Safety component selecting and matching method and refrigerant leakage control method of combustible refrigerant air conditioner

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, in particular to a safety component selecting and matching method of a combustible refrigerant air conditioner and a refrigerant leakage control method, and aims to solve the problems that when leakage occurs in different air conditioning systems, different processing methods are needed, and then some safety components need to be added or replaced so as to improve the safety of the air conditioning systems; however, a method for selecting and matching safety parts for different air conditioning systems does not exist at present. In order to achieve the purpose, the safety component selecting and matching method of the combustible refrigerant air conditioner comprises the following steps that S1, according to the system refrigerant amount of an air conditioner system and the recyclable refrigerant amount of an outdoor unit, a processing method for leakage of the air conditioner system is determined; and S2, according to the processing method, determining the selected safety component. According to the matching method, matching of the safety parts can be determined according to different processing methods, so that when refrigerant leakage happens to the air conditioning system, all the safety parts can be better matched, the refrigerant does not continue to leak any more, and the safety of the air conditioning system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and in particular provides a method for selecting safety components of a flammable refrigerant air conditioner and a method for controlling refrigerant leakage. Background Art

[0002] With the global trend toward reducing carbon emissions, air conditioning systems are shifting toward new refrigerants, such as R32, R454B, and R290. These refrigerants offer advantages such as high energy efficiency and low carbon emissions, and are gradually becoming mainstream in the air conditioning industry. However, these refrigerants are also flammable and explosive, requiring air conditioners using flammable refrigerants to demonstrate even higher safety performance.

[0003] To ensure the safety of air conditioners using flammable refrigerants, these systems require safety components such as shutoff valves, detectors, alarms, and ventilators to handle refrigerant leaks. Existing air conditioning systems typically include detectors and alarms on the indoor units, and safety components such as shutoff valves on the refrigerant pipelines. These components sound an alarm and shut off the refrigerant circulation in the event of a leak. However, different air conditioning systems require different handling methods when leaks occur, necessitating the addition or replacement of safety components to improve system safety. Currently, there is no method for selecting safety components specifically for different air conditioning systems.

[0004] Accordingly, the art requires a new safety component selection method and refrigerant leakage control method structure for flammable refrigerant air conditioners to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above technical problem, that is, to solve the problem that when different air-conditioning systems leak, different treatment methods are required, and some safety components need to be added or replaced to improve the safety of the air-conditioning system. However, there is currently no method for selecting safety components for different air-conditioning systems.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for selecting safety components of a flammable refrigerant air conditioner. The method comprises the following steps:

[0007] S1. Determining a treatment method for a leak in the air-conditioning system based on the system refrigerant volume of the air-conditioning system and the amount of refrigerant recoverable by the outdoor unit;

[0008] S2. Determine the optional safety components according to the processing method.

[0009] In the preferred technical solution of the above matching method, step S1 specifically includes:

[0010] If the amount of refrigerant that can be recovered by the outdoor unit is less than a% of the amount of refrigerant in the system, the refrigerant cut-off method is used when a leak occurs;

[0011] If the amount of refrigerant that can be recovered by the outdoor unit is not less than a% of the amount of refrigerant in the system, a refrigerant recovery method or a refrigerant cut-off method is used when leakage occurs.

[0012] In the preferred technical solution of the above matching method, when refrigerant leakage occurs and the refrigerant cutoff method is adopted, step S2 specifically includes:

[0013] S21, determine whether there is a shutoff valve on the gas-liquid side of the air conditioning system. If there is one on one side, proceed to step S23; if not, proceed to step S24;

[0014] S23, installing a stop valve on the other side of the gas-liquid side or installing a valve box or stop valve capable of shutting off the gas-liquid side in the air conditioning system;

[0015] S24. Install a valve box or a stop valve in the air-conditioning system that can shut off the gas and liquid sides.

[0016] In the preferred technical solution of the above matching method, the valve box or the gas-liquid side stop valve is installed on the inner unit side and / or the outer unit side;

[0017] Among them, it is preferably installed on the indoor unit side.

[0018] In the preferred technical solution of the above matching method, the shut-off valve is a stop valve and / or an electronic expansion valve.

[0019] In the preferred technical solution of the above matching method, when the shut-off valve is the electronic expansion valve;

[0020] A stop valve or a valve box is installed on one side of the electronic expansion valve; or a valve box is installed on the inner unit side.

[0021] In the preferred technical solution of the above matching method, when it is determined in step S21 that there is a shut-off valve on the gas-liquid side, the process proceeds to step S22;

[0022] S22. When the shutoff valve is the electronic expansion valve, a shutoff valve or a valve box is installed on one side of the electronic expansion valve; or a valve box is installed on the inner unit side.

[0023] In the preferred technical solution of the above matching method, when refrigerant leakage occurs and a refrigerant recovery method is adopted, step S2 further includes:

[0024] A stop valve or valve box capable of shutting off the gas side is provided on the external unit side.

[0025] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned selection method, when refrigerant leakage occurs and a refrigerant recovery method is adopted, step S2 further includes:

[0026] A stop valve or a valve box capable of shutting off the liquid side is provided on the external unit side.

[0027] In a preferred technical solution of the above matching method, at least one of the valve box, the inner unit side and the outer unit side is provided with a built-in refrigerant detector for detecting the refrigerant concentration.

[0028] In the preferred technical solution of the above matching method, an alarm is provided on the inner unit side, and the alarm can sound an alarm when a refrigerant leak occurs on the inner unit side.

[0029] In the preferred technical solution of the above matching method, an external refrigerant detector is provided in the room where the indoor unit is installed, and the external refrigerant detector can detect the refrigerant concentration in the room to determine whether a refrigerant leak occurs; and / or

[0030] When refrigerant leakage occurs on the inner unit side, the external refrigerant detector can sound an alarm.

[0031] In the preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned selection method, a backup battery is provided on the inner unit side, and the backup battery is used to power the external refrigerant detector; and / or

[0032] A backup battery is provided on one side of the shut-off valve or the valve box, and the backup battery is used to supply power to the shut-off valve, the shut-off valve or the valve box.

[0033] In a preferred technical solution of the above matching method, at least one of the inner unit side, the valve box and the outer unit side is provided with a ventilation mechanism, and the ventilation mechanism is capable of discharging the leaked refrigerant to the outside.

[0034] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a refrigerant leakage control method for a flammable refrigerant air conditioner; the refrigerant leakage control method for a flammable refrigerant air conditioner includes: when the outdoor unit is capable of recovering refrigerant and refrigerant leakage occurs on the indoor unit side or in the main line, controlling the outdoor unit to recover refrigerant.

[0035] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, a stop valve or valve box capable of shutting off the gas side is provided on the external unit side; the control method further comprises:

[0036] After the refrigerant recovery is completed, the stop valve or the valve box on the gas side is closed; at the same time, the electronic expansion valve of the external unit is closed.

[0037] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, a stop valve or valve box capable of shutting off the gas and liquid sides is provided on the external unit side; the control method further comprises:

[0038] After the refrigerant recovery is completed, the stop valve or the valve box on the gas-liquid side is closed.

[0039] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, a stop valve or valve box capable of shutting off the gas side is provided on the outdoor unit side; "controlling the outdoor unit to recover refrigerant" includes:

[0040] The air conditioning system is controlled to operate in a cooling mode, and the outdoor electronic expansion valve is closed first. After the refrigerant recovery is completed, the stop valve or valve box on the gas side is closed.

