Energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system and control method

Abstract

The invention is suitable for the field of air conditioners, and discloses an energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system and a control method. The system comprises a meteorological sensor, an automatic control device, an outdoor cooling device, a water chilling unit, a cold storage device, indoor end equipment, a first electric valve, a second electric valve, a third electric valve, a fourth electric valve, a fifth electric valve, a sixth electric valve, a cold water discharging pump, a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, the outdoor cooling device is connected with the water chilling unit, the water chilling unit is connected with the cold storage device and the indoor end equipment, the cold storage device is connected with the indoor end equipment, the system utilizes the characteristic that the peak-valley electricity price at night is low, the cold storage mode is operated in the low-electricity-price period, the cold storage device is preferentially used for cooling in the high-electricity-price period, and the electric charge expenditure can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning, and more particularly to an energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system and control method. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioning systems, as key equipment for regulating indoor air temperature and humidity, are widely used in various buildings such as commercial buildings and industrial plants, becoming a core facility for ensuring indoor environmental comfort. However, existing air conditioning systems have many problems that urgently need to be solved during operation, mainly in the following aspects:

[0003] 1. High energy consumption and high operating costs

[0004] Air conditioning systems are major energy-consuming equipment in various buildings, and their electricity consumption accounts for a significant proportion of the building's total energy consumption. Consequently, the resulting electricity expenses constitute a substantial share of the building's operating costs, placing a heavy economic burden on commercial and industrial users.

[0005] 2. Relies on manual operation, with low degree of automation.

[0006] The start-up, shutdown, and mode switching of existing air conditioning systems mostly rely on manual operation, lacking intelligent automatic control mechanisms. This not only increases manual management costs but also easily leads to energy waste due to untimely operation (such as forgetting to turn off the system or turning it on prematurely) or improper operation, making it difficult to meet the dynamic 24-hour usage needs of buildings.

[0007] 3. Mismatch between cooling supply and demand, resulting in serious energy waste.

[0008] Due to a lack of accurate demand sensing and dynamic adjustment capabilities, the cooling capacity supplied by air conditioning systems often does not match actual usage needs. For example, the system continues to provide cooling even when no one is in the room, or the cooling output far exceeds the actual requirement, resulting in a large amount of energy being wasted and further exacerbating the energy consumption problem.

[0009] Therefore, existing technologies still need improvement and development. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The first objective of this invention is to provide an energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system, which aims to solve the technical problem of high electricity consumption in existing air conditioning systems.

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0012] An energy-saving and cost-efficient air conditioning system includes a weather sensor, an automatic control device, an outdoor cooling unit, a chiller unit, a cold storage unit, indoor terminal equipment, a first electric valve, a second electric valve, a third electric valve, a fourth electric valve, a fifth electric valve, a sixth electric valve, a cooling water pump, a first temperature sensor, and a second temperature sensor. The automatic control device communicates with the weather sensor, the outdoor cooling unit, the chiller unit, the cold storage unit, the indoor terminal equipment, the first electric valve, the second electric valve, the third electric valve, the fourth electric valve, the fifth electric valve, the sixth electric valve, the cooling water pump, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor. The outdoor cooling unit is connected to the chiller unit, the chiller unit is connected to both the cold storage unit and the indoor terminal equipment, and the cold storage unit is connected to the indoor terminal equipment. The chiller unit is equipped with a first water outlet and a first... The cold storage device is provided with a first inlet, a second outlet, a third outlet, and a second return outlet. The indoor terminal equipment is provided with a third inlet and a fourth outlet. A first electric valve is located between the first outlet and the third inlet. A second electric valve is located between the first outlet and the first inlet. A third electric valve is located between the first return outlet and the fourth outlet. A fourth electric valve is located between the second outlet and the first return outlet. A fifth electric valve and a cooling water pump are located between the third outlet and the third inlet. A sixth electric valve is located between the second return outlet and the fourth outlet. A first temperature sensor is located at the second outlet to detect the cold storage outlet temperature of the cold storage device. A second temperature sensor is located at the third outlet to detect the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device.

