dissipation structure; 521. Third heat - exchange fin; 53. Cold - dissipation structure; 531. Fourth heat - exchange fin;

[0072] 100. Vehicle refrigerator; 110. Box body; 120. Storage space;

[0073] 130. Cold - air inlet air duct;

[0074] 140. Vehicle refrigeration system; 141. Refrigerant compressor; 142. Condenser; 143. Evaporator; 144. Expansion valve; 145. Electromagnetic expansion valve; 146. Capillary tube; 147. Large - diameter electromagnetic expansion valve;

[0075] TC. Actual temperature of the storage space; TS. Target set temperature; TX. Actual temperature of the energy storage body; TXb. Cold - storage saturation temperature of the cold - storage medium; TE. Ambient temperature; VH. High speed of the compressor; VL. Low speed of the compressor. Detailed implementation manners

[0076] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without making creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0077] In addition, the term "and / or" in the embodiments of the present invention is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may represent: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this article generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after. Unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", "connection", and "fixation" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two components or the interaction relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0078] The present invention can solve at least some of the problems existing in the prior art in the cold storage system and the vehicle-mounted refrigerator, such as high energy consumption, limited cold preservation time after the vehicle stalls, insufficient refrigeration depth, and insufficiently refined control strategies. Specifically, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention include:

[0079] 1. How to improve the efficiency of transferring the cold quantity of the cold source to the cold storage medium and the air inside the refrigerator.

[0080] 2. How to effectively and for a long time refrigerate using the stored cold quantity after the vehicle stalls.

[0081] 3. How to provide stronger refrigeration capacity when necessary to meet the needs such as deep freezing.

[0082] 4. How to achieve intelligent and efficient control according to factors such as the refrigerator temperature, cold storage state, environmental conditions, and vehicle operating state, and optimize energy utilization.

[0083] Embodiment 1: New energy storage heat exchange system

[0084] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, this embodiment provides a new energy storage heat exchange system. The system mainly includes an energy storage body 10, an air duct system 20, a heat exchange part 30, and a wind guiding part 40.

[0085] The function of the energy storage body 10 is to absorb and store the cold energy from the cold source. The energy storage body 10 has a housing 11, and the housing 11 defines an internal accommodation space 111.

[0086] The housing 11 of the energy storage body 10 can use high-density rigid polyurethane foam as the thermal insulation layer, which has a low thermal conductivity and good structural strength. Preferably, the vacuum insulation panel (VIP) technology can be used to place the core material (such as glass fiber or fumed silica) in a high-barrier film and vacuum-packaged. Its thermal conductivity can reach 0.004 W / (m·K) or even lower, and its thermal insulation performance far exceeds that of traditional materials. It can greatly reduce the thickness of the thermal insulation layer under the same thermal insulation effect, thereby increasing the effective volume or reducing the overall size. The housing 11 needs to ensure good airtightness, especially for the case of filling a liquid or semi-solid cold storage medium 12.

[0087] The selection of the cold storage medium 12 depends on the required refrigeration temperature range of the car refrigerator. Generally, through the phase change process, the cold storage medium 12 can absorb or release a large amount of latent heat at a small temperature difference, thereby realizing efficient cold energy storage and release. Of course, a non-phase change cold storage liquid with a high specific heat capacity, such as an ethylene glycol aqueous solution, can also be used.

[0088] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cold storage medium 12 is a phase change material (PCM), such as an aqueous salt solution, an ethylene glycol solution, paraffin, or other organic / inorganic phase change materials that can undergo solid-liquid phase changes at different temperatures such as 0 °C, -5 °C, -10 °C, -15 °C, -20 °C, etc. The PCM can absorb or release a large amount of latent heat during the solid-liquid phase change process, has a high energy storage density, and helps to maintain a stable low temperature for a long time at a specific temperature point.

[0089] The air duct system 20 is used to guide the air to flow through the energy storage body 10 for heat exchange. The air duct system 20 includes an air inlet channel 21, an air outlet channel 22, and a cooling channel 23. The air inlet channel 21 is provided with one or more air inlets for sucking air from the space to be cooled (such as the storage space of the car refrigerator). The air outlet channel 22 is provided with one or more air outlets for sending the cooled air back to the space to be cooled. The cooling channel 23 is the key part for air heat exchange. It penetrates through the internal accommodation space 111 of the energy storage body 10 and forms a sealed structure with the energy storage body 10. In some embodiments of the present invention, specifically with the housing 11, to prevent the cold storage medium 12 from leaking into the air flow path. The two ends of the cooling channel 23 are respectively connected to the air inlet channel 21 and the air outlet channel 22 to form a complete air inlet and outlet path.

[0090] The cross-sectional shape (circular, rectangular, flat) and the number of the cooling channels can be designed according to the required air volume and heat exchange area. Turbulence structures (such as corrugated walls, built-in small fins, etc.) can be arranged inside to enhance the turbulence on the air side and improve the heat transfer coefficient.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present invention, as Figure 2 shown, the cooling channel 23 can be designed as a tubular air duct, and the outer walls of these air ducts are directly in contact with the cold storage medium 12 inside the energy storage body 10. The material of the air duct should have good thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or copper. When air flows inside the air duct, heat exchange occurs between the air duct wall and the external cold storage medium 12.

[0092] In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the cooling channel 23 can be one or more independent air ducts that run through the cold storage medium 12. Air is forced to flow inside these air ducts, and heat exchange occurs between the wall of the air duct 23a and the external low-temperature cold storage medium 12.

[0093] As Figures 2 to 4 shown, the heat exchange part 30 is responsible for transferring the cold quantity of the cold source to the energy storage body 10 or directly to the air flowing through the cooling channel 23, or simultaneously transferring the cold quantity of the cold source to the energy storage body 10 and the air flowing through the cooling channel 23.

