Temperature adjusting system and control method and control device thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a temperature adjusting system and a control method and device thereof. The control method is suitable for the temperature adjusting system, the temperature adjusting system comprises an outdoor fan and a refrigerant detection module, and the outdoor fan and the refrigerant detection module are arranged on an outdoor unit of the temperature adjusting system. The control method comprises the following steps that at least the refrigerant detection module is used for judging whether refrigerant leakage happens to the temperature adjusting system or not; and if the refrigerant leakage occurs in the temperature adjusting system, the outdoor fan is controlled to operate. According to the technical scheme, the risk caused by refrigerant leakage of the outdoor unit of the temperature adjusting system can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of temperature regulation, and particularly to a temperature regulation system, a control method thereof, and a control device. Background Art

[0002] Temperature regulation systems include heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment, which are used to heat, cool, and ventilate buildings and other enclosed spaces where people live and work. Such equipment uses refrigerants. Before the signing of the Montreal Protocol, the research on refrigerants (also known as refrigerants) generally focused on good thermodynamic properties, physical, and chemical properties. For example, R11, R12, etc. in the CFC series have good thermal performance and chemical stability, and have the advantages of being non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-explosive, but they have a great destructive effect on the ozone layer and can cause the greenhouse effect. After the signing of the Montreal Protocol, in the research and replacement of refrigerants, the first consideration was to reduce the destructive effect of refrigerants on the ozone layer, such as R22 in the HCFC series. However, an ideal alternative refrigerant should not only have a low ODP (ozone depression potential) value and GWP (Global Warming Potential) value, but also have advantages such as good safety, economy, and excellent thermal properties, striving to be both environmentally friendly and energy-saving. Based on this, refrigerants such as R32, R454B, and R290 with flammability or slight toxicity have become alternative refrigerants; however, in systems using the above flammable or slightly toxic refrigerants, the risk of refrigerant leakage on the indoor side is usually considered. How to prevent the danger caused by refrigerant leakage on the outdoor side is also a technical problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the embodiments of the present application provide a temperature regulation system, a control method thereof, and a control device. The control method can reduce the risk caused by refrigerant leakage in the outdoor unit of the temperature regulation system.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0005] The first aspect of the embodiments of the present invention provides a control method applicable to a temperature regulation system. The temperature regulation system includes an outdoor fan and a refrigerant detection module. The outdoor fan and the refrigerant detection module are arranged in the outdoor unit of the temperature regulation system. The control method includes the following steps:

[0006] At least determine whether the temperature regulation system has refrigerant leakage through the refrigerant detection module;

[0007] If the temperature regulation system has refrigerant leakage, control the outdoor fan to operate.

[0008] The control method at least uses a refrigerant detection module provided in the outdoor unit to determine whether refrigerant leakage has occurred in the temperature regulation system. After determining that refrigerant leakage has occurred, it controls the operation of the outdoor fan to accelerate the diffusion of the leaked refrigerant, which is beneficial to reducing the risk caused by refrigerant leakage in the outdoor unit.

[0009] In a second aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, a control device is provided, which is arranged in the outdoor unit of the temperature regulation system. The control device includes an outdoor fan control module and a refrigerant detection module: the refrigerant detection module is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the outdoor fan control module, and the refrigerant detection module can detect the refrigerant concentration and send the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information to the outdoor fan control module; the outdoor fan control module can be electrically connected to the outdoor fan of the temperature regulation system and can control the operation of the outdoor fan at least according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information; the refrigerant concentration parameter represents the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection module.

[0010] The control device is arranged in the outdoor unit and includes an outdoor fan control module and a refrigerant detection module; the outdoor fan control module and the refrigerant detection module are electrically connected or communicatively connected, and the refrigerant detection module can output the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information to the outdoor fan control module. Furthermore, the outdoor fan control module can at least control the outdoor fan according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information to reduce the risk caused by refrigerant leakage in the outdoor unit.

[0011] In a third aspect of the embodiments of the present invention, a temperature regulation system is provided. The temperature regulation system includes an outdoor unit, and the outdoor unit includes a housing, an outdoor fan, and a control device; the control device includes an outdoor fan control module and a refrigerant detection module; the outdoor fan and the control device are located in the installation cavity, and the installation cavity is at least formed by the housing;

[0012] The refrigerant detection module is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the outdoor fan control module, and the refrigerant detection module can detect the refrigerant concentration and send the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information to the outdoor fan control module; the outdoor fan control module is electrically connected to the outdoor fan of the temperature regulation system and can control the operation of the outdoor fan at least according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information; the refrigerant concentration parameter represents the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection module.