[0013] The second objective of this invention is to provide a control method for an energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system. This method is used to implement the operation control of the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system as described above. The control method includes: upon receiving a cooling storage command, acquiring the cooling water outlet temperature and a preset target cooling water temperature of the cooling storage device, and calculating the cooling capacity requirement based on the cooling water outlet temperature and the preset target cooling water temperature; calculating the target cooling duration based on the hourly cooling capacity of the chiller unit and the cooling capacity requirement; when the target cooling duration is not less than a preset maximum cooling storage duration, operating the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system in cooling storage mode from a preset initial cooling storage time to a preset end cooling storage time; when the target cooling duration is less than the preset maximum cooling storage duration, calculating the cooling storage start time based on the target cooling duration and the preset end cooling storage time, and operating the system in cooling storage mode from the cooling storage start time to the preset end cooling storage time. During the cooling termination period, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cold storage mode. When a cooling command is received, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cooling mode. During the operation of cooling mode, if condition one or condition two is met, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in chiller unit cooling mode. If condition three or condition four is met, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cold storage device cooling mode. Condition one is: the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device is greater than the preset high value of the cooling temperature. Condition two is: the preset low value of the cooling temperature is less than the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device and less than or equal to the preset high value of the cooling temperature, and the current time period is the highest temperature period of the day. Condition three is: the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device is not greater than the preset low value of the cooling temperature. Condition four is: the preset low value of the cooling temperature is less than the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device and less than or equal to the preset high value of the cooling temperature, and the current time period is not the highest temperature period of the day.

[0014] Preferably, if the cooling demand is defined as Q, then Q is expressed as:

[0015] Q = m × c × (t1 - t2)

[0016] In the formula, t1 represents the cold water outlet temperature of the cold storage device; t2 represents the preset target cold water temperature; m represents the mass of the cold storage medium in the cold storage device; and c represents the specific heat capacity of the cold storage medium.

[0017] Preferably, the preset maximum cold storage duration is 8 hours, the preset initial cold storage time is 0:00, the preset end time of cold storage is 8:00, the preset low temperature for cold supply is 7°C, and the preset high temperature for cold supply is 9°C.

[0018] Preferably, the method for determining that the current time period is the highest temperature period of the day includes: obtaining the weather forecast information for the day and extracting the expected maximum temperature of the day from the weather forecast information; obtaining the real-time outdoor temperature fed back by the meteorological sensor, and determining that the current time period is the start time of the highest temperature period of the day when the real-time outdoor temperature meets the condition that the expected maximum temperature of the day is ≤ the real-time outdoor temperature + a first temperature difference; after entering the highest temperature period of the day, obtaining the real-time outdoor temperature fed back by the meteorological sensor, and determining that the highest temperature period of the day ends when the real-time outdoor temperature fed back by the meteorological sensor meets the condition that the expected maximum temperature is ≥ the real-time outdoor temperature + a second temperature difference.

[0019] Preferably, when the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system switches to cold storage mode, the outdoor cooling device and the chiller unit are activated, and the second electric valve and the fourth electric valve are opened.

[0020] Preferably, when the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system switches to chiller unit cooling mode, the outdoor cooling device and the chiller unit are activated, and the first electric valve and the third electric valve are opened.

[0021] Preferably, when the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system switches to the cooling mode of the cold storage device, the cold storage device and the cooling water pump are activated, and the fifth electric valve and the sixth electric valve are opened.

[0022] Preferably, when the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system is operating in the cooling mode of the cold storage device, if the cold storage device malfunctions, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system will operate in the cooling mode of the chiller unit.

[0023] Preferably, when the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system is operating in the chiller unit cooling mode, if the chiller unit malfunctions and the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device is lower than the preset high value of the cooling temperature, then the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system will operate in the cold storage device cooling mode.

[0024] This solution establishes a flexible and efficient operating system through the coordinated communication of automatic control devices with meteorological sensors, weather forecast information systems, various equipment, and electric valves. It leverages the lower peak-valley electricity prices at night, operating in cold storage mode during low-price periods and prioritizing cold storage devices for cooling during high-price periods. This ensures maximum energy savings while meeting cooling demands, reducing electricity costs. Furthermore, the system automatically calculates and estimates the optimal cold storage time each night using weather forecast parameters, daily outdoor temperature parameters, and cold storage device outlet water temperature, enabling on-demand cold storage. It also coordinates with indoor terminal equipment usage to control the cold storage devices or chiller units for cooling, achieving on-demand cooling. Through this series of designs and operations, the system ultimately achieves the dual goals of energy saving and cost reduction. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system provided in the embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0029] 10. Weather sensor; 20. Automatic control device; 30. Outdoor cooling device; 40. Chiller unit; 41. First outlet; 42. First return outlet; 50. Cold storage device; 51. First inlet; 52. Second outlet; 53. Third outlet; 54. Second return outlet; 60. Indoor terminal equipment; 61. Third inlet; 62. Fourth outlet; 70. First electric valve; 80. Second electric valve; 90. Third electric valve; 100. Fourth electric valve; 101. Fifth electric valve; 102. Sixth electric valve; 103. Cooling water pump; 104. First temperature sensor; 105. Second temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0032] It should also be noted that when a component is described as "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component present. When a component is described as "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component present.