[0041] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, a stop valve or valve box capable of shutting off the gas-liquid side is provided on the external unit side; "controlling the external unit to recover refrigerant" includes:

[0042] The air conditioning system is controlled to operate in a cooling mode, and the liquid-side stop valve or the liquid-side valve in the valve box is closed first. After the refrigerant recovery is completed, the gas-side stop valve or the gas-side valve in the valve box is closed.

[0043] In a third aspect, the present invention further provides a refrigerant leakage control method for a flammable refrigerant air conditioner. In the refrigerant leakage control method for a flammable refrigerant air conditioner, a shutoff valve and a stop valve or a valve box are provided on the gas-liquid side of the air conditioning system, or only the shutoff valve is provided; the shutoff valve includes a stop valve and / or an electronic expansion valve; and the control method comprises the following steps:

[0044] When refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine the valve that needs to be closed based on the valve type and position.

[0045] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0046] There is only the shutoff valve on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor unit, the shutoff valve corresponding to the leaking indoor unit is closed.

[0047] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0048] There is a shutoff valve or valve box on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor unit, the shutoff valve or the valve box corresponding to the leaking indoor unit is closed.

[0049] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0050] There is a shut-off valve or valve box on the gas side of the indoor unit, but no shut-off valve or valve box on the liquid side, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor unit, the shut-off valve and the shut-off valve or the valve box corresponding to the leaking indoor unit are closed.

[0051] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0052] There is at least one set of shut-off valves or valve boxes on the gas-liquid side of the outdoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor unit, the shut-off valves or valve boxes corresponding to the leaking indoor unit are closed.

[0053] In a preferred technical solution of the above control method, a ventilation mechanism is installed on the indoor unit side, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor unit, the ventilation mechanism is turned on.

[0054] In a preferred technical solution of the above control method, an external refrigerant detector is provided in the room where the indoor unit is installed, and when a refrigerant leak occurs on the indoor unit side, the external refrigerant detector can sound an alarm.

[0055] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0056] There is only the shutoff valve on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, the shutoff valves corresponding to all indoor units are closed.

[0057] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0058] There is only the shutoff valve on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, all the indoor units operate in the same mode for a preset time, and then the shutoff valves corresponding to all the indoor units are closed.

[0059] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0060] There is a shut-off valve or valve box on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, the shut-off valve or valve box corresponding to all indoor units is closed.

[0061] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0062] There is a shut-off valve or valve box on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when a refrigerant leak occurs in the outdoor unit, all the indoor units operate in the same mode for a preset time, and then the shut-off valves or valve boxes corresponding to all the indoor units are closed.

[0063] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0064] There is a stop valve or valve box on the gas side of the indoor unit and a shutoff valve on the liquid side. When refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, the shutoff valve and the stop valve or the valve box corresponding to all indoor units are closed.

[0065] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0066] There is a shut-off valve or valve box on the gas side of the indoor unit and a shut-off valve on the liquid side, and when a refrigerant leak occurs in the outdoor unit, all the indoor units operate in the same mode for a preset time, and then close the shut-off valves and the shut-off valves or valve boxes corresponding to all the indoor units.

[0067] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0068] There is a shutoff valve or valve box on the gas side of the outdoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, the outdoor unit electronic expansion valve and the shutoff valve or the valve box are closed.

[0069] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0070] There is a shut-off valve or valve box on the gas side of the outdoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, all the indoor units operate in the same mode for a preset time, and then close the outdoor unit electronic expansion valve and the shut-off valve or the valve box.

[0071] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0072] There is a shutoff valve or a valve box on the gas-liquid side of the outdoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, the shutoff valve or the valve box is closed.

[0073] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve to be closed based on the type and position of the valve when a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit” includes:

[0074] There is a shut-off valve or valve box on the gas-liquid side of the outdoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, all the indoor units operate in the same mode for a preset time, and then close the shut-off valve or the valve box.

[0075] In a preferred technical solution of the above control method, a ventilation mechanism is installed on the side of the outdoor unit, and when a refrigerant leak occurs in the outdoor unit, the ventilation mechanism is turned on.

[0076] In a fourth aspect, the present invention further provides a refrigerant leakage control method for a flammable refrigerant air conditioner, wherein a valve box is present on the gas side and / or gas-liquid side of the air conditioning system in the refrigerant leakage control method for a flammable refrigerant air conditioner;

[0077] The control method comprises the following steps:

[0078] When leakage occurs in the valve box, the valve box that needs to be closed is determined according to the position of the valve box.

[0079] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve box to be closed according to the position of the valve box when leakage occurs in the valve box” includes:

[0080] The valve box is present on the gas side of the indoor unit, and when leakage occurs in the valve box, all valves in the leaking valve box and the corresponding shut-off valve are closed.

[0081] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve box to be closed according to the position of the valve box when leakage occurs in the valve box” includes:

[0082] The valve box is present on the gas-liquid side of the internal machine, and when leakage occurs in the valve box, all valves in the leaking valve box are closed.

[0083] In a preferred technical solution of the above control method, if the valve box continues to leak after a set time has passed since the valve box leaked, all valve boxes and the external unit electronic expansion valve are closed.

[0084] In a preferred technical solution of the above control method, a ventilation mechanism is provided in the valve box, and after leakage occurs in the valve box, the ventilation mechanism is started to operate for a set time;

[0085] If refrigerant still exists in the valve box after the ventilation mechanism stops, it is determined that the valve box is continuously leaking, and the ventilation mechanism is allowed to continue operating.

[0086] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve box to be closed according to the position of the valve box when leakage occurs in the valve box” includes:

[0087] The valve box is present on the gas side of the external unit, and when leakage occurs in the valve box, the external unit electronic expansion valve and the valve box are closed.

[0088] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve box to be closed according to the position of the valve box when leakage occurs in the valve box” includes:

[0089] The valve box is present on the gas-liquid side of the external unit, and when leakage occurs in the valve box, the external unit electronic expansion valve and the valve box are closed.

[0090] In the preferred technical solution of the above control method, “determining the valve box to be closed according to the position of the valve box when leakage occurs in the valve box” includes:

[0091] There are multiple valve boxes on the gas-liquid side of the external unit, and when the valve box leaks, all valves in the leaking valve box and the valve boxes upstream and downstream of the liquid side of the valve box are closed.

[0092] In a preferred technical solution of the above control method, a ventilation mechanism is provided in the valve box, and the ventilation mechanism is activated after leakage occurs in the valve box.

[0093] When the above technical solution is adopted, the treatment method for leaks in the air-conditioning system is determined based on the system refrigerant volume and the amount of refrigerant that can be recovered from the outdoor unit. Then, based on the treatment method, the safety components that need to be selected for the air-conditioning system are determined. Since the safety components are selected based on the treatment method, when a refrigerant leak occurs in the air-conditioning system, the various safety components can work together better to handle the refrigerant leak and prevent further refrigerant leakage. This can reduce the possibility of increased refrigerant concentration in indoor or enclosed spaces, leading to fires or explosions, and improve the safety of flammable refrigerant air-conditioning systems. At the same time, the safety components can stop the refrigerant leak in a timely manner, reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage in the air-conditioning system and reducing economic losses.