[0094] The heat exchange part 30 is connected to the refrigeration cycle of the cold source through a pipeline to receive a low-temperature and low-pressure cold source (such as R134a, R1234yf, etc.). The core of the heat exchange part 30 is the first heat exchange structure 31, which is arranged inside the energy storage body 10 and is directly in contact with the cold storage medium 12.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heat exchange part 30 is an interface and channel that connects to the cold source and introduces cold quantity into the energy storage body 10. It includes a connecting pipeline (not shown) and a first heat exchange structure 31 that is arranged in the accommodation space inside the energy storage body 10 and is directly in contact with the cold storage medium 12. One end of the connecting pipeline is connected to the low-pressure side of the cold source, and the other end is connected back to an appropriate position in the air-conditioning system (for example, before the compressor suction port, passing through a gas-liquid separator as needed).

[0096] In some embodiments of the present invention, as Figure 3 shown, a specific form of the first heat exchange structure 31 is presented. The first heat exchange structure 31 can include at least one cold source channel 312 and at least one first heat exchange fin 311. The cold source channel 312 is used for circulating the cold source from the cold source. At least a part of this channel is immersed in the cold storage medium 12. The first heat exchange fin 311 is connected to the cold source channel 312 and extends into the cold storage medium 12. Its function is to greatly increase the heat exchange area between the cold source and the cold storage medium 12 and improve the cold storage efficiency. In this embodiment, the first heat exchange fin 311 can be designed into a corrugated shape, a fin shape, or other complex shapes. More preferably, as Figure 3As shown, the first heat exchange fin 311 can be connected to the outer wall of the cooling channel 23 or the air duct of the cooling channel 23, while the cold source channel 312 can be arranged on the first heat exchange fin 311 or directly attached to the outer wall of the cooling channel 23. This structure enables the cold source flowing through the cold source channel 312 to not only transfer its cold quantity to the surrounding cold storage medium 12 efficiently through the first heat exchange fin 311 for cold storage, but also transfer a part of the cold quantity directly to the air flowing through the inside of the cooling channel 23 through contact with the outer wall of the cooling channel 23 (directly or indirectly through the second heat exchange fin), realizing direct cooling of the air. This design combines the two methods of cold storage and direct cooling, improving the flexibility and response speed of the system.

[0097] The air guiding part 40 is used to generate an air flow to drive the air to complete circulation within the air duct system 20. The air guiding part 40 is usually one or more fans 41. The fans 41 can be installed at different positions of the air duct system 20. For example, they can be installed at the air inlet to suck air into the system; or installed at the air outlet to blow out the cold air; or installed inside the cooling channel 23; or installed between the air inlet channel 21 and the cooling channel 23, or between the air outlet channel 22 and the cooling channel 23. The fans 41 of the air guiding part 40 should be selected as vehicle-grade fans with low noise, long life, and low power consumption, such as DC brushless fans. Their air volume and air pressure need to be matched according to the resistance characteristics of the cooling channel 23 and the required heat exchange quantity. By adjusting the fan speed through methods such as PWM (pulse width modulation), more precise temperature control and energy saving can be achieved. The start / stop and speed of the fans 41 can be controlled by the control system described later.

[0098] The following uses the mode of being installed on a vehicle to elaborate on the principle, and the working principles of other usage scenarios are basically the same:

[0099] 1. Cold storage / direct refrigeration mode (air conditioner turned on): The vehicle air conditioning system works, and a low-temperature cold source is introduced into the cold source channel 312 of the heat exchange part 30. The cold quantity of the cold source is transferred to the cold storage medium 12 through the first heat exchange fin 311 and the channel wall, causing it to cool down and solidify (phase change cold storage). At the same time, if the air guiding part 40 (fan 41) is turned on, the air is driven to flow through the cooling channel 23. Since the first heat exchange structure 31 (especially when it is combined with the outer wall of the cooling channel 23) itself has a very low temperature, the air will directly exchange heat with it and be cooled when flowing through. In addition, the already partially cooled cold storage medium 12 also cools the air through the pipe wall of the cooling channel 23. The cooled air is sent out from the air outlet channel 22 to refrigerate the target space (such as the storage space of the refrigerator).

[0100] 2. Cold Release Mode (Air conditioner off): The vehicle air conditioning system stops supplying the cold source to the heat exchange section 30. At this time, if the target space temperature is higher than the set value, the control system activates the air guiding section 40 (fan 41). Air is driven to flow through the cooling channel 23. Since the outer wall of the cooling channel 23 is in contact with the cold storage medium 12 that has stored cold, the air exchanges heat with the cold storage medium 12 through the tube wall of the cooling channel 23, absorbs the cold released by the cold storage medium 12, and is cooled. The cooled air is sent out from the air outlet channel 22 to maintain the low temperature of the target space. This process can continue until the cold stored in the cold storage medium 12 is exhausted or the temperature rises to a certain extent.

[0101] Embodiment 2: A novel energy storage heat exchange system with an internal heat exchange structure

[0102] This embodiment is an improvement based on Embodiment 1.

[0103] As Figure 4 shown, in order to further improve the direct cooling effect on air, especially when rapid cooling is required, a second heat exchange structure 32 can be added inside the cooling channel 23 (air duct). The second heat exchange structure 32 includes at least one second heat exchange fin 321, and these heat exchange fins are installed on the inner wall of the air duct and are in direct contact with the air flowing through the air duct, greatly increasing the contact area between the air and the cold source. The second heat exchange fin 321 can be in the form of a fin, a corrugated sheet, etc.

[0104] In some embodiments of the present invention, it is also possible to add the second heat exchange fin 321 as described above on the basis of the embodiments described in Figure 2 .