[0033] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this invention is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, it is an energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Please see Figure 1As shown, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system of this invention includes a weather sensor 10, an automatic control device 20, an outdoor cooling device 30, a chiller unit 40, a cold storage device 50, indoor terminal equipment 60, a first electric valve 70, a second electric valve 80, a third electric valve 90, a fourth electric valve 100, a fifth electric valve 101, a sixth electric valve 102, a cooling water pump 103, a first temperature sensor 104, and a second temperature sensor 105. The automatic control device 20 is connected to the weather sensor 10 and the outdoor cooling device 30, respectively. The system includes: outdoor cooling unit 30, chiller unit 40, cold storage device 50, indoor terminal equipment 60, first electric valve 70, second electric valve 80, third electric valve 90, fourth electric valve 100, fifth electric valve 101, sixth electric valve 102, cold water pump 103, first temperature sensor 104, and second temperature sensor 105 (communication mechanism). The outdoor cooling unit 30 is connected to the chiller unit 40. The chiller unit 40 is connected to both the cold storage device 50 and the indoor terminal equipment 60. The cold storage device 50 is connected to the indoor terminal equipment. The unit 40 is equipped with a first outlet 41 and a first return outlet 42. The cold storage device 50 is equipped with a first inlet 51, a second outlet 52, a third outlet 53, and a second return outlet 54. The indoor terminal equipment 60 is equipped with a third inlet 61 and a fourth outlet 62. A first electric valve 70 is located between the first outlet 41 and the third inlet 61. A second electric valve 80 is located between the first outlet 41 and the first inlet 51. A third electric valve 90 is located between the first return outlet 42 and the fourth outlet 62. The fourth electric valve 100 is located between the second outlet 52 and the first return outlet 42. The fifth electric valve 101 and the cooling water pump 103 are located between the third outlet 53 and the third inlet 61. The sixth electric valve 102 is located between the second return outlet 54 and the fourth outlet 62. The first temperature sensor 104 is located at the second outlet to detect the cooling water temperature of the cooling storage device 50. The second temperature sensor 105 is located at the third outlet to detect the real-time cooling temperature of the cooling storage device 50.

[0036] In this embodiment, the weather sensor 10 is used to detect the real-time outdoor temperature and feed it back to the automatic control device 20.

[0037] In the network where the automatic control device 20 is located, a client program is deployed. The client program periodically sends weather data request information to the API of the meteorological service provider. After receiving the weather data returned by the meteorological API, the client program automatically extracts the meteorological forecast temperature information needed by the automatic control device 20, parses it, and transmits it to the automatic control device 20 through communication.

[0038] In this embodiment, the automatic control device 20 consists of a programmable logic controller, a microprocessor, or an industrial computer. The automatic control device 20 receives sensor data (such as meteorological sensor 10, first temperature sensor 104, and second temperature sensor 105), weather forecast data, and user commands (air conditioner on / off status), and controls the operating status of the outdoor cooling device 30, chiller unit 40, cold storage device 50, first electric valve 70, second electric valve 80, third electric valve 90, fourth electric valve 100, fifth electric valve 101, sixth electric valve 102, and cooling water pump 103 according to preset logic.

[0039] In this embodiment, the outdoor cooling device 30 adopts a conventional cooling tower or an air-cooled outdoor unit, and the specific structure is not described here.

[0040] In this embodiment, the chiller unit 40 is a conventional water-cooled chiller unit 40 or an air-cooled chiller unit 40. The chiller unit 40 has built-in chilled water and cooling water hydraulic modules, and the specific structure is not described here.

[0041] In this embodiment, the cold storage device 50 adopts a conventional double-layer insulated water tank, with the inner layer made of stainless steel and the outer layer of polyurethane insulation, and water as the cold storage medium.

[0042] In this embodiment, the indoor terminal device 60 adopts a conventional fan coil unit, air handling unit, or combined air handling unit; the specific structure is not described here.

[0043] In this embodiment, the water pump 103 is a conventional water pump, and its specific structure will not be described here.

[0044] In this embodiment, the indoor air conditioning terminal equipment is divided into zones according to the usage area. Each usage area is equipped with an air conditioning switch, which is installed on the wall of the corresponding area. When the air conditioning needs to be used in that area, the air conditioning switch on the wall of the corresponding area can be turned on.