[0013] The outdoor unit of the temperature control system is provided with a control device and an outdoor fan; the control device and the outdoor fan are located in the installation cavity of the outdoor unit. The control device can judge whether a refrigerant leak has occurred in the outdoor unit, and can control the operation of the outdoor fan when a refrigerant leak occurs to accelerate the diffusion of the leaked refrigerant, which is beneficial to reducing the risk caused by a refrigerant leak in the outdoor unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings to be used in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a temperature control system;

[0016] Figure 2 A flow chart of a control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the working status of each component of the refrigerant leakage alarm and alarm release provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a control device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another control device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an outdoor unit of a temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of an outdoor unit of a temperature control system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of an outdoor unit with ventilation ducts provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 9 A schematic structural diagram of another outdoor unit with ventilation ducts provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] It should be clear that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0026] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used herein is only a relational description of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. In addition, the character " / " in this text generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0027] A temperature regulation system, such as an air conditioner (Air Conditioner), refers to a device that uses artificial means to adjust and control parameters such as the temperature, humidity, and flow rate of the indoor air in a building or structure. The main forms of air conditioners are divided into: floor-standing air conditioners, wall-mounted air conditioners, water-cooled air conditioners, window air conditioners (half indoor and half outdoor), central air conditioners, one-to-two air conditioners (one outdoor unit controls two indoor units) and other forms.

[0028] Such as Figure 1 As shown, in the cooling mode of the air conditioner, the function of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is as follows: The high-pressure and high-temperature gas discharged by the compressor is cooled and dissipated heat in the outdoor heat exchanger (through a fan) to obtain a high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant liquid. After condensation, the refrigerant liquid is sent to the evaporator of the indoor unit through a capillary tube to evaporate into a gas to absorb the heat in the room. This cycle is repeated, and the indoor temperature will gradually drop. Inside the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, there are accessories such as an outdoor heat exchanger, a temperature sensor, a fan, a compressor, a four-way valve, a liquid storage tank, a control board, and a housing. A heat pump is also a type of air conditioner, which is an energy-saving device that uses high-level energy to make heat flow from a low-level heat source to a high-level heat source. It adopts a motor-driven vapor compression refrigeration cycle to transfer the heat in the low-temperature fluid side (such as water or air) to the high-temperature fluid side (such as water or air) to cool the liquid unit. An air-source heat pump is composed of a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, an axial flow fan, a liquid storage tank, a filter, a throttling device, and a controller, etc. Generally, the compressor side and the condenser of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are separated by a middle partition board. The partition board of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner is to enable the air conditioner to be hung outside the wall, mainly playing a fixing role and also having a sound insulation function. The partition board of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner plays a waterproof role. Figure 1It is a system schematic diagram of an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system 100 includes an indoor unit 0110 and an outdoor unit 0120. The indoor unit 0110 includes an indoor controller 0111, an indoor fan 0112, and an indoor coil 0113. The outdoor unit 0120 includes a compressor 0121, an outdoor heat exchanger 0122, a throttle valve 0123, and an outdoor controller 0124. A refrigerant pipe 0150 is also included between the indoor unit 0110 and the outdoor unit 0120. The transformer 0130 converts the power supply (such as AC mains) to supply power to the indoor controller 0111, and the power supply supplies power to the outdoor controller 124 through a contactor 140. The outdoor controller 0124 generally includes a main control board and a drive board. The main control board is used to communicate with a thermostat, receive user setting information, and is used to control components such as control valves. At the same time, it can also be used to detect information such as the outdoor temperature and pressure. The main control board and the drive board can be integrally arranged (integrated on one circuit board), or can be separately arranged (corresponding to two or more circuit boards).

[0029] When a temperature regulation system uses a flammable refrigerant, in order to ensure user safety, in most cases, refrigerant detection is carried out on the indoor side, but the refrigerant detection on the outdoor side is ignored. However, refrigerant accumulation or stagnation may also occur on the outdoor side, especially at the connection of refrigerant pipelines. If there are electrical components nearby and refrigerant leakage occurs, there are significant potential hazards. Usually, the outdoor unit is directly installed in an open area to prevent the accumulation of refrigerant after leakage, but no refrigerant sensor is provided on the outdoor unit; this method hopes that there is a large space to accommodate when refrigerant leaks, but there are still risks in use and effective protection cannot be carried out. The flammability rating of A2-level refrigerant is weakly flammable. For example, R32 refrigerant, that is, except for an open flame, other ignition sources cannot ignite it. The flammability rating of A3-level refrigerant is flammable and explosive. For example, R290 refrigerant, the explosion limit of R290 is 2.1% - 10.0%, and the explosion point is much lower than that of R32. For the characteristics of different refrigerants, if a refrigerant detection device is not installed, there are risks in use and effective protection cannot be carried out.