[0105] Embodiment 3: A novel energy storage heat exchange system with a temperature control valve

[0106] As Figure 1 and Figure 5 shown, in this embodiment, on the basis of Embodiment 1 or 2, in order to more precisely control the cold storage process and the cold source flow rate, a temperature control valve 33 is provided on the pipeline for introducing the cold source into the heat exchange section 30. The temperature control valve 33 can be an electromagnetic valve or an electronic expansion valve or other valves that can adjust the flow rate. This valve is connected to the control system described later. The control system can control the opening and closing or the opening degree of the temperature control valve 33 according to the temperature of the energy storage body 10 (measured, for example, by the second temperature sensor 132 installed on the energy storage body 10). For example, when the temperature of the energy storage body 10 is high and cold storage is required, the valve is opened; when the temperature of the energy storage body 10 has reached the preset low temperature value (such as a certain temperature lower than the phase change point), indicating that the cold storage is sufficient, the valve can be closed or the opening degree can be reduced to stop or reduce the inflow of the cold source, avoiding waste of cold or overcooling. At the same time, it is also possible to cooperate with the vehicle operating state (such as the air conditioning system load, battery state, etc.) to jointly control this valve.

[0107] Example 4: New Composite Heat Exchange System

[0108] As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, based on any one of Examples 1 to 3, this example adds a secondary refrigeration unit 50 to meet lower refrigeration temperature requirements (such as -18°C freezing) or enhance the refrigeration capacity under certain working conditions.

[0109] The core of the secondary refrigeration unit 50 is one or more thermoelectric cooling elements 51 (Peltier / TEC modules). After the thermoelectric cooling element 51 is powered on, one side (the cold end) will absorb heat and refrigerate, while the other side (the hot end) will generate heat.

[0110] The cold end of the secondary refrigeration unit 50 needs to be coupled with the object to be cooled. There are two main methods:

[0111] Method 1: The cold end is directly or through a heat conduction structure coupled to the energy storage body 10 to further cool the cold storage medium 12. This method can make the cold storage medium reach a lower temperature and store more cold energy, but the direct refrigeration effect on air is relatively indirect.

[0112] Method 2 (as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown): The cold end is coupled to the air flow path of the air duct system 20. Specifically, a heat dissipation structure 53 can be set in the air duct system 20 (for example, inside the cooling channel 23 or at the air outlet channel 22), and the heat dissipation structure 53 is connected to the cold end of the thermoelectric cooling element 51. The heat dissipation structure 53 usually includes a plurality of fourth heat exchange fins 531 (such as finned radiators) to increase the heat exchange area between the cold end and the flowing air. When the thermoelectric cooling element 51 works, the cold energy generated at the cold end is efficiently transferred to the air through the fourth heat exchange fins 531 to achieve secondary deep refrigeration of the air flowing out of the cooling channel 23.

[0113] The heat generated at the hot end of the secondary refrigeration unit 50 must be effectively dissipated, otherwise it will affect the refrigeration effect of the cold end. For this purpose, a heat dissipation structure 52 is set and connected to the hot end. To dissipate heat efficiently, the heat dissipation structure 52 can be immersed in the cold storage medium 12 of the energy storage body 10. Utilize the large heat capacity of the cold storage medium 12 to absorb the heat generated at the hot end. This method has a compact structure and good heat dissipation effect when the temperature of the cold storage medium is relatively low. To further improve the heat dissipation efficiency, the heat dissipation structure 52 can include one or more third heat exchange fins 521 to increase the contact area between the hot end and the cold storage medium 12. Of course, the heat dissipation structure 52 can also dissipate heat in other ways, such as through an independent air cooling or water cooling system, but this will increase the complexity of the system. Discharging the heat into the cold storage medium 12 is a relatively simple and can utilize existing components solution.

[0114] The start and stop of the thermoelectric cooler 51 in the secondary refrigeration unit 50 are controlled by the control system described later according to requirements. For example, when the user sets a very low temperature (such as -18 °C), or the main refrigeration system (air-conditioning cold source + cold energy storage) cannot meet the cooling requirement, the controller 133 can start the thermoelectric cooler 51.

[0115] In some embodiments of the present invention, by changing the direction of the current, the cold end and the hot end of the thermoelectric cooler 51 are changed. At this time, the energy storage body 10 can store heat, and the hot air circulating in the air duct system 20, thereby extending the heat preservation time.

[0116] Embodiment 5: New energy storage vehicle refrigerator

[0117] As Figure 7 shown, this embodiment provides a new energy storage vehicle refrigerator 100, which integrates the new energy storage heat exchange system described in any one of Embodiments 1 to 3.

[0118] The vehicle refrigerator 100 includes a box body 110. The box body 110 has good heat insulation performance (for example, using a foam insulation layer), and defines a storage space 120 for storing items such as food and beverages.

[0119] The new energy storage heat exchange system (existing in the form of including the energy storage body 10, the air duct system 20, the heat exchange part 30, the air guiding part 40, and optionally including the temperature control valve 33) is installed on the box body 110. This can be to embed the entire system as a module into the refrigerator box body wall, or place some components (such as the energy storage body module) in a specific position or other devices. The key is that the air inlet and outlet of the air duct system 20 are both communicated with the storage space 120, so that the air guiding part 40 can drive the air in the storage space 120 to flow through the cooling channel 23 for cooling circulation. In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the new energy storage heat exchange system is placed in the foam insulation layer of the refrigerator.

[0120] The new energy storage vehicle refrigerator 100 further includes a control system. The control system is responsible for monitoring the status and controlling the operation of the new energy storage heat exchange system. The control system at least includes:

[0121] The first temperature sensor: installed in the storage space 120 (for example, on the inner wall of the inner container, or placed in the foam layer near the inner container) to detect the actual temperature TC of the storage space 120.