[0045] The automatic control device 20 is electrically connected to the air conditioning switches in each area of ​​the room. When the automatic control device 20 detects that an air conditioning switch in a certain area of ​​the room is turned on, it automatically controls the cold storage device 50 or the chiller unit 40 to operate and supply chilled water to the indoor terminal equipment 60. When the automatic control device 20 detects that the air conditioning switches in all areas of the room are turned off, the cold storage device 50 and the chiller unit 40 stop operating, achieving the purpose of fully automatic on-demand cooling and energy saving.

[0046] In this embodiment, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in both a cold storage mode and a cooling mode. The cold storage mode typically operates from 0:00 to 8:00, while the cooling mode typically operates from 8:00 to 23:00. This design takes advantage of the lower peak-valley electricity prices at night, allowing for cold storage at night and use during the day, thus saving on electricity costs.

[0047] In this embodiment, when a cold storage command is received, the cold storage outlet water temperature of the cold storage device 50 and the preset cold storage target water temperature are obtained, and the cooling capacity requirement is calculated based on the cold storage outlet water temperature and the preset cold storage target water temperature; the target cooling duration is calculated based on the hourly cooling capacity of the chiller unit 40 and the cooling capacity requirement; when the target cooling duration is not less than the preset maximum cold storage duration, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cold storage mode from the preset initial cold storage time to the preset termination of cooling time.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the target cooling duration is less than the preset maximum cooling storage duration, the cooling storage start time is calculated based on the target cooling duration and the preset end cooling time, and the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cooling storage mode from the cooling storage start time to the preset end cooling time.

[0049] In this embodiment, when a cooling command is received, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cooling mode. During the operation of cooling mode, if condition one or condition two is met, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in chiller unit cooling mode; if condition three or condition four is met, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cold storage device cooling mode. Condition one is: the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device is greater than the preset high value of the cooling temperature; condition two is: the preset low value of the cooling temperature is less than the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device and less than or equal to the preset high value of the cooling temperature, and the current time period is the highest temperature period of the day; condition three is: the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device is not greater than the preset low value of the cooling temperature; condition four is: the preset low value of the cooling temperature is less than the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device and less than or equal to the preset high value of the cooling temperature, and the current time period is not the highest temperature period of the day.

[0050] The energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system in this embodiment constructs a flexible and efficient operating system through the coordinated communication between the automatic control device 20, the meteorological sensor 10, the weather forecast information system, various devices, and electric valves. It can take advantage of the lower peak and off-peak electricity prices at night, operating in a cold storage mode during low-price periods and prioritizing the use of the cold storage device 50 for cooling during high-price periods, ensuring that energy saving is maximized while meeting cooling demand and reducing electricity costs. At the same time, the system uses data such as weather forecast parameters, daily outdoor temperature parameters, and cold storage device outlet water temperature to automatically calculate and estimate the optimal cold storage time each night, realizing on-demand cold storage. It can also link and control the cold storage device or chiller unit to provide cooling based on the usage of indoor terminal devices, achieving on-demand cooling. Through this series of designs and operations, the dual goals of energy saving and cost saving are ultimately achieved.

[0051] Please see Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides an energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method, including:

[0052] When a cooling storage command is received, the cooling water outlet temperature of the cooling storage device 50 and the preset cooling target water temperature are obtained, and the cooling capacity requirement is calculated based on the cooling water outlet temperature and the preset cooling target water temperature.

[0053] The target cooling duration is calculated based on the chiller unit's cooling capacity and cooling demand of 40 hours per hour;

[0054] When the target cooling duration is not less than the preset maximum cold storage duration, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cold storage mode from the preset initial cold storage time to the preset end cooling time.

[0055] When the target cooling duration is less than the preset maximum cooling storage duration, the cooling storage start time is calculated based on the target cooling duration and the preset end cooling time. During the time from the cooling storage start time to the preset end cooling time, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cooling storage mode.

[0056] When a cooling command is received, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cooling mode. During the operation of cooling mode, if condition one or condition two is met, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in chiller cooling mode; if condition three or condition four is met, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cold storage device cooling mode. Condition one is: the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device is greater than the preset high value of the cooling temperature; condition two is: the preset low value of the cooling temperature is less than the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device and less than or equal to the preset high value of the cooling temperature, and the current time period is the highest temperature period of the day; condition three is: the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device is not greater than the preset low value of the cooling temperature; condition four is: the preset low value of the cooling temperature is less than the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device and less than or equal to the preset high value of the cooling temperature, and the current time period is not the highest temperature period of the day.