[0094] This application comprehensively considers the safety of the entire air-conditioning system, and also configures safety components such as refrigerant detectors and ventilation mechanisms in locations where there is a risk of refrigerant leakage, such as the external unit, gas-liquid side pipelines and valve boxes, which can improve the safety of the entire air-conditioning system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0096] Figure 1 This is a flow chart of the main steps of the method for selecting safety components of an air conditioner according to the present invention;

[0097] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the specific steps of the method for selecting safety components of an air conditioner according to the present invention;

[0098] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the valve box of the present invention (the two-valve valve box is installed on the external unit side of the heat pump system)

[0099] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat recovery system provided by the present invention. Figure 1 (without shut-off valve or valve box);

[0100] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump system provided by the present invention. Figure 2 (A shut-off valve or valve box is installed on the gas and liquid side of the indoor unit);

[0101] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat recovery system provided by the present invention. Figure 3 (A shut-off valve or valve box is installed on the gas and liquid side of the indoor unit);

[0102] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump system provided by the present invention. Figure 4 (A shut-off valve or valve box is installed on the gas side of the indoor unit);

[0103] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump system provided by the present invention. Figure 5 (A shut-off valve or valve box is installed on the gas and liquid side of the outdoor unit);

[0104] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the heat pump system provided by the present invention Figure 6 (Multiple shut-off valves or valve boxes are installed on the gas and liquid sides of the external unit);

[0105] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat recovery system provided by the present invention. Figure 7 (A shut-off valve or valve box is installed on the gas and liquid side of the outdoor unit);

[0106] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat recovery system provided by the present invention. Figure 8 (Multiple shut-off valves or valve boxes are installed on the gas and liquid sides of the external unit);

[0107] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump system provided by the present invention. Figure 9 (A shut-off valve or valve box is installed on the gas side of the outdoor unit);

[0108] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat recovery system provided by the present invention. Figure 10 (A shut-off valve or valve box is installed on the gas side of the outdoor unit);

[0109] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat pump system provided by the present invention. Figure 10 1. (Both the gas-liquid side of the external unit and the gas-liquid side of the internal unit are equipped with shut-off valves or valve boxes);

[0110] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat recovery system provided by the present invention. Figure 10 2. (Both the gas-liquid side of the external unit and the gas-liquid side of the internal unit are equipped with shut-off valves or valve boxes);

[0111] Reference numerals:

[0112] 1b, indoor unit; 1c, indoor unit electronic expansion valve; 1d, indoor unit heat exchanger; 1f, low-pressure gas pipe valve; 1g, high-pressure gas pipe valve; 2, valve box; 21, box body; 22, air valve; 23, fan; 24, air duct; 4, compressor; 5, oil separator; 6, gas-liquid separator; 7, outdoor unit heat exchanger; 7a, first four-way valve; 7b, defrost sensor; 7c, outdoor unit electronic expansion valve; 8a, second four-way valve; 9, outdoor fan; 10, third four-way valve; 11, manual stop valve; 11a, liquid pipe main line; 11b, gas pipe main line; 12a, low-pressure gas pipe main line; 13a, high-pressure gas pipe main line; 14, outdoor unit; 15, backup battery; 16, built-in refrigerant detector; 17, external refrigerant detector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0113] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely intended to illustrate the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may adjust these embodiments as needed to suit specific applications.

[0114] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or component described must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," and "fourth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0115] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "communicated" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed or detachable connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0116] In order to solve the problem of leakage in different air-conditioning systems, different treatment methods are required. Therefore, some safety components need to be added or replaced to improve the safety of the air-conditioning system. However, there is currently no method for selecting safety components for different air-conditioning systems.

[0117] The present invention discloses a method for selecting safety components for an air conditioner using a flammable refrigerant. The air conditioning system includes an outdoor unit 14, safety components, and multiple indoor units 1b arranged in parallel. The safety components include a shutoff valve, a stop valve, a valve box 2, a built-in refrigerant detector 16, an alarm, an external refrigerant detector 17, a backup battery 15, and a ventilation mechanism. The shutoff valve, which can be a stop valve and / or an electronic expansion valve, is a component required for the operation of the air conditioning system and can also serve as a safety component in the event of a leak in the air conditioning system.

[0118] The air conditioning system mainly consists of heat recovery system and heat pump system.

[0119] If the air conditioning system is a heat pump system, the outdoor unit 14 is connected to a main liquid line 11a and a main gas line 11b, while the indoor unit 1b is connected to a branch liquid line and a branch gas line. The branch liquid line is connected to the main liquid line 11a, and the branch gas line is connected to the main gas line 11b, allowing the outdoor unit 14 to communicate with the indoor unit 1b. The outdoor unit 14 includes multiple outdoor heat exchangers 7, each connected to the main liquid line 11a via a branch pipe. Each branch pipe is equipped with an outdoor electronic expansion valve 7c. The outdoor electronic expansion valve 7c is an electronic expansion valve. The indoor electronic expansion valve 1c is installed on the branch liquid line. In a heat pump system, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 7c and the indoor electronic expansion valve 1c serve as safety components, acting as shutoff valves.

[0120] If the air conditioning system is a heat recovery system, the outdoor unit 14 is connected to a main liquid line 11a, a main high-pressure gas line 13a, and a main low-pressure gas line 12a. A branch liquid line, a branch high-pressure gas line, and a branch low-pressure gas line are connected to the indoor unit 1b. The branch liquid line is connected to the main liquid line 11a. An indoor electronic expansion valve 1c is installed on the side of the branch liquid line near the indoor heat exchanger 1d of indoor unit 1b. The branch high-pressure gas line is connected to the main high-pressure gas line 13a, and the branch low-pressure gas line is connected to the main low-pressure gas line 12a. A high-pressure gas valve 1g is installed on the branch high-pressure gas line, and a low-pressure gas valve 1f is installed on the branch low-pressure gas line. Both valves 1g and 1f are shutoff valves. By controlling one of the valves 1g and 1f to open, and thus controlling the liquid valves to open, the outdoor unit 14 can be connected to the indoor unit 1b. The outdoor unit 14 includes multiple outdoor heat exchangers 7, each connected to the main liquid pipe 11a via a branch pipe. Each branch pipe is equipped with an outdoor electronic expansion valve 7c. The outdoor electronic expansion valve 7c, along with the indoor electronic expansion valve 1c, high-pressure gas pipe valve 1g, and low-pressure gas pipe valve 1f, serve as safety components in the heat recovery system.

[0121] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the safety component selection method for flammable refrigerant air conditioners mainly includes the following steps:

[0122] S1. Determine the treatment method for leakage in the air conditioning system based on the system refrigerant volume and the refrigerant volume that can be recovered by the outdoor unit;

[0123] S2. Determine the optional safety components based on the treatment method.

[0124] Because safety components are selected based on the treatment method, when a refrigerant leak occurs in the air conditioning system, the various safety components can work together to better address the leak and prevent further leakage. This reduces the possibility of fire or explosion caused by increased refrigerant concentration in indoor or confined spaces, thereby improving the safety of air conditioning systems with flammable refrigerants. At the same time, the safety components can stop the refrigerant leak in a timely manner, reducing the amount of refrigerant leaked from the air conditioning system and minimizing economic losses.