[0122] The second temperature sensor: installed on or inside the energy storage body 10 to detect the temperature TX of the energy storage body 10, reflecting the temperature and cold storage state of the cold storage medium 12.

[0123] Controller: Usually a microcontroller (MCU) or a similar processor. It receives signals from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. The controller is also electrically connected to the air guide part 40 (fan 41), and can control the start / stop and / or rotation speed of the fan. According to the built-in control logic (see Embodiment 7), based on the detected temperatures TC, TX and the target temperature TS set by the user, the controller decides when to turn on or off the fan 41 and adjusts the rotation speed of the fan 41.

[0124] Optionally, the control system may further include an ambient temperature sensor for detecting the ambient temperature outside the refrigerator, and this information can be used to optimize the control strategy, especially when controlling the secondary refrigeration part 50 (see Embodiment 6).

[0125] If the new energy storage heat exchange system is equipped with a temperature control valve 33, the controller is also electrically connected to the temperature control valve 33, and controls the opening / closing or opening degree of the temperature control valve 33 according to the detection result of TX and / or the vehicle operating state (such as whether it is necessary to preferentially satisfy air conditioning or battery cooling), so as to intelligently manage the cold storage process.

[0126] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cold source comes from the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system 140. The returned low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 141 to become a high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and the high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows into the condenser 142. In the condenser 142, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outside air of the vehicle or the vehicle's cooling system, releases heat, and condenses into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant undergoes a sudden pressure drop through the temperature control valve 33 and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure liquid-gas mixture. The low-temperature refrigerant enters the heat exchange part 30, transfers the cold quantity to the cold storage medium 12 or transfers it to the air in the cooling channel 23 through the second heat exchange fin 321, thereby evaporating into a low-pressure gas, and at the same time reducing the temperature of the cold storage medium 12 and / or the air in the cooling channel 23. Then the low-pressure gas returns to the compressor to repeat the above process, continuously providing a cold source for the new energy storage heat exchange system of the present invention.

[0127] In some embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system 140 further includes other circuits, such as a vehicle air-conditioning cooling circuit and a battery cooling circuit. Generally, a cooling circuit includes an evaporator 143; an expansion valve 144 is arranged at one end of the evaporator 143, and the other end of the evaporator 144 can adopt a solenoid expansion valve 145 or a capillary tube 146.

[0128] To improve the temperature uniformity within the storage space 120, especially for upright or larger in-vehicle refrigerators, a cold air inlet duct 130 can be provided. This duct draws the cooled air from the air outlet passage 22 of the duct system 20 and guides it to the upper region of the storage space 120 for delivery. Since cold air is denser, feeding it from the upper part helps to form a natural convection from top to bottom, making the temperature of the entire storage space 120 more uniform. To save the effective volume of the storage space 120, the cold air inlet duct 130 can be at least partially arranged between the outer wall of the box body 110 and the thermal insulation layer, or closely attached to the outside of the inner liner of the storage space.

[0129] Embodiment 6: New composite heat exchange in-vehicle refrigerator

[0130] This embodiment provides a new composite heat exchange in-vehicle refrigerator, which integrates the new composite heat exchange system described in Embodiment 4.

[0131] As Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown, the cold source of the energy storage body 10 in this embodiment is the same as that in Embodiment 6, and the others are also roughly the same. The difference is that the low-pressure gas refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 143 in the vehicle air conditioner cooling circuit and the battery cooling circuit converges and then returns to the compressor 141 after passing through a large-diameter electronic expansion valve 147. Of course, the method in Embodiment 6 can also be adopted. In some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the arrangement method of this embodiment can also be adopted in Embodiment 5.

[0132] Similar to Embodiment 5, the new composite heat exchange in-vehicle refrigerator provided in this embodiment also includes a control system. The control system in this embodiment is basically the same as the control system in Embodiment 5. The difference is that the controller in this embodiment is electrically connected to the semiconductor refrigeration element 51 and controls the start and stop of the semiconductor refrigeration element 51 according to the detection results of TC, TS, TX, or even TE. For example, when TS is set to -18°C, or when TC is much higher than TS and the main refrigeration system is insufficient, the semiconductor refrigeration element 51 is started.

[0133] In some embodiments of the present invention, a heating film is arranged inside the refrigerator for heating and insulating the refrigerator. At the same time, by changing the direction of the current, the cold end and the hot end of the semiconductor refrigeration element 51 are changed. At this time, the energy storage body 10 can store heat, and the hot air circulating in the duct system 20, thereby extending the heat preservation time of the refrigerator.

[0134] Embodiment 7: Control method without a semiconductor refrigeration module

[0135] This embodiment details the control method executed by the control system applied to the novel energy storage vehicle refrigerator 100 described in Embodiment 5. The core of this method lies in using a controller to intelligently coordinate the operating states of various components of the novel energy storage heat exchange system (such as the fan 41 of the air guiding part 40, the temperature control valve 33 of the heat exchange part 30, and the associated vehicle-mounted refrigeration system compressor) according to multiple parameters monitored in real time, so as to achieve efficient refrigeration, precise temperature control, and energy-saving operation.

[0136] Before elaborating on the control logic, first clarify the key parameters and state definitions involved in this method:

[0137] User-set target temperature TS: The temperature that the user expects the storage space 120 to reach, set through the vehicle refrigerator control panel or related interfaces.

[0138] Actual temperature TC of the storage space: The temperature value detected in real time by the first temperature sensor installed in the storage space 120.

[0139] Actual temperature TX of the energy storage body: The temperature value detected in real time by the second temperature sensor installed on or inside the energy storage body 10, reflecting the current temperature and cold storage state of the cold storage medium 12.

[0140] Cold storage saturation temperature TXb of the cold storage medium: The characteristic temperature point at which the cold storage medium 12 filled in the energy storage body 10 undergoes solid-liquid phase change (or specific energy absorption / release), which is a known design parameter determined according to the selected material.