[0030] In view of this, the embodiment of the present application provides a control method for a temperature regulation system, which can detect the refrigerant on the outdoor side, judge whether there is a risk of refrigerant leakage, and thus execute a protection action to ensure safety. This control method is applicable to a temperature regulation system, and the temperature regulation system includes an outdoor fan and a refrigerant detection module. The outdoor fan and the refrigerant detection module are arranged on the outdoor unit of the temperature regulation system; as Figure 2 shown, this control method includes the following steps:

[0031] Step S1: Judge whether there is refrigerant leakage: At least judge whether the temperature regulation system has refrigerant leakage through the refrigerant detection module;

[0032] Step S2: Control the operation of the outdoor fan: If it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the temperature control system, the outdoor fan is controlled to operate to disperse the refrigerant to prevent the risk of fire / explosion / poisoning caused by the accumulation of refrigerant, thereby improving system reliability and safety and reducing the occurrence of accidents.

[0033] Specifically, the refrigerant detection module can be used to detect the refrigerant concentration, and then the main control board can be used to determine whether a refrigerant leak has occurred based on the refrigerant concentration. Then, after a refrigerant leak occurs, the main control board can control the operation of the outdoor fan. The refrigerant detection module can also directly determine whether a refrigerant leak has occurred. The refrigerant detection module sends the leakage information to the main control board, and the main control board controls the operation of the outdoor fan based on the information. Of course, the refrigerant detection module can also directly control the operation of the outdoor fan. The refrigerant detection module can include one or more of a thermal conductivity sensor, a semiconductor sensor, an infrared sensor, an acoustic sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, etc., and this application does not limit this.

[0034] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the compressor chamber of the outdoor unit and the outdoor heat exchanger chamber are separated by a middle partition; on the one hand, the middle partition mainly plays a fixing role, so that the outdoor unit can be installed on the wall; on the other hand, it also has a sound insulation function, reducing the noise released by the compressor to the outside of the compressor chamber; thirdly, it also has a waterproof function, preventing the outdoor fan of the outdoor heat exchanger chamber from throwing water droplets to the control device located in the compressor chamber when working. Typically, refrigerant pipes, control devices, valves, and other components are also located in the compressor cavity. The weld points on the refrigerant pipes in the outdoor unit are prone to leakage, and refrigerant leaks in the outdoor unit often originate from the compressor cavity. To allow leaked refrigerant to diffuse into the outdoor heat exchanger cavity and be blown away by the outdoor fan, an opening is provided on the central baffle. A vent valve is installed in the outdoor unit, located in the opening. When no refrigerant leaks occur, the vent valve is controlled to close, covering the opening for soundproofing and waterproofing. However, when a refrigerant leak occurs, the vent valve is controlled to open. The opening is uncovered, allowing refrigerant to diffuse through the opening into the outdoor heat exchanger cavity (i.e., the outdoor fan side). At this point, the operation of the outdoor fan disperses the refrigerant, preventing refrigerant accumulation and potential risks. Furthermore, the operation of the outdoor fan creates negative pressure, which facilitates the diffusion of refrigerant from the compressor cavity to the outdoor heat exchanger cavity. In actual products, because the compressor cavity and the outdoor heat exchanger cavity are not completely isolated, even with a central baffle, there may be gaps for gas flow. Therefore, the opening and vent valve are not absolutely necessary, but are preferred solutions. In addition, in order to allow the gas to diffuse fully, a ventilation pipe section can be provided between the two chambers, and further, a ventilation valve can be provided at one end of the ventilation pipe. In other words, the two chambers can be connected to each other.

[0035] In one embodiment, the temperature control system is further provided with an indoor-outdoor connecting valve, and the outdoor-indoor connecting valve includes a liquid pipe solenoid valve and a gas pipe solenoid valve. In this embodiment, in order to recover the refrigerant: the refrigerant in the outdoor side system is recovered to the indoor side where no leakage occurs, the control method further includes the steps of:

[0036] After a refrigerant leak occurs, implement refrigerant recovery methods;

[0037] The refrigerant recovery method comprises the following steps:

[0038] The temperature control system is controlled to work in heating mode, the liquid pipe solenoid valve is controlled to be cut off, and the gas pipe solenoid valve is controlled to be opened, so that the refrigerant in the outdoor unit is recovered to the indoor unit of the temperature control system.