[0125] like Figure 2-15 As shown, step S1 specifically includes:

[0126] If the amount of refrigerant that can be recovered by the outdoor unit is less than a% of the system refrigerant volume, the refrigerant cut-off method is used when a leak occurs;

[0127] If the amount of refrigerant recoverable by the outdoor unit is not less than a% of the system refrigerant volume, a refrigerant recovery method or refrigerant shutoff method is used in the event of a leak. The system refrigerant volume can be determined based on the model of outdoor unit 14. a% can be 70%, 75%, or 80%, etc., and can be obtained through experimentation or determined empirically. The amount of refrigerant recoverable by the outdoor unit is determined based on the model of outdoor unit 14 or calculated based on the size of the heat exchanger, the gas-liquid separator 6, and the internal volume of the refrigerant container in the pipeline.

[0128] When a refrigerant leak occurs and a refrigerant cut-off method is used, step S2 specifically includes:

[0129] S21, determine whether there is a shutoff valve on the gas and liquid sides of the air conditioning system. If both sides exist, proceed to step S22; if one side exists, proceed to step S23; if not, proceed to step S24;

[0130] S22: The electronic expansion valve is installed on the liquid side of the air conditioning system, and the shutoff valve is installed on the gas side. To reduce assembly costs, safety accessories are not required. The shutoff valve on the gas-liquid side is primarily used on the internal unit side of the heat recovery system. The shutoff valves are the electronic expansion valve and the shutoff valve, specifically the low-pressure gas pipe valve and the high-pressure gas pipe valve.

[0131] like Figure 4As shown, there is only a shutoff valve on the gas-liquid side of indoor unit 1b. When refrigerant leaks from indoor unit 1b, the shutoff valve corresponding to the leaking indoor unit 1b is closed. Specifically, the electronic expansion valve 1c, high-pressure gas pipe valve 1g, and low-pressure gas pipe valve 1f corresponding to the leaking indoor unit 1b are closed to isolate the leaking indoor unit 1b, thereby preventing further refrigerant leakage from the leaking indoor unit 1b. Furthermore, isolating the leaking indoor unit 1b does not affect the operation of other indoor units 1b, thus minimizing the impact on users.

[0132] When refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit 14, all indoor units 1b are controlled to operate in the same mode for a preset time, such as all indoor units 1b running in cooling mode or heating mode at the same time, and the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipeline and the outdoor unit 14 is transported to the indoor unit 1b as much as possible, and then the shut-off valves corresponding to all indoor units 1b are closed, that is, the indoor unit electronic expansion valve 1c, the high-pressure gas pipe valve 1g and the low-pressure gas pipe valve 1f are closed, and the refrigerant is stored in each indoor unit 1b, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0133] Preferably, Figure 6 As shown, a valve box 2 or a stop valve that can cut off the liquid side can be installed on the liquid side of the indoor unit. When a leak occurs in the air conditioning system, the valve box 2 or the stop valve can replace the indoor electronic expansion valve 1c to cut off the refrigerant flow, which can reduce the possibility of the indoor electronic expansion valve 1c being damaged by a large impact. Figure 10 and 11 As shown, at least one valve box 2 or stop valve that can cut off the gas and liquid side can also be installed on the gas and liquid side of the outdoor unit. When the air conditioning system leaks, the valve box 2 or stop valve can be closed to prevent the air conditioning system from leaking or reduce the amount of leakage. Figure 15 As shown, a valve box 2 or a stop valve capable of shutting off the gas and liquid sides can be installed on the gas and liquid sides of the external unit, and a valve box 2 or a stop valve capable of shutting off the liquid sides can be installed on the liquid side of the internal unit.

[0134] S23, install a stop valve on the other side of the gas-liquid side or install a valve box 2 or a stop valve that can achieve gas-liquid side shutoff in the air conditioning system. The single-side existence is mainly aimed at the internal unit side of the heat pump system, where the stop valve is an electronic expansion valve.

[0135] like Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the valve box 2 includes a box body 21 and at least one valve. The box body 21 houses a built-in refrigerant detector 16 and a ventilation mechanism. The ventilation mechanism includes a damper 22, a built-in fan 23, and an air duct 24. An air inlet is provided on one side of the box body 21, and a mounting hole is provided on the other side. The damper 22 is mounted within the air inlet. The air inlet end of the air duct 24 is fixed within the mounting hole, and the air outlet end of the air duct 24 extends to the outdoor environment. Both the damper 22 and the built-in fan 23 are communicatively connected to a control system. When the built-in refrigerant detector 16 detects a refrigerant leak within the box body 21, the control system activates the ventilation mechanism, i.e., opens the damper 22 and activates the built-in fan 23. Air outside the box body 21 enters the box body 21 through the damper 22. Air, carried by the built-in fan 23, carries the refrigerant within the box body 21 and is discharged through the air duct 24 to the outdoor environment. If the air duct 24 is long, the built-in fan 23 can be removed and an external fan with a larger air supply distance can be installed at the air outlet end of the air duct 24 to discharge the refrigerant in the box body 21.

[0136] like Figure 5 As shown, a shutoff valve is installed on the other side of the gas-liquid side, or a valve box 2 or shutoff valve capable of shutting off the gas-liquid side is installed in the air conditioning system. That is, a shutoff valve and a shutoff valve or valve box 2 are present on the gas-liquid side of the air conditioning system, or a shutoff valve or valve box is present. The valve box 2 or shutoff valve can be installed on the indoor unit side or on the outdoor unit side, wherein the valve box 2 or shutoff valve is preferably installed on the indoor unit side.

[0137] like Figure 5 As shown, a shutoff valve or valve box 2 is located on the gas-liquid side of an indoor unit 1b. When refrigerant leaks from an indoor unit 1b, the shutoff valve or valve box 2 corresponding to the leaking indoor unit 1b is closed. This isolates the leaking indoor unit 1b, thereby preventing further refrigerant leakage from the indoor unit 1b. Furthermore, isolating the leaking indoor unit 1b does not affect the operation of other indoor units 1b, thus minimizing the impact on users.

[0138] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the valve box 2 is preferably used in the shut-off valve and the valve box 2. The use of the valve box 2 can make the control more stable and reliable. When the valve box 2 is installed in the heat pump system, a two-valve valve box 2 is used to adapt to the heat pump system. In addition, since the electronic expansion valve is mainly used to control superheat and subcooling, although it can also achieve the function of cutting off, it is likely to be damaged by a large impact when used to cut off the refrigerant. By installing a shut-off valve or valve box 2 before the indoor electronic expansion valve 1c, the cut-off or circulation of the refrigerant can be achieved, which can reduce the possibility of damage to the indoor electronic expansion valve 1c.

[0139] When a refrigerant leak occurs in the outdoor unit 14, the shutoff valves or valve boxes 2 corresponding to all indoor units 1b are closed, cutting off the refrigerant flow path between the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor unit 1b. This can prevent the refrigerant in the indoor unit 1b from flowing out of the leak in the outdoor unit 14, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage in the air-conditioning system. Alternatively, after detecting a leak in the outdoor unit 14, all indoor units 1b can be started and operated in the same mode for a preset time, transferring as much refrigerant as possible from the refrigerant pipeline and the outdoor unit 14 to the indoor unit 1b. Then, the shutoff valves or valve boxes 2 corresponding to all indoor units 1b are closed, storing the refrigerant in each indoor unit 1b, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0140] When the valve box 2 leaks, all valves in the leaking valve box 2 are closed, and the ventilation mechanism is started to run for the set time. The refrigerant concentration in the box body 21 is reduced in time through the ventilation mechanism, reducing the possibility of combustion or explosion of the valve box 2 caused by excessive refrigerant concentration. On the other hand, the leaked refrigerant is directly discharged to the outdoor environment through the air duct 24, which can reduce the possibility of the refrigerant causing harm to the health of indoor personnel.