[0141] Ambient temperature TE: As an optional setting in some embodiments of the present invention, the ambient temperature detected by the ambient temperature sensor installed outside the refrigerator.

[0142] Evaporator fan: Refers to the fan 41 in the air guiding part 40, which is responsible for driving the air to circulate between the storage space 120 and the cooling channel 23.

[0143] Electronic expansion valve / temperature control valve: Refers to the valve 33 (such as a small-diameter electronic expansion valve) in the heat exchange part 30 used to control the inflow of the cold source. Its opening indicates allowing the cold source to flow in, and its closing indicates blocking the cold source from flowing in.

[0144] Compressor: Refers to the compressor 141 of the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system 140. This control system indirectly controls the start-stop and operating speed of the compressor by sending a request signal to the relevant control unit of the vehicle (such as the body control module BCM or the air conditioner controller).

[0145] Vehicle operating mode 1 (Mode 1): Indicates that in the current state of the vehicle, the evaporator of the on-vehicle refrigeration system is operating (e.g., cooling the passenger compartment) or the battery cooling system is operating. In this mode, the compressor has an operating demand and is usually allowed to operate at a high speed VH to provide sufficient cooling capacity.

[0146] Vehicle operating mode 2 (Mode 2): Indicates that in the current state of the vehicle, neither the on-vehicle air-conditioning evaporator nor the battery cooling system is operating (e.g., the vehicle is only in accessory power mode, the vehicle is turned off but the refrigerator remains running, or the air-conditioning / battery cooling demand has been met). In this mode, if the compressor is only running for the refrigerator, it usually requests to operate at a low speed VL to save energy, or requests to stop under specific conditions.

[0147] Control cycle t: The time interval for the controller to execute a complete state detection and decision-making logic, e.g., set to 30 seconds. Of course, t can adopt calibrated or empirical values.

[0148] Fan start delay t2: The time to delay starting the fan 41 after stopping the cold source supply under specific conditions (such as when both the refrigerator and the cold storage body reach the low-temperature target), e.g., set to 60 seconds.

[0149] As Figure 10 shown, the control logic of the system without a secondary refrigeration unit (thermoelectric cooling module) will be described below.

[0150] This control logic is applicable to a new energy storage heat exchange system that only includes a main refrigeration unit (utilizing air-conditioning cold source and cold storage medium).

[0151] 1. System startup and initialization:

[0152] When the new energy storage on-vehicle refrigerator 100 is powered on and started, the controller first executes an internal self-check program. After the self-check passes, the system enters the initialization state: The controller ensures that the temperature control valve 33 is in the closed state to prevent the cold source from entering the heat exchange section 30; at the same time, the controller ensures that the fan 41 of the air guiding section 40 is in the stopped state.

[0153] 2. Periodic state monitoring and decision-making:

[0154] After initialization is completed, the controller enters the main control loop. It performs the following operations once every preset control cycle t (e.g., every 30 seconds):

[0155] Read the value of the first temperature sensor to obtain the actual temperature TC of the current storage space.

[0156] Read the value of the second temperature sensor to obtain the actual temperature TX of the current energy storage body.

[0157] If it is necessary to cooperate with the compressor, query the vehicle status to determine whether it is currently in working mode 1 or working mode 2.

[0158] Based on the read temperature value, the user-set target temperature TS, and the known cold storage saturation temperature TXb of the cold storage medium, make a decision and judgment.

[0159] 3. Refrigeration demand judgment and execution:

[0160] The controller first determines whether the storage space 120 needs refrigeration. The determination condition is: TC > the first temperature threshold. Generally, the first temperature threshold is TS + ΔT1. For example, TC > TS + 2°C; ΔT1 can be calibrated or an empirical value can be used.

[0161] If this condition is met, it indicates that the refrigerator needs to be cooled urgently. The controller will perform the following actions:

[0162] Command the temperature control valve 33 to open, allowing the cold source of the cold source to flow into the heat exchange part 30.

[0163] Command the fan 41 to start, forcing air to flow through the cooling channel 23 for cooling and sending the cold air into the storage space 120.

[0164] Send a compressor start request signal to the vehicle control unit.

[0165] According to the current vehicle working mode, further send a compressor speed request: if in mode 1, request the compressor to run at a high speed VH; if in mode 2, request the compressor to run at a low speed VL.

[0166] After performing the above actions, the process returns to step 2 (periodic status monitoring) and waits for the next control cycle.

[0167] 4. Judgment and execution when the temperature reaches the standard but continuous cold storage is required:

[0168] If in step 3, TC ≤ the first temperature threshold, for example, TC ≤ TS + 2°C, then the controller enters the next judgment branch. The determination conditions are: TC < the second temperature threshold. Generally, the second temperature threshold is TS - ΔT2. For example, TC < TS - 2°C and TX > the third temperature threshold. Generally, the third temperature threshold is TXb + ΔT3. For example, TX > TXb + 2°C. ΔT2 and ΔT3 can be calibrated or empirical values can be used.

[0169] This condition indicates that the temperature of the storage space is low enough, but the cold storage medium has not fully stored cold energy. To give priority to completing the cold storage task and avoid overcooling the storage space, the controller performs the following actions:

[0170] Command the fan 41 to stop, preventing cold air from continuing to blow into the storage space.

[0171] Keep the temperature control valve 33 open (or send a signal to ensure it remains open), allowing the cold source to continue flowing through the heat exchange section 30 to cool and store energy in the cold storage medium 12. At this time, the compressor (if it has been running) continues to operate.

[0172] After performing the above actions, the process returns to step 2 (periodic status monitoring).