[0039] Specifically, in one embodiment, the refrigerant recovery control strategy controls the compressor to discharge gaseous refrigerant into the indoor unit at a decreasing speed, while simultaneously controlling the indoor fan to operate at maximum speed until the compressor suction pressure falls below a preset value, at which point the gas solenoid valve is closed, stopping the compressor. The preset value can be set arbitrarily; a value below the preset value indicates that the suction pressure is very low and the refrigerant has been substantially recovered.

[0040] Furthermore, to ensure the reliability of refrigerant detection, the temperature control system is provided with a refrigerant detection life alarm function. The main control board and / or the refrigerant detection module are preset with a refrigerant detection module life time parameter time2; different life time parameters can be set for different refrigerant sensor types, and the life time parameters correspond to the life time of the corresponding refrigerant sensor; the control method includes a life detection method, and the life detection method includes the following steps:

[0041] Record the working time parameter, which represents the total working time of the refrigerant detection module when it is powered on;

[0042] The operating time parameter is compared with the life time parameter. If the operating time parameter is less than the life time parameter, the operating time parameter is continued to be recorded. Otherwise, a life alarm message is issued, the outdoor fan is controlled to operate, and maintenance personnel are required to replace the refrigerant detection module. After the replacement is completed, the operating time parameter is reset to zero and the life time parameter corresponding to the replaced refrigerant detection module is updated.

[0043] The refrigerant detection module can be an independent circuit board or can be set on the main control board or driver board. It is usually installed in the outdoor unit of the unit when it leaves the factory and is sold together with the air conditioning system. Different preset parameters can be set according to different units or refrigerant detection modules; specifically, Figure 3 As shown, the preset parameters are as follows:

[0044] Alarm concentration parameter (P01): used to determine whether refrigerant leakage has occurred;

[0045] Alarm release concentration parameter (P02): used to determine whether the refrigerant leakage has been alleviated;

[0046] Mitigation measure duration parameter (time1): used for the delay time to determine mitigation measures (such as controlling the operation of the outdoor fan) after the leakage alarm stops;

[0047] Alarm release duration parameter (time3): used to determine the delay time of the leak alarm after the leak is alleviated;

[0048] Preheating time parameter (time4): used to determine the power-on preheating time of the refrigerant detection module. When the preset time is reached, the refrigerant detection module can perform high-precision detection;

[0049] The above parameters are preset in the control device of the outdoor unit, such as the main control board or the refrigerant detection module. To achieve the purpose corresponding to the above preset parameters, one or more of the above parameters are set in the temperature control system. Correspondingly, the control method includes one or more of the following steps 1-4.

[0050] Step 1: Compare the refrigerant concentration parameter representing the current refrigerant concentration with the alarm concentration parameter P01; if the refrigerant concentration parameter is greater than or equal to the alarm concentration parameter P01, it is determined that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the temperature control system, and a leakage alarm is issued, and the compressor of the temperature control system is shut down; the leakage alarm can be a buzzer sound alarm, an LED light alarm, etc.

[0051] Step 2: Record the power-on time parameter time representing the power-on time of the refrigerant detection module. When the power-on time parameter time reaches the preheating time parameter time4, the temperature control system performs refrigerant detection through the refrigerant detection module to ensure the accuracy of the detection.

[0052] Step 3: After determining a refrigerant leak, compare the refrigerant concentration parameter representing the current refrigerant concentration with the alarm release concentration parameter P02. If the refrigerant concentration parameter is less than the alarm release concentration parameter, further determine whether the alarm release time parameter reaches the alarm release duration parameter time3. If so, stop the leak alarm. The alarm release time parameter represents the time during which the refrigerant concentration parameter remains less than the alarm release concentration parameter P02.

[0053] Step 4: After stopping the refrigerant leakage alarm, continue to control the outdoor fan to run until the running time reaches the mitigation time characterized by the mitigation measure duration parameter time1, and then control the temperature regulation system to enter the standby state. In this embodiment, after the refrigerant leakage alarm stops, the outdoor fan continues to run until the continuous running time reaches time1, so that the leaked refrigerant can be fully mitigated and diluted. After sufficient mitigation, control the temperature regulation system to enter the standby state again or directly report for repair. Entering the standby state is to set fault tolerance to prevent the refrigerant detection module from mis-detecting or the control device from mis-controlling. Further, the system can enter the standby state by turning off the outdoor fan, opening the liquid line solenoid valve and the gas line solenoid valve (if any), and turning on the relay of the compressor power supply.