[0141] After the ventilation mechanism stops, if the concentration in the box body 21 is not higher than the preset value or the concentration change rate is higher than the preset concentration change rate, it means that the valve box 2 has stopped leaking and the leakage point of the refrigerant pipeline is located on the side of the valve close to the indoor unit 1b. The ventilation mechanism remains stopped and the leaking valve box 2 waits for maintenance. If the concentration in the box body 21 is higher than the preset value or the concentration change rate is higher than the preset concentration change rate, it means that the valve box 2 is continuously leaking and the leakage point of the refrigerant pipeline is located on the side of the valve close to the outdoor unit 14. Start the ventilation mechanism in the leaking valve box 2, close all valve boxes 2 and the outdoor unit electronic expansion valve 7c, and stop the leakage of the valve box 2. Figure 7 As shown, there is a stop valve or valve box 2 on the gas side of the indoor unit 1b and a shutoff valve on the liquid side. When refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 1b, the shutoff valve and stop valve or valve box 2 corresponding to the leaking indoor unit 1b are closed.

[0142] like Figure 7 As shown, there is a stop valve or valve box 2 on the gas side of the indoor unit 1b and a shutoff valve on the liquid side. When refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit 1b, the shutoff valve and stop valve or valve box 2 corresponding to the leaking indoor unit 1b are closed.

[0143] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, in a heat pump system, a single-valve valve box 2 is used. Closing the electronic expansion valve 1c and valve box 2 of a leaking indoor unit 1b isolates the leaking indoor unit 1b, preventing further refrigerant leakage. Furthermore, isolating the leaking indoor unit 1b does not affect the operation of other indoor units 1b, minimizing the impact on users.

[0144] When a refrigerant leak occurs in the outdoor unit 14, the electronic expansion valves 1c and shutoff valves or valve boxes 2 corresponding to all indoor units 1b are closed, thereby cutting off the refrigerant flow path between the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor unit 1b. This can prevent the refrigerant in the indoor unit 1b from flowing out of the leak in the outdoor unit 14, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage in the air conditioning system. Alternatively, all indoor units 1b can be started and operated in the same mode for a preset time, transferring as much refrigerant as possible from the outdoor unit 14 and the refrigerant pipeline to the indoor unit 1b. Then, the electronic expansion valves 1c and shutoff valves or valve boxes 2 corresponding to all indoor units 1b can be closed, storing the refrigerant in each indoor unit 1b, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0145] When a leak occurs in valve box 2, all valves within the leaking valve box 2 and the corresponding expansion valve of indoor unit 1b are closed, and the ventilation mechanism is activated for the set time to promptly discharge the refrigerant within box body 21 to the outdoor environment. After the ventilation mechanism stops, if the concentration within box body 21 is not higher than the preset value or the concentration change rate exceeds the preset concentration change rate, it indicates that the valve box 2 has stopped leaking and the refrigerant pipeline leak point is located on the side of the valve closest to indoor unit 1b. The ventilation mechanism remains stopped and the leaking valve box 2 awaits maintenance. If the concentration within box body 21 is higher than the preset value or the concentration change rate exceeds the preset concentration change rate, it indicates that the leak in the valve box 2 is continuing and the refrigerant pipeline leak point is located on the side of the valve closest to outdoor unit 14. The ventilation mechanism within the leaking valve box 2 is activated, and all valves within the valve box 2 and the outdoor unit electronic expansion valve 7c are closed to stop the leak in the valve box 2.

[0146] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, there is at least one set of stop valves or valve boxes 2 on the gas-liquid side of the outdoor unit 14. When refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor unit 1b, the stop valve or valve box 2 corresponding to the leaking indoor unit 1b is closed.

[0147] Specifically, such as Figure 8 As shown, only one set of shut-off valves or valve boxes 2 are installed on the gas-liquid side of the outdoor unit 14 of the heat pump system. The valve box 2 adopts a two-valve valve box 2. By adding a shut-off valve or valve box 2 downstream of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 7c, the shut-off or circulation of the refrigerant is achieved, which can reduce the possibility of damage to the outdoor electronic expansion valve 7c, improve the sensitivity of the outdoor electronic expansion valve 7c and extend its service life.

[0148] When a leak occurs in a certain indoor unit 1b, the stop valve or the valve box 2 is closed to cut off the refrigerant flow path between the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor unit 1b, so that the indoor unit 1b no longer leaks refrigerant.

[0149] When a leak occurs in valve box 2, the outdoor unit electronic expansion valve 7c and all valves within valve box 2 are closed. Since valve box 2 is installed on the outdoor unit side, a greater amount of refrigerant may leak than if it were installed on the indoor unit side. The ventilation mechanism is activated and continues to operate. This allows the refrigerant in box body 21 to be promptly discharged, reducing the possibility of combustion or explosion of valve box 2 due to excessive refrigerant concentration.

[0150] like Figure 9 As shown, the gas-liquid side of the outdoor unit 14 in the heat pump system is equipped with multiple sets of shut-off valves or valve boxes 2. The multiple sets of shut-off valves or valve boxes 2 are arranged at intervals. The refrigerant flows through at least one set of shut-off valves or valve boxes 2 before entering the indoor unit 1b. Each set of shut-off valves or valve boxes 2 can cut off the refrigerant flow path. With the side of the shut-off valve or valve box 2 close to the outdoor unit 14 as the upstream, when a leak occurs in an indoor unit 1b, the shut-off valves or valve boxes 2 closest to the leaking indoor unit 1b, located upstream and downstream of the leaking indoor unit 1b, cut off the refrigerant flow path, and prevent the leaking indoor unit 1b from leaking further. This method does not affect the indoor unit 1b located upstream of the leaking indoor unit 1b, can minimize the number of indoor unit 1b outages, and reduce the impact on users.

[0151] When a refrigerant leak occurs in the outdoor unit 14, the shutoff valve or valve box 2 closest to the outdoor unit 14 is closed, or all shutoff valves or valve boxes 2 are closed, to cut off the refrigerant flow path between the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor unit 1b. This prevents the refrigerant in the indoor unit 1b from flowing out of the leak in the outdoor unit 14, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage in the air conditioning system. Alternatively, all indoor units 1b can be started and operated in the same mode for a preset time, transferring as much refrigerant as possible from the outdoor unit 14 and the refrigerant pipeline to the indoor units 1b. Then, all shutoff valves or valve boxes 2 are closed, storing the refrigerant in each indoor unit 1b, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0152] When a valve box 2 leaks, the leaking valve box 2 and the valve boxes 2 upstream and downstream of the leaking valve box 2 are closed to cut off the refrigerant flow path. At the same time, the ventilation mechanism is started and continuously operates to promptly discharge the refrigerant in the box body 21. Preferably, in the heat recovery system, the indoor unit thermal expansion valve 1c, high-pressure gas pipe valve 1g, and low-pressure gas pipe valve 1f closest to the valve box 2 upstream and downstream of the leaking valve box 2 can also be closed to allow the refrigerant in the indoor unit 2 to be stored inside the indoor unit 2, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0153] like Figure 12 As shown, there is a stop valve or valve box 2 on the gas side of the external unit 14. Specifically, as Figure 12 As shown, a shutoff valve or valve box 2 is installed on the main gas pipe 11b. If a valve box 2 is used, a single-valve valve box 2 is selected. When a refrigerant leak occurs in an indoor unit 1b, the outdoor unit electronic expansion valve 7c and the shutoff valve or valve box 2 are closed, cutting off the refrigerant flow path between the indoor unit 1b and the outdoor unit 14 to reduce the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0154] When refrigerant leaks from the outdoor unit 14, the outdoor unit electronic expansion valve 7c and the shutoff valve or valve box 2 are closed to stop the leak from the outdoor unit 14 and reduce the amount of refrigerant leakage. Alternatively, all indoor units 1b may be started and operated in the same mode for a preset time, transferring as much refrigerant as possible from the outdoor unit 14 and the refrigerant pipeline to the indoor unit 1b. The outdoor unit electronic expansion valve 7c and the shutoff valve or valve box 2 are then closed to stop the leak from the outdoor unit 14 and store as much refrigerant as possible in the indoor unit 1b.