[0173] 5. Temperature and Cold Storage Compliance Judgment and Execution:

[0174] If the conditions are not met in step 4, the controller enters the final main judgment branch. The judgment conditions are: TC < the second temperature threshold. For example, TC < TS - 2°C and TX < the fourth temperature threshold. Generally, the fourth temperature threshold is TXb – ΔT4. For example, TX < TXb - 2°C. ΔT4 can be calibrated or an empirical value can be used.

[0175] This condition indicates that both the refrigeration and cold storage targets have been achieved. The controller performs the following actions:

[0176] Command the temperature control valve 33 to close and stop the cold source supply.

[0177] Wait for a preset delay time t2 (for example, 60 seconds). This delay may be used for system pressure balance, reducing frequent component switching, or providing time for potential micro defrosting.

[0178] After the delay ends, command the fan 41 to start. At this time, the purpose of the fan running is to release the cold stored in the energy storage body 10 to maintain the low temperature of the storage space, or simply to circulate the air to equalize the temperature.

[0179] In some embodiments of the present invention, compressor cooperation is optional: Check the vehicle working mode: If the current mode is 2, the controller sends a compressor shutdown request signal to the vehicle control unit to save energy. If in mode 1, no shutdown signal is sent because the compressor may be serving other systems.

[0180] After performing the above actions, the process returns to step 2 (periodic status monitoring).

[0181] Other situations:

[0182] If the main judgment conditions in the above steps 3, 4, and 5 are not met (for example, TC fluctuates within the range of TS ± 2°C, or TX is within the range of TXb ± 2°C), the controller does not perform special active control actions and only maintains the current state (for example, if the fan is running, it continues to run, and if the valve is closed, it remains closed), and then directly returns to step 2 to wait for the next cycle of status monitoring and decision-making.

[0183] Embodiment 8: Control Method for a Semiconductor Refrigeration Module

[0184] As Figure 11 shown, this embodiment details the control method executed by the control system of the new composite heat exchange vehicle refrigerator described in Embodiment 6. The core of this method is to use a controller to intelligently coordinate the working states of the components of the new composite heat exchange system (such as the fan 41 of the air guiding part 40, the temperature control valve 33 of the heat exchange part 30, the semiconductor refrigeration element 51 of the secondary refrigeration part 50, and the vehicle refrigeration system compressor associated therewith) according to multiple parameters monitored in real time, so as to achieve efficient refrigeration, precise temperature control, and energy-saving operation.

[0185] The key parameters and state definitions involved in the method of this embodiment are increased compared with Embodiment 7:

[0186] Semiconductor refrigeration module (TEC): Refers to the semiconductor refrigeration element 51 in the secondary refrigeration part 50.

[0187] This control logic is applicable to the new composite heat exchange system that includes both the main refrigeration part and the secondary refrigeration part (TEC). Based on the logic of Embodiment 7, the control of the semiconductor refrigeration element 51 is added.

[0188] 1. System startup and initialization:

[0189] Similar to the logic of Embodiment 7, but during initialization, in addition to closing the valve 33 and the fan 41, the controller also ensures that the semiconductor refrigeration element 51 is in a power-off (closed) state.

[0190] 2. Periodic state monitoring and decision-making:

[0191] Similar to the logic of Embodiment 7, but when reading sensor data, if an ambient temperature sensor is equipped, the value TE of the ambient temperature sensor will also be read.

[0192] 3. Refrigeration demand judgment and execution:

[0193] The judgment condition is the same as in Logic 1: TC > the first temperature threshold, generally the first temperature threshold is TS + ΔT1. For example, TC > TS + 2°C; ΔT1 can be calibrated or an empirical value can be used.

[0194] If this condition is met, it indicates that strong refrigeration is required. The controller performs the following actions:

[0195] Command the temperature control valve 33 to open.

[0196] Command the fan 41 to start.

[0197] Command the semiconductor refrigeration element 51 to start working to provide additional secondary refrigeration capacity.

[0198] Send a compressor start and speed request signal (judging VH / VL based on Mode 1 / Mode 2), with the same logic as in Embodiment 7.

[0199] The process returns to Step 2.

[0200] 4. Judgment and execution for the temperature reaching the standard but still needing to continue cold storage:

[0201] The judgment conditions are the same as the logic in Embodiment 7: TC < the second temperature threshold, generally the second temperature threshold is TS - ΔT2. For example, TC < TS - 2°C and TX > the third temperature threshold, generally the third temperature threshold is TXb + ΔT3. For example, TX > TXb + 2°C. ΔT2 and ΔT3 can be calibrated or take empirical values.

[0202] The temperature of the storage space has reached the standard, and cold storage needs to be prioritized. The controller performs the following actions:

[0203] Command the fan 41 to stop.

[0204] Command the thermoelectric cooler 51 to stop working because secondary refrigeration is not required at this time.

[0205] Keep the temperature control valve 33 in the open state and continue cold storage.

[0206] The process returns to Step 2.

[0207] 5. Judgment and execution for both the temperature and cold storage reaching the standard:

[0208] The judgment conditions are the same as the logic in Embodiment 7: TC < the second temperature threshold, for example, TC < TS - 2°C and TX < the fourth temperature threshold, generally the fourth temperature threshold is TXb - ΔT3. For example, TX < TXb - 2°C. ΔT4 can be calibrated or take empirical values.

[0209] Both refrigeration and cold storage are sufficient. The controller performs the following action sequence:

[0210] Command the temperature control valve 33 to close and stop the cold source supply of the main refrigeration unit.

[0211] Check the ambient temperature TE. If TE > the preset ambient temperature, for example, 38°C (i.e., the ambient temperature is very high), then command the thermoelectric cooler 51 to start working. This is to use the TEC to help maintain the low temperature and resist external heat penetration in an extremely high temperature environment. Otherwise (i.e., TE ≤ the preset ambient temperature, for example, 38°C), then command the thermoelectric cooler 51 to stop working (or remain in the stopped state).