[0054] Further, the compressor of the outdoor unit can also be controlled according to the refrigerant concentration information or the refrigerant leakage information; when the temperature regulation system is powered on and running normally, the refrigerant detection module or the main control board turns on the relay that supplies power to the compressor. Optionally, the relay of the indoor and outdoor connection valves is turned on to make the temperature regulation system work properly. It should be noted that the indoor unit and the outdoor unit of the split-type temperature regulation system are connected through the indoor and outdoor connection valves; while the integrated temperature regulation system only has an outdoor unit and no indoor and outdoor connection valves. After the temperature regulation system works properly, the above control method is executed to achieve refrigerant detection and control after refrigerant leakage. After refrigerant leakage, refrigerant recovery can be performed. After refrigerant leakage, the compressor can also be directly turned off, the outdoor fan can be controlled to run at the maximum speed, and the indoor and outdoor connection valves can be closed, that is, the system is made not to work, and at the same time the indoor and outdoor connection valves are closed, so that the refrigerant in the indoor unit will not flow into the outdoor unit, thereby reducing the amount of outdoor refrigerant leakage.

[0055] Two conditions are required for explosion / combustion after refrigerant leakage: an ignition source and a concentration above the explosion point; the control method provided by the embodiments of the present invention adds a refrigerant detection module to detect the refrigerant concentration or leakage information without changing the original design scheme, and some mitigation measures can be taken below the explosion concentration to reduce the refrigerant concentration. Further, for different types of refrigerant detection modules and different levels of flammable refrigerants, only the corresponding parameters need to be changed to achieve compatibility, improving the use safety of the temperature regulation system using flammable refrigerants.

[0056] Referring to the description of the above control method, an embodiment of the present application also provides a control device, which is arranged in the outdoor unit of the temperature regulation system and is at least used to execute the above control method and achieve the corresponding effects, such as Figure 4As shown, the control device includes an outdoor fan control module 141 and a refrigerant detection module 142: The refrigerant detection module 142 is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the outdoor fan control module 141. The refrigerant detection module 142 can detect the refrigerant concentration and send the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information to the outdoor fan control module 141; The outdoor fan control module can be electrically connected to the outdoor fan 13 of the temperature regulation system and can control the operation of the outdoor fan at least according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information. Specifically, after refrigerant leakage occurs, it controls the outdoor fan 13 to operate to disperse the refrigerant; The refrigerant concentration parameter represents the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection module.

[0057] In one embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the control device 14 includes a main control board 14b and a drive board 14a; The outdoor fan control module is arranged on the main control board 14b. The main control board can also be electrically connected or communicatively connected to the thermostat 3 of the temperature regulation system, receive the setting information of the thermostat, and the main control board controls the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the setting information of the thermostat 3 to enable the temperature regulation system to work properly;

[0058] The main control board 14b is electrically connected to the drive board 14a. The drive board 14a can be electrically connected to the compressor 15 of the temperature regulation system, and the drive board 14a can control the operating state of the compressor according to the setting information or refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information.

[0059] The main control board can also be electrically connected to the valves 16 / 17 of the outdoor unit and can control the working state of the valves 16 / 17 according to the setting information or refrigerant concentration parameter or the refrigerant leakage information.

[0060] Specifically, during normal operation, the compressor and valves are controlled according to the setting information; during refrigerant leakage, the working states of the compressor and valves are controlled to achieve refrigerant recovery; when refrigerant leaks, the working states of the compressor and valves can also be controlled to make the system shut down and wait for maintenance or implement refrigerant leakage mitigation measures.

[0061] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the control device further includes a ventilation valve control module. The ventilation valve control module is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the refrigerant detection module 142; The ventilation valve control module can be electrically connected to the ventilation valve and can control the state of the ventilation valve at least according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information. The ventilation valve control module can be arranged on the main control board.

[0062] Referring to the descriptions of the above control method and control device, an embodiment of the present application also provides a temperature regulation system, including an outdoor unit, as Figure 6 shown, the outdoor unit includes a housing 11, an outdoor fan 13 and a control device 14; As Figure 4As shown, the control device 14 includes an outdoor fan control module 141 and a refrigerant detection module 142. The outdoor fan control module 141 and the refrigerant detection module 142 can be arranged on a circuit board or separately. The outdoor fan and the control device are located in the installation cavity 110, and the installation cavity is at least formed by the housing 1, and the housing 1 is not a sealed structure.