[0155] When leakage occurs in the valve box 2, the outdoor electronic expansion valve 7c and all valves in the valve box 2 are closed, and the ventilation mechanism is started to run continuously to discharge the leaked refrigerant to the outdoor environment in time.

[0156] like Figure 14 As shown, preferably, a valve box 2 or a stop valve can be installed on the gas-liquid side of the outdoor unit 14, and a valve box 2 or a stop valve can be installed on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit 1b, so that when a leak occurs in the air-conditioning system, some valve boxes 2 or stop valves can be controlled to close, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage and reducing the impact on users as much as possible.

[0157] Specifically, such as Figure 14 As shown, in a heat pump system, when refrigerant leaks from an indoor unit 1b, the corresponding shutoff valve or valve box 2 located on the indoor unit side of the leaking indoor unit 1b is closed. This shuts off the leaking indoor unit 1b, thereby preventing further refrigerant leakage from the indoor unit 1b. Furthermore, shutting off the leaking indoor unit 1b does not affect the operation of other indoor units 1b, thereby minimizing the impact on users.

[0158] When a refrigerant leak occurs in the outdoor unit 14, all shutoff valves or valve boxes 2 are closed to cut off the refrigerant flow path between the outdoor unit 14 and the indoor unit 1b. This prevents the refrigerant in the indoor unit 1b from flowing out of the leak in the outdoor unit 14, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage in the air conditioning system. Alternatively, all indoor units 1b can be started up and operated in the same mode for a preset time, transferring as much refrigerant as possible from the outdoor unit 14 and the refrigerant pipeline to the indoor units 1b. Then, all shutoff valves or valve boxes 2 are closed to store the refrigerant in each indoor unit 1b, thereby reducing the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0159] When a leak occurs in valve box 2 located on the indoor unit side, all valves within the leaking valve box 2 and the corresponding expansion valve of indoor unit 1b are closed, and the ventilation mechanism is activated for a set period of time to promptly discharge the refrigerant in box body 21 to the outdoor environment. After the ventilation mechanism stops, if the concentration within box body 21 is not higher than the preset value or the concentration change rate exceeds the preset concentration change rate, the leakage of valve box 2 has stopped and the refrigerant pipeline leak is located on the side of the valve closest to indoor unit 1b. The ventilation mechanism remains stopped and the leaking valve box 2 awaits inspection. If the concentration within box body 21 is higher than the preset value or the concentration change rate exceeds the preset concentration change rate, the leakage of valve box 2 is ongoing and the refrigerant pipeline leak is located on the side of the valve closest to outdoor unit 14. The ventilation mechanism within the leaking valve box 2 is activated, and all valves within the valve box 2 and the outdoor unit electronic expansion valve 7c are closed, cutting off the refrigerant between the outdoor unit 14 and other indoor units 1b and the leaking valve box, stopping the leakage of valve box 2 while minimizing the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0160] When the valve box 2 on the external unit side leaks, close the external unit electronic expansion valve 7c and all valve boxes 2. By closing all valve boxes 2, the refrigerant flow path between the internal unit 1b and the valve box 2 on the external unit side can be cut off, and the refrigerant can be stored in the internal unit 1b to reduce the leakage of the refrigerant. At the same time, the ventilation mechanism is started to operate continuously to discharge the leaked refrigerant to the outdoor environment in time.

[0161] S24. Install a valve box 2 or shutoff valve in the air conditioning system that can shut off the gas and liquid sides. The absence of a shutoff valve on the gas and liquid side refers to the absence of a shutoff valve on the outdoor unit side. In this case, the shutoff valve refers to a shutoff valve. This applies to heat pump systems and heat recovery systems.

[0162] like Figure 10 and 11 As shown, at least one valve box 2 or stop valve that can cut off the gas and liquid side can also be installed on the gas and liquid side of the outdoor unit. When the air conditioning system leaks, the valve box 2 or stop valve can be closed to prevent the air conditioning system from leaking or reduce the amount of leakage. Figure 12 and 13 As shown in FIG, a stop valve or valve box 2 is installed on the gas side of the external unit. Figure 14 and 15 As shown, a valve box 2 or a stop valve capable of shutting off the gas and liquid sides can be installed on the gas and liquid sides of the external unit, and a valve box 2 or a stop valve capable of shutting off the liquid sides can be installed on the liquid side of the internal unit.

[0163] When a refrigerant leak occurs and a refrigerant recovery method is used, step S2 specifically includes:

[0164] A stop valve or valve box 2 is provided on the external unit side to cut off the gas side. Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, specifically, when refrigerant leakage occurs on the indoor unit side or in the main line, the outdoor unit 14 is controlled to recover the refrigerant to reduce the leakage of the refrigerant; after the refrigerant recovery is completed, the stop valve or valve box 2 on the gas side is closed, and the outdoor unit electronic expansion valve 7c is closed at the same time to store the refrigerant in the outdoor unit 14, and at the same time, the indoor unit 1b is prevented from continuing to leak refrigerant.

[0165] Alternatively, all indoor units 1b can be controlled to operate in cooling mode, and the outdoor electronic expansion valve 7c can be closed to transfer the refrigerant in the indoor unit 1b to the outdoor unit 14. After the refrigerant is recovered, the gas-side stop valve or valve box 2 can be closed. This allows the refrigerant to be stored in the outdoor unit 14 and prevents further refrigerant leakage from the indoor unit 1b. This reduces the amount of refrigerant required for maintenance, lowering maintenance costs, and promptly reducing the indoor refrigerant concentration, thereby improving the safety of the air conditioning system.

[0166] When valve box 2 leaks, the external unit's electronic expansion valve 7c and all valves within valve box 2 are closed, and the ventilation mechanism is activated for a set time to promptly exhaust the leaked refrigerant to the outdoor environment. After the ventilation mechanism stops, if the concentration within box body 21 is not higher than the preset value or the rate of concentration change exceeds the preset concentration change rate, the leakage of valve box 2 has ceased, the ventilation mechanism remains stopped, and the leaking valve box 2 awaits repair. If the concentration within box body 21 is higher than the preset value or the rate of concentration change exceeds the preset concentration change rate, the leakage of valve box 2 is continued, and the ventilation mechanism within the leaking valve box 2 is activated.