[0212] Wait for the preset delay time t2, for example, 60 seconds. Of course, t2 can be calibrated or take empirical values.

[0213] After the delay ends, the command to start the fan 41 is issued (using the cold energy generated by cold storage or TEC to maintain a low temperature).

[0214] In some embodiments of the present invention, the optional compressor cooperation is as follows: Check the vehicle working mode: If it is in Mode 2, send a compressor shutdown request signal.

[0215] The process returns to Step 2.

[0216] 6. Other situations:

[0217] Following the logic of Embodiment 7, if the specific conditions of Steps 3, 4, and 5 are not met, maintain the current state and return to Step 2 to wait for the next monitoring.

[0218] Through the above detailed control logic, the control system of the present invention can intelligently and flexibly schedule the operation of the main refrigeration system (air-conditioning refrigerant + cold storage) and the secondary refrigeration system (TEC) according to the real-time changing internal temperature, cold storage state, environmental conditions, and vehicle state, as well as coordinate the interaction with the vehicle compressor, so as to achieve the optimal utilization of energy while ensuring the refrigeration effect, and meet the user's requirements for precise temperature control and long-term cold preservation. This method has a higher level of intelligence and energy efficiency performance compared to simple on-off control.

[0219] Embodiment 9: Electronic device

[0220] The present invention also provides an electronic device, such as a controller integrated inside a vehicle-mounted refrigerator. The electronic device includes a processor (such as an MCU) and a memory (such as Flash, RAM). A computer program (firmware) is stored in the memory. When the processor executes this computer program, it can implement any one of the control methods described in Embodiment 7 or 8 above. For example, the processor receives signals from various sensors, makes judgments according to the logic set in the program (such as Figure 10 or Figure 11 the shown process), and outputs control signals to the fan 41, the temperature control valve 33, the optional semiconductor refrigeration component 51, and the compressor control unit of the vehicle.

[0221] The processor may be a general-purpose processor, including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Network Processor (NP), etc.; it may also be a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components.

[0222] The memory may include a Random Access Memory (RAM), or may also include a Non-Volatile Memory (NVM), such as at least one disk memory.

[0223] The memory may be a volatile memory, such as a random-access memory (RAM); the memory may also be a non-volatile memory, such as a read-only memory, a flash memory, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a solid-state drive (SSD), or the memory is any other medium that can be used to carry or store the desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer, but is not limited thereto. The memory may be a combination of the above memories.

[0224] Embodiment 10: Storage Medium

[0225] The present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium, such as a non-volatile memory chip (Flash Memory), an SD card, a USB flash drive, etc. The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, and when the program is loaded and executed by a corresponding processor (such as a controller of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator or a general-purpose computer), it can implement any one of the control methods described in Embodiment 7 or 8 above. Such a storage medium can be used to manufacture or update the control software of a vehicle-mounted refrigerator.

[0226] The present invention can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present invention are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center by wire (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that the computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more integrated available media. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (such as a floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), an optical medium (such as a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (such as a solid-state disk (SSD)).

[0227] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0228] 1. Efficient heat exchange and cold storage: Through a carefully designed cooling channel, a first heat exchange structure (including heat exchange fins and a cold source channel), and an optional second heat exchange structure, efficient transfer of the cold quantity of the cold source to the cold storage medium and air is achieved, improving the cold storage speed and refrigeration efficiency.

[0229] 2. Extended off-line cold preservation time: Utilizing the cold quantity stored in the cold storage medium, after the vehicle engine is turned off or the air conditioner is closed, air can still be driven by the air guiding part to flow through the cooling channel for refrigeration, significantly extending the effective cold preservation time of the in-vehicle refrigerator.

[0230] 3. Enhanced refrigeration capacity: An optional secondary refrigeration part (a semiconductor refrigeration element) can provide additional refrigeration quantity when needed, achieving a lower refrigeration temperature (such as freezing at -18°C), meeting the diverse needs of users.

[0231] 4. Intelligent control and energy saving: By integrating a temperature sensor and a controller and adopting a refined control logic, it is possible to intelligently control the working states of the fan, temperature control valve, secondary refrigeration component, and compressor according to various factors such as the refrigerator temperature, cold storage state, set temperature, vehicle operation mode, and even ambient temperature, realizing on-demand refrigeration and cold storage, optimizing energy utilization, and achieving the purpose of energy saving.

[0232] 5. High system integration: The cold storage, heat exchange, air duct, etc. are integrated into a compact module, which is convenient for installation and layout in vehicles, on-board refrigerators or other devices.

[0233] 6. Improve the temperature uniformity inside the box: The optional cold air inlet duct design helps to optimize the distribution of cold air in the refrigerator and improve the temperature uniformity.

[0234] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the present invention can have various changes and modifications. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention. For example, the shape of the energy storage body, the number and arrangement form of the cooling channels, the specific structure of the heat exchange fins, the type and installation position of the sensors, the specific thresholds and time parameters in the control logic, etc. can all be adjusted and optimized under the basic principle of the present invention.