[0063] The refrigerant detection module 142 is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the outdoor fan control module 141. The refrigerant detection module 142 can detect the refrigerant concentration and send the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information to the outdoor fan control module 141. The outdoor fan control module 141 is electrically connected to the outdoor fan 13 of the temperature regulation system and can control the operation of the outdoor fan 13 at least according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information. The refrigerant concentration parameter represents the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection module.

[0064] In this embodiment, the control device 14 performs refrigerant leakage detection and controls the operation of the outdoor fan 13 after refrigerant leakage occurs to blow away the leaked refrigerant and prevent the risk caused by refrigerant accumulation.

[0065] Reference Figure 7 Furthermore, the outdoor unit further includes a middle partition 12. The installation cavity 110 includes a first chamber 1101 and a second chamber 1102. The first chamber 1101 and the second chamber 1102 are at least separated by the middle partition 12. The outdoor fan 13 is located in the first chamber 1101, and the outdoor heat exchanger (not shown in the figure) is also located in the first chamber 1101. The first chamber is also called the outdoor heat exchanger chamber. The refrigerant detection module 142 is located in the second chamber 1102, and the second chamber is also called the compressor chamber. Most of the refrigerant pipes and valve parts of the outdoor unit are arranged in the second chamber, and refrigerant leakage is likely to occur in the second chamber. Therefore, the refrigerant detection module 142 / 1421 is arranged in the second chamber 1102.

[0066] The outdoor unit further includes a compressor 15, a liquid pipe solenoid valve 16 and a gas pipe solenoid valve 17; the control device 14 includes a drive board 14a and a main control board 14b; the output end of the drive board 14a is electrically connected to the compressor 15 for driving the compressor; at least part of the drive board is located in the first chamber 1101: the drive board includes power components, and in order to dissipate heat from the power components, the drive board is provided with a radiator, and the radiator is located in the first chamber; the main control board and at least part of the drive board are located in the second chamber. Since most of the electrical parts of the control device are located in the second chamber 1102, situations such as electric sparks or high temperatures may occur. Therefore, if there is a refrigerant leak in the second chamber 1102, there will be a greater risk. The refrigerant detection module is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the main control board, and the main control board can also be electrically connected or communicatively connected to the thermostat of the temperature regulation system; the main control board is also electrically connected to the liquid pipe solenoid valve 16 and the gas pipe solenoid valve 17; the main control board can control the operating states of the outdoor fan, the compressor, the liquid pipe solenoid valve and the gas pipe solenoid valve according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leak information sent by the refrigerant detection module and the set information sent by the thermostat, so that the temperature regulation system operates normally, or is in normal standby, or performs refrigerant leak mitigation and alarm actions, or performs refrigerant recovery after refrigerant leak, or performs standby actions after refrigerant leak.

[0067] Further, referring to Figure 7 , the outdoor unit further includes a ventilation valve 19; the middle partition 12 is provided with an opening; the ventilation valve 19 is electrically connected to the control device, and the control device can control the ventilation valve 19 according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leak information; when a refrigerant leak occurs, the control device controls the ventilation valve 19 to open so that the refrigerant diffuses through the opening into the first chamber 1101; otherwise, the control device controls the ventilation valve 19 to close, and the temperature regulation system operates normally or is in standby. At least part of the opening is located on the air suction side of the outdoor fan. When the outdoor fan operates, a negative pressure is formed on the air suction side, which is beneficial to sucking the refrigerant from the second chamber 1102 into the first chamber 1101.

[0068] As Figure 8 [[ID=A]]or Figure 9 shown, in order to carry out refrigerant diffusion, a ventilation duct 20 can also be provided. One end 202 of the ventilation duct 20 is located in the second chamber 1102, and the other end 201 is located outside the second chamber 1102. Taking Figure 8 as an example, the other end 201 is located in the first chamber 1101. Further, the other end 201 is arranged on the air suction side of the outdoor fan to improve the efficiency of diffusing the refrigerant from the second chamber 1102 to the first chamber 1101. Taking Figure 9 as an example, the other end 201 can also not be placed in the first chamber 1101, but directly placed on the air suction side of the outdoor fan outside the outdoor unit.