[0167] like Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown, further, step S2 also includes: setting a stop valve or valve box 2 that can achieve liquid side shutoff on the outdoor unit side, and realizing the shutoff or circulation of the refrigerant through the stop valve and valve box 2. When refrigerant leakage occurs on the indoor unit side or the main line, all indoor units 1b are controlled to operate in the cooling mode, and the liquid side stop valve or valve box 2 is closed to transport the refrigerant in the indoor unit 1b to the outdoor unit 14. After the refrigerant recovery is completed, the gas side stop valve or valve box 2 is closed. In this way, the refrigerant can be stored in the outdoor unit 14, and the indoor unit 1b will no longer leak refrigerant. That is, the amount of refrigerant that needs to be replenished during maintenance can be reduced, reducing maintenance costs. It can also timely reduce the indoor refrigerant concentration and improve the safety of the air-conditioning system.

[0168] When valve box 2 leaks, the external unit's electronic expansion valve 7c and all valves within valve box 2 are closed, and the ventilation mechanism is activated for a set time to promptly discharge the refrigerant from box body 21. After the ventilation mechanism stops, if the concentration within box body 21 is not higher than the preset value or the rate of concentration change exceeds the preset concentration change rate, the leakage of valve box 2 has ceased, the ventilation mechanism remains stopped, and the leaking valve box 2 awaits repair. If the concentration within box body 21 is higher than the preset value or the rate of concentration change exceeds the preset concentration change rate, the leakage of valve box 2 is continued, and the ventilation mechanism within the leaking valve box 2 is activated.

[0169] In addition, regardless of whether a refrigerant shutoff valve or refrigerant recovery method is used, safety components include an internal refrigerant detector 16, an alarm, an external refrigerant detector 17, a backup battery 15, and a ventilation mechanism. At least one internal refrigerant detector 16 and alarm is provided and installed within indoor unit 1b. The internal refrigerant detector 16 is capable of detecting the refrigerant concentration and the rate of change of concentration, and transmits this concentration information to the control system. If the concentration within indoor unit 1b is detected to be above a preset value or the rate of change of concentration is above a preset rate of change, a leak is determined in indoor unit 1b. The control system controls the alarm to sound an alarm and simultaneously initiates a corresponding control method to stop the leak in indoor unit 1b.

[0170] Preferably, a built-in refrigerant detector 16 is also installed in the external unit 14 and the valve box 2 to perform real-time detection of the refrigerant concentration and concentration change rate in the external unit 14 and the valve box 2, so as to monitor the refrigerant leakage of the entire air-conditioning system and deal with the refrigerant leakage in time, thereby improving the safety of the air-conditioning system.

[0171] Preferably, an external refrigerant detector 17 and a backup battery 15 are installed indoors. The backup battery 15 powers the external refrigerant detector 17, enabling the external refrigerant detector 17 to detect the refrigerant concentration in the room and determine whether a refrigerant leak has occurred in the indoor unit 1b, even when the air conditioning system is powered off. Furthermore, if a refrigerant leak occurs in the indoor unit 1b, the external refrigerant detector 17 can sound an alarm, reminding people inside to leave the room and notifying maintenance personnel to handle the situation, thereby further improving the safety of the air conditioning system.

[0172] Furthermore, a backup battery 15 is installed in the location where the shutoff valve or valve box 2 is installed in the air conditioning system and in the outdoor unit 14. This backup battery 15 provides a backup power source for the shutoff valve, shutoff valve, or valve box 2. If the air conditioning system loses power, the backup battery 15 provides power to close the shutoff valve and the shutoff valve or valve box 2, thereby improving the safety of the air conditioning system.

[0173] The ventilation mechanism can be a ventilator. Preferably, the room where the indoor unit 1b is installed is equipped with a ventilation mechanism that is communicatively connected to the control system. When a leak in the indoor unit 1b is detected, the ventilation mechanism is activated to discharge the indoor refrigerant to the outdoor environment, thereby promptly reducing the indoor refrigerant concentration, minimizing harm to indoor occupants, and reducing the possibility of fire or explosion. If the outdoor unit 14 is installed in a location with poor air circulation, such as a basement or underground parking lot, a ventilation mechanism is also required to discharge the leaked refrigerant to the outdoor environment with good air circulation in the event of a refrigerant leak in the outdoor unit 14.

[0174] Thus far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for selecting safety components for a flammable refrigerant air conditioner, characterized in that: The method for selecting safety components of an air conditioner comprises the following steps: S1. Determining a treatment method for a leak in the air-conditioning system based on the system refrigerant volume of the air-conditioning system and the amount of refrigerant recoverable by the outdoor unit; S2. Determine the optional safety components according to the processing method.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that Step S1 specifically includes: If the amount of refrigerant that can be recovered by the outdoor unit is less than a% of the amount of refrigerant in the system, the refrigerant cut-off method is used when a leak occurs; If the amount of refrigerant that can be recovered by the outdoor unit is not less than a% of the amount of refrigerant in the system, a refrigerant recovery method or a refrigerant cut-off method is used when leakage occurs.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that When a refrigerant leak occurs and a refrigerant cut-off method is used, step S2 specifically includes: S21, determine whether there is a shutoff valve on the gas-liquid side of the air conditioning system. If there is a shutoff valve on one side, proceed to step S23; if not, proceed to step S24; S23, installing a stop valve on the other side of the gas-liquid side or installing a valve box or stop valve capable of shutting off the gas-liquid side in the air conditioning system; S24. Install a valve box or a stop valve in the air-conditioning system that can shut off the gas and liquid sides.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The valve box or the gas-liquid side shut-off valve is installed on the inner unit side and / or the outer unit side; Among them, it is preferably installed on the indoor unit side.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The shut-off valve is a stop valve and / or an electronic expansion valve.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that When the shut-off valve is the electronic expansion valve; A stop valve or a valve box is installed on one side of the electronic expansion valve; or a valve box is installed on the inner unit side.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that If it is determined in step S21 that there is a shutoff valve on the gas-liquid side, the process proceeds to step S22; S22. When the shut-off valve on the liquid side is the electronic expansion valve, a shut-off valve or a valve box is installed on one side of the electronic expansion valve; or a valve box is installed on the inner unit side.

8. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that When a refrigerant leak occurs and a refrigerant recovery method is used, step S2 includes: A stop valve or valve box capable of shutting off the gas side is provided on the external unit side.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that When a refrigerant leak occurs and a refrigerant recovery method is used, step S2 further includes: A stop valve or a valve box capable of shutting off the liquid side is provided on the external unit side.

10. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that At least one of the valve box, the inner unit side and the outer unit side is provided with a built-in refrigerant detector for detecting the refrigerant concentration.

11. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that An alarm is provided on the inner unit side, and the alarm can sound an alarm when refrigerant leakage occurs on the inner unit side.

12. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that An external refrigerant detector is provided in the room where the indoor unit is installed, and the external refrigerant detector can detect the refrigerant concentration in the room to determine whether a refrigerant leak occurs; and / or When refrigerant leakage occurs on the inner unit side, the external refrigerant detector can sound an alarm.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The inner unit is provided with a backup battery, which is used to power the external refrigerant detector; and / or A backup battery is provided on one side of the shut-off valve or the valve box, and the backup battery is used to supply power to the shut-off valve, the shut-off valve or the valve box.

14. The method according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that At least one of the inner unit side, the valve box, and the outer unit side is provided with a ventilation mechanism, and the ventilation mechanism can discharge the leaked refrigerant to the outside.