Claims

1. A new type of energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator, characterized in that, Comprising: A box body which defines a storage space; A new energy storage heat exchange system which is installed on the box body, and the air inlet and air outlet of its air duct system are both communicated with the storage space; A control system which is used to control the working state of the new energy storage heat exchange system; The new energy storage heat exchange system includes: An energy storage body which is used to absorb and store the cold quantity transferred from the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system; the energy storage body includes a shell with an internal accommodation space and a cold storage medium filled in the internal accommodation space; An air duct system which includes: an air inlet channel having at least one air inlet for air to enter; an air outlet channel having at least one air outlet for air to discharge; a cooling channel which penetrates through the internal accommodation space of the energy storage body and is sealed with the energy storage body, and both ends of the cooling channel are respectively communicated with the air inlet channel and the air outlet channel; A heat exchange part which is communicated with the refrigerant of the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system; the heat exchange part includes a first heat exchange structure which is in contact with the cold storage medium; An air guiding part which is used to drive air to flow through the air inlet channel, the cooling channel and the air outlet channel in sequence; Wherein, when the refrigerant is introduced into the first heat exchange structure, the first heat exchange structure is suitable for cooling the cold storage medium to store cold quantity, and / or directly cooling the air flowing through the cooling channel; and, the air flowing through the cooling channel is suitable for exchanging heat with the cold storage medium and / or the first heat exchange structure to be cooled, and the cooled air is sent out from the air outlet channel.

2. The novel energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle-mounted refrigerator further includes a cold air inlet air duct; the cold air inlet air duct guides the cooled air from the air outlet channel of the air duct system to the upper area of the storage space and sends it out; the cold air inlet air duct is at least partially arranged on the outer wall of the box body.

3. The novel energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein: The cooling channel includes at least one air duct; the outer wall of the air duct is in direct contact with the cold storage medium and / or the first heat exchange structure.

4. The novel energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The first heat exchange structure includes at least one first heat exchange fin for increasing the heat exchange area between the refrigerant and the cold storage medium, and at least one cold source channel for the refrigerant to flow through; the cold source channel is at least partially immersed in the cold storage medium.

5. The novel energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein: The first heat exchange fin is connected to the outer wall of the cooling channel.

6. The novel energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein: The cold source channel is connected to the outer wall of the first heat exchange fin and / or the cooling channel.

7. The novel energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2 or 5 or 6, characterized in that: The cooling channel includes at least one air duct; the heat exchange part further has a second heat exchange structure located inside the air duct, and the second heat exchange structure includes at least one second heat exchange fin for increasing the heat exchange area between the air flowing through the air duct and the refrigerant.

8. The novel energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein: The second heat exchange fin is connected to the inner wall of the air duct.

9. The novel energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to any one of claims 1, 2, 5, 6, or 8, characterized in that: The heat exchange part further includes a temperature control valve which is arranged on the pipeline for introducing the refrigerant into the heat exchange part and is used to adjust the refrigerant flow rate flowing into the heat exchange part according to the temperature of the energy storage body.

10. The novel energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2 or 5 or 6 or 8, characterized in that: The air guiding part includes a fan; a fan is provided at least at one of the positions between the air inlet passage and the cooling passage, between the air outlet passage and the cooling passage, at the air inlet, at the air outlet, and inside the cooling passage.

11. A control method for a new type of energy storage vehicle-mounted refrigerator, characterized in that, The vehicle-mounted refrigerator includes a box body defining a storage space, a new energy storage heat exchange system installed on the box body, and a control system for controlling the working state of the new energy storage heat exchange system. The new energy storage heat exchange system includes: an energy storage body, an air duct system, a heat exchange part communicating with the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system, and an air guiding part for driving air to flow through the energy storage body for heat exchange; the energy storage body includes a housing having an internal accommodation space and a cold storage medium filled in the internal accommodation space, and both the air inlet and the air outlet of the air duct system communicate with the storage space; the control method includes the following steps: Obtain the actual temperature TC in the storage space served by the energy storage heat exchange system and the target temperature TS set by the user. Obtain the actual temperature TX of the energy storage body and the cold storage saturation temperature TXb of the cold storage medium. According to the comparison result between the actual temperature TC and the target temperature TS, and the comparison result between the actual temperature TX and the cold storage saturation temperature TXb, control the operating state of the air guiding part and the interaction state between the heat exchange part and the refrigerant.

12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein The step of controlling the operating state of the air guiding part and the interaction state between the heat exchange part and the refrigerant includes: When it is detected that the actual temperature TC is greater than a first temperature threshold determined based on the target temperature TS, turn on the air guiding part and make the heat exchange part receive cold from the refrigerant.

13. The control method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The step of controlling the operating state of the air guiding part and the interaction state between the heat exchange part and the refrigerant further includes: When it is detected that the actual temperature TC is less than a second temperature threshold determined based on the target temperature TS, and the actual temperature TX is greater than a third temperature threshold determined based on the cold storage saturation temperature TXb, turn off the air guiding part and maintain the state where the heat exchange part receives cold from the refrigerant to prioritize cold storage.

14. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that, The step of controlling the operating state of the air guiding part and the interaction state between the heat exchange part and the refrigerant further includes: When it is detected that the actual temperature TC is less than the second temperature threshold, and the actual temperature TX is less than a fourth temperature threshold determined based on the cold storage saturation temperature TXb, stop the heat exchange part from receiving cold from the refrigerant, and turn on the air guiding part after a preset delay time.

15. The control method according to claim 14, characterized in that: The heat exchange part includes a temperature control valve; the step of making the heat exchange part receive refrigerant from the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system includes opening the temperature control valve; the step of stopping the heat exchange part from receiving refrigerant from the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system includes closing the temperature control valve.

16. The control method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that, After the step of sending a start signal to the compressor of the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system, it further includes: Detect the vehicle operating state, and determine whether the vehicle is in mode 1 where the vehicle-mounted air conditioner evaporator or the battery cooling system is working, or in mode 2 where neither the vehicle-mounted air conditioner evaporator nor the battery cooling system is working; If in Mode 1, control the compressor to operate at a preset high speed VH; If in Mode 2, control the compressor to operate at a preset low speed VL.

17. The control method according to claim 16, wherein When the heat exchange part stops receiving refrigerant from the vehicle-mounted refrigeration system and the vehicle is in Mode 2, send a shutdown signal to the compressor.

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