[0069] When the outdoor fan operates, the back side of the outdoor fan (such as Figure 9The back side of the outdoor unit shown) is the air intake side, and the front side of the outdoor fan (such as Figure 8 The front side of the outdoor unit shown is the air blowing side), the air flow flows from the back side to the front side of the outdoor fan, and the air intake side of the outdoor fan is the back side position of the outdoor fan. In actual use, the refrigerant pipe solder joints of the outdoor unit are distributed throughout the upper, middle, and lower parts of the second chamber, so the corresponding opening position of the ventilation valve can be at a certain position in the upper, middle, or lower part of the middle partition. Also, because the density of the refrigerant is greater than that of air, the refrigerant will accumulate at the bottom after leakage. Therefore, in one embodiment, the opening is located in the lower part of the middle partition 19. In this embodiment, it is possible to set that the outdoor unit includes multiple refrigerant detection modules, but at least one refrigerant detection module 1421 is arranged in the lower part of the second chamber 1102.

[0070] For the same or similar parts among the various embodiments in this specification, reference can be made to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the system or system embodiments, since they are basically similar to the method embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can refer to the partial description of the method embodiments. The systems and system embodiments described above are only illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they can be located in one place or distributed to multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the solution of this embodiment. A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without creative work.

[0071] Those skilled in the art can further realize that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in combination with the embodiments disclosed in this article can be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the composition and steps of each example have been generally described according to functions in the above description. Whether these functions are executed in a hardware or software manner depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to exceed the scope of the present invention.

[0072] Regarding the above description of the disclosed embodiments, the features recorded in each embodiment in this specification can be replaced or combined with each other, enabling those skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein can be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention will not be limited to these embodiments shown herein, but will conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A control method, characterized in that, Applicable to a temperature control system, the temperature control system includes an outdoor fan and a refrigerant detection module, the outdoor fan and the refrigerant detection module are arranged in an outdoor unit of the temperature control system, and the control method includes the following steps: determining whether a refrigerant leak occurs in the temperature adjustment system at least by means of the refrigerant detection module; If a refrigerant leak occurs in the temperature control system, the outdoor fan is controlled to operate.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein The outdoor unit is further provided with a ventilation valve; the control method further comprises the steps of: After refrigerant leakage occurs, the ventilation valve is controlled to open so that the refrigerant can diffuse to the outdoor fan side.

3. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The temperature control system is further provided with an indoor and outdoor connecting valve, wherein the outdoor and indoor connecting valves include a liquid pipe solenoid valve and a gas pipe solenoid valve; the control method further comprises the steps of: After a refrigerant leak occurs, implement refrigerant recovery methods; The refrigerant recovery method comprises the following steps: The temperature regulating system is controlled to operate in a heating mode, the liquid pipe solenoid valve is controlled to be cut off, and the gas pipe solenoid valve is controlled to be opened, so that the refrigerant is recovered to the indoor unit of the temperature regulating system.

4. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that When the refrigerant is recovered, the compressor is controlled to discharge the gaseous refrigerant into the indoor unit at a decreasing speed, and the indoor fan is controlled to run at the maximum fan speed until the suction pressure of the compressor is lower than the preset value, and the air pipe solenoid valve is controlled to be cut off and the compressor is controlled to stop running.

5. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The main control board of the temperature control system and / or the refrigerant detection module are preset with the life time parameters of the refrigerant detection module; the control method includes a life detection method, and the life detection method includes the steps of: Recording a working time parameter, where the working time parameter represents the total working time of the refrigerant detection module when it is powered on; The working time parameter is compared with the life time parameter. When the working time parameter is less than the life time parameter, the working time parameter continues to be recorded; otherwise, a life alarm message is issued and the outdoor fan is controlled to operate.

6. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The main control board of the temperature control system and / or the refrigerant detection module are preset with one or more of an alarm concentration parameter, an alarm release concentration parameter, a mitigation measure duration parameter, an alarm release duration parameter, and a preheating time parameter; the control method further includes one or more of steps 1-4; Step 1: Compare a refrigerant concentration parameter representing the current refrigerant concentration with the alarm concentration parameter; if the refrigerant concentration parameter is greater than or equal to the alarm concentration parameter, determine that a refrigerant leak has occurred in the temperature control system, issue a leakage alarm, and shut down the compressor of the temperature control system; Step 2: Recording a power-on time parameter representing the power-on duration of the refrigerant detection module. When the power-on time parameter reaches the preheating time parameter, the temperature control system performs refrigerant detection at least through the refrigerant detection module. Step 3: After determining a refrigerant leak, compare the refrigerant concentration parameter representing the current refrigerant concentration with the alarm-clearing concentration parameter; if the refrigerant concentration parameter is less than the alarm-clearing concentration parameter, determine whether the alarm-clearing time parameter reaches the alarm-clearing duration parameter; if so, stop the leak alarm; wherein the alarm-clearing time parameter represents the time during which the refrigerant concentration parameter remains less than the alarm-clearing concentration parameter; Step 4: After the leakage alarm stops, the outdoor fan is continued to be controlled to run until the running time reaches the mitigation time represented by the mitigation measure duration parameter, and the temperature adjustment system is controlled to enter the standby state.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Also includes the steps: If a refrigerant leak occurs, turn off the compressor and control the outdoor fan to run at the maximum speed; close the indoor and outdoor connecting valves.