15. A method for controlling refrigerant leakage in a flammable refrigerant air conditioner, characterized in that: When the outdoor unit is capable of recovering refrigerant and refrigerant leakage occurs on the indoor unit side or in the main line, the outdoor unit is controlled to recover the refrigerant.

16. The control method according to claim 15, characterized in that: A stop valve or valve box capable of shutting off the gas side is provided on the external unit side; the control method further includes: After the refrigerant recovery is completed, the stop valve or the valve box on the gas side is closed; at the same time, the electronic expansion valve of the external unit is closed.

17. The control method according to claim 15, characterized in that: A stop valve or valve box capable of shutting off the gas and liquid sides is provided on the external unit side; the control method further includes: After the refrigerant recovery is completed, the stop valve or the valve box on the gas-liquid side is closed.

18. The control method according to claim 15, characterized in that: A stop valve or valve box is installed on the outdoor unit side to cut off the gas side; "Controlling the refrigerant recovery of the outdoor unit" includes: The air conditioning system is controlled to operate in a cooling mode, and the outdoor electronic expansion valve is closed first. After the refrigerant recovery is completed, the stop valve or valve box on the gas side is closed.

19. The control method according to claim 15, characterized in that: A stop valve or valve box is installed on the external unit side to cut off the gas and liquid sides; "controlling the refrigerant recovery of the external unit" includes: The air conditioning system is controlled to operate in a cooling mode, and the liquid-side stop valve or the liquid-side valve in the valve box is closed first. After the refrigerant recovery is completed, the gas-side stop valve or the gas-side valve in the valve box is closed.

20. A method for controlling refrigerant leakage in a flammable refrigerant air conditioner, characterized in that: The air-liquid side of the air-conditioning system includes a shutoff valve and a stop valve or a valve box, or includes a stop valve or a valve box, or only includes the shutoff valve; the shutoff valve includes a stop valve and / or an electronic expansion valve; the control method includes the following steps: When refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine the valve that needs to be closed based on the valve type and position.

21. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is only the shutoff valve on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor unit, the shutoff valve corresponding to the leaking indoor unit is closed.

22. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is a shutoff valve or valve box on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor unit, the shutoff valve or the valve box corresponding to the leaking indoor unit is closed.

23. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is a stop valve or valve box on the gas side of the indoor unit and a shutoff valve on the liquid side. When refrigerant leaks from the indoor unit, the shutoff valve and the corresponding stop valve or valve box corresponding to the leaking indoor unit are closed.

24. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is at least one set of shut-off valves or valve boxes on the gas-liquid side of the outdoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the indoor unit, the shut-off valves or valve boxes corresponding to the leaking indoor unit are closed.

25. The control method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that: A ventilation mechanism is installed on the inner unit side, and the ventilation mechanism is opened when refrigerant leakage occurs in the inner unit.

26. The control method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, characterized in that: An external refrigerant detector is provided in the room where the indoor unit is installed. When a refrigerant leak occurs on the indoor unit side, the external refrigerant detector can alarm.

27. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is only the shutoff valve on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, the shutoff valves corresponding to all indoor units are closed.

28. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is only the shutoff valve on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, all the indoor units operate in the same mode for a preset time, and then the shutoff valves corresponding to all the indoor units are closed.

29. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is a shut-off valve or valve box on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, the shut-off valve or valve box corresponding to all indoor units is closed.

30. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is a stop valve or valve box on the gas-liquid side of the indoor unit, and when a refrigerant leak occurs in the outdoor unit, all the indoor units operate in the same mode for a preset time, and then the stop valves or valve boxes corresponding to all the indoor units are closed.

31. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is a stop valve or valve box on the gas side of the indoor unit and a shutoff valve on the liquid side. When refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, the shutoff valve and the stop valve or the valve box corresponding to all indoor units are closed.

32. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is a shut-off valve or valve box on the gas side of the indoor unit and a shut-off valve on the liquid side, and when a refrigerant leak occurs in the outdoor unit, all the indoor units operate in the same mode for a preset time, and then close the shut-off valves and the shut-off valves or valve boxes corresponding to all the indoor units.

33. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is a shutoff valve or valve box on the gas side of the outdoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, the outdoor unit electronic expansion valve and the shutoff valve or the valve box are closed.

34. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is a shut-off valve or valve box on the gas side of the outdoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, all the indoor units operate in the same mode for a preset time, and then close the outdoor unit electronic expansion valve and the shut-off valve or the valve box.

35. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is a shutoff valve or a valve box on the gas-liquid side of the outdoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, the shutoff valve or the valve box is closed.

36. The control method according to claim 20, characterized in that: "When refrigerant leaks occur in the indoor or outdoor unit, determine which valves need to be closed based on the valve type and location" includes: There is a shut-off valve or valve box on the gas-liquid side of the outdoor unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the outdoor unit, all the indoor units operate in the same mode for a preset time, and then close the shut-off valve or the valve box.

37. The control method according to any one of claims 27 to 36, characterized in that: A ventilation mechanism is installed on the side of the external unit, and when refrigerant leakage occurs in the external unit, the ventilation mechanism is opened.

38. A method for controlling refrigerant leakage in a flammable refrigerant air conditioner, characterized in that: There is a valve box on the gas side and / or the gas-liquid side of the air conditioning system; The control method comprises the following steps: When leakage occurs in the valve box, the valve box that needs to be closed is determined according to the position of the valve box.

39. The control method according to claim 38, characterized in that: “Determining which valve box needs to be closed based on the position of the valve box when leakage occurs in the valve box” includes: The valve box is present on the gas side of the indoor unit, and when leakage occurs in the valve box, all valves in the leaking valve box and the corresponding shut-off valve are closed.

40. The control method according to claim 38, characterized in that: “Determining which valve box needs to be closed based on the position of the valve box when leakage occurs in the valve box” includes: The valve box is present on the gas-liquid side of the internal machine, and when leakage occurs in the valve box, all valves in the leaking valve box are closed.

41. The control method according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that: After the valve box leaks for a set time, if the valve box continues to leak, all valve boxes and the external unit electronic expansion valve are closed.

42. The control method according to claim 39 or 40, characterized in that: A ventilation mechanism is provided in the valve box, and after leakage occurs in the valve box, the ventilation mechanism is started to operate for a set time; If refrigerant still exists in the valve box after the ventilation mechanism stops, it is determined that the valve box is continuously leaking, and the ventilation mechanism is allowed to continue operating.

43. The control method according to claim 38, characterized in that: “Determining which valve box needs to be closed based on the position of the valve box when leakage occurs in the valve box” includes: The valve box is present on the gas side of the external unit, and when leakage occurs in the valve box, the external unit electronic expansion valve and the valve box are closed.

44. The control method according to claim 38, characterized in that: “Determining which valve box needs to be closed based on the position of the valve box when leakage occurs in the valve box” includes: The valve box is present on the gas-liquid side of the external unit, and when leakage occurs in the valve box, the external unit electronic expansion valve and the valve box are closed.

45. The control method according to claim 38, characterized in that: “Determining which valve box needs to be closed based on the position of the valve box when leakage occurs in the valve box” includes: There are multiple valve boxes on the gas-liquid side of the external unit, and when the valve box leaks, all valves in the leaking valve box and the valve boxes upstream and downstream of the liquid side of the valve box are closed.

46. The control method according to any one of claims 43 to 45, characterized in that: A ventilation mechanism is provided in the valve box, and the ventilation mechanism is activated after leakage occurs in the valve box.

Images