8. A control device, characterized in that, An outdoor unit is arranged in a temperature control system, and the control device includes an outdoor fan control module and a refrigerant detection module: the refrigerant detection module is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the outdoor fan control module, and the refrigerant detection module can detect the refrigerant concentration and send the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information to the outdoor fan control module; the outdoor fan control module can be electrically connected to the outdoor fan of the temperature control system, and can control the operation of the outdoor fan at least according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information; the refrigerant concentration parameter represents the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection module.

9. The control device according to claim 8, characterized in that The outdoor fan control module is provided on the main control board, and the main control board can also be electrically connected or communicatively connected to the thermostat of the temperature control system, and the main control board can also control the operating state of the outdoor fan according to the setting information of the thermostat; The main control board is electrically connected to the drive board, and the drive board is electrically connected to the compressor of the temperature control system. The drive board is capable of controlling the operating state of the compressor according to the setting information, the refrigerant concentration parameter, or the refrigerant leakage information; The main control board can also be electrically connected to the valve component of the outdoor unit, and can control the working state of the valve component according to the setting information or the refrigerant concentration parameter or the refrigerant leakage information.

10. The control device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, It also includes a ventilation valve control module, which is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the refrigerant detection module; the ventilation valve control module can be electrically connected to the ventilation valve and can control the state of the ventilation valve at least according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information.

11. A temperature regulation system, comprising an outdoor unit, characterized in that, The outdoor unit includes a housing, an outdoor fan and a control device; the control device includes an outdoor fan control module and a refrigerant detection module; the outdoor fan and the control device are located in an installation cavity, and the installation cavity is formed by at least the housing; The refrigerant detection module is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the outdoor fan control module. The refrigerant detection module can detect the refrigerant concentration and send the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information to the outdoor fan control module. The outdoor fan control module is electrically connected to the outdoor fan of the temperature regulation system and can control the operation of the outdoor fan at least according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information. The refrigerant concentration parameter represents the refrigerant concentration detected by the refrigerant detection module.

12. The temperature regulation system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The outdoor unit further includes a middle partition board. The installation cavity includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber are at least separated by the middle partition board. The outdoor fan is located in the first chamber. The refrigerant detection module is located in the second chamber. The first chamber and the second chamber can communicate with each other.

13. The temperature regulation system according to claim 12, wherein, The outdoor unit further includes a compressor, a liquid pipe solenoid valve, and a gas pipe solenoid valve. The control device includes a drive board and a main control board. The output end of the drive board is electrically connected to the compressor. At least part of the drive board is located in the first chamber. The main control board and at least part of the drive board are located in the second chamber. The refrigerant detection module is electrically connected or communicatively connected to the main control board. The main control board can also be electrically connected or communicatively connected to the thermostat of the temperature regulation system. The main control board is also electrically connected to the liquid pipe solenoid valve and the gas pipe solenoid valve. The main control board can control the working states of the outdoor fan, the compressor, the liquid pipe solenoid valve, and the gas pipe solenoid valve according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information sent by the refrigerant detection module and the setting information sent by the thermostat.

14. The temperature control system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that: The outdoor unit further includes a ventilation valve. The middle partition board is provided with an opening, and at least part of the opening is located on the air intake side of the outdoor fan. The ventilation valve is electrically connected to the control device, and the control device can control the ventilation valve according to the refrigerant concentration parameter or refrigerant leakage information. When refrigerant leakage occurs, the ventilation valve is controlled to open so that the refrigerant diffuses into the first chamber through the opening. Otherwise, the ventilation valve is controlled to close.

15. The temperature regulation system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The outdoor unit includes a plurality of refrigerant detection modules, and at least one refrigerant detection module is arranged at the lower part of the second chamber. The opening is located at the lower part of the middle partition board.

16. The temperature regulation system according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, It further includes a ventilation duct. One end of the ventilation duct is located in the second chamber, and the other end of the ventilation duct is located on the air intake side of the outdoor fan.

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