[0057] In this embodiment, the cooling demand Q is represented as:

[0058] Q = m × c × (t1 - t2)

[0059] In the formula, t1 represents the outlet temperature of the cold storage water of the cold storage device; t2 represents the preset target cold storage water temperature; m represents the mass of the cold storage medium in the cold storage device 50 (m is a fixed value determined by the device capacity); c represents the specific heat capacity of the cold storage medium. For example, if the cold storage medium is ethylene glycol, then at 20℃, c≈2.42kJ / (kg·℃), and at 40℃, c≈2.55kJ / (kg·℃).

[0060] In this embodiment, the time for triggering the cold storage command is preset, for example, the time for triggering the cold storage command is 0:00, which is determined according to the local power grid peak and valley electricity price period. When the time for triggering the cold storage command arrives, the automatic control device 20 generates the cold storage command.

[0061] In this embodiment, the time for triggering the cooling command is generally between 8:00 and 23:59, but the specific time can be set according to the actual situation. When the indoor air conditioning terminal equipment is divided into zones according to usage areas, each zone is equipped with an air conditioning switch installed on the wall of the corresponding zone. When air conditioning is needed in that zone, the air conditioning switch on the wall of that zone is turned on. When the air conditioning switch is turned on, the automatic control device 20 receives the cooling signal and generates a cooling command.

[0062] In this embodiment, the preset maximum cold storage duration is 8 hours, the preset initial cold storage time is 0:00, and the preset end time for cold storage is 8:00.

[0063] Understandably, the preset low and high cooling temperatures are set according to actual conditions. In this embodiment, the preset low cooling temperature is 7°C and the preset high cooling temperature is 9°C.

[0064] In this embodiment, the temperature of the cold storage outlet water of the cold storage device 50 is obtained by detecting the water at the second outlet 52 through the first temperature sensor 103.

[0065] The real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device 50 is obtained by detecting the water at the third outlet 53 through the second temperature sensor 104.

[0066] In this embodiment, the method for determining whether the current time period is the period of highest temperature of the day includes:

[0067] Obtain the weather forecast information for the day and extract the expected maximum temperature for the day from the weather forecast information;

[0068] The outdoor real-time temperature fed back by the meteorological sensor 10 is obtained. When the outdoor real-time temperature meets the condition that the predicted maximum temperature of the day is less than or equal to the outdoor real-time temperature plus the first temperature difference, the current time period is determined to be the start time of the highest temperature period of the day.

[0069] After entering the period of highest temperature of the day, the outdoor real-time temperature fed back by the meteorological sensor 10 is obtained. When the outdoor real-time temperature fed back by the meteorological sensor 10 meets the condition that the expected highest temperature is ≥ the outdoor real-time temperature + the second temperature difference, the end time of the period of highest temperature of the day is determined.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first temperature difference is 0.5℃. For example, if the expected maximum temperature of the day is 30℃ and the outdoor real-time temperature fed back by the meteorological sensor 10 is 29.5℃, then the outdoor real-time temperature satisfies the condition that the expected maximum temperature of the day is ≤ outdoor real-time temperature + the first temperature difference, and the current time period is determined to be the start time of the highest temperature period of the day.

[0071] In this embodiment, the second temperature difference is 3℃. For example, if the expected maximum temperature of the day is 30℃, and after entering the period of highest temperature, the outdoor real-time temperature fed back by the meteorological sensor 10 is 27℃, then the outdoor real-time temperature satisfies the condition that the expected maximum temperature of the day is ≥ the outdoor real-time temperature + the second temperature difference, and the end time of the period of highest temperature of the day is determined.

[0072] In this embodiment, when the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system switches to cold storage mode, the outdoor cooling device 30 and the chiller unit 40 are activated, and the second electric valve 80 and the fourth electric valve 100 are opened.

[0073] In this embodiment, when the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system switches to the chiller unit cooling mode, the outdoor cooling device 30 and the chiller unit 40 are activated, and the first electric valve 70 and the third electric valve 90 are opened.

[0074] In this embodiment, when the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system switches to the cooling mode of the cold storage device, the cold storage device 50 and the water pump 103 are activated, and the fifth electric valve 101 and the sixth electric valve 102 are opened.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the chiller unit 40 is running at night for cold storage, the automatic control device 20 controls it to always output maximum cooling capacity without adjusting the cooling capacity, so as to achieve rapid cold storage under peak and off-peak electricity prices.

[0076] Specifically, the opening and closing of the first electric valve 70, the second electric valve 80, the third electric valve 90, the fourth electric valve 100, the fifth electric valve 101, the sixth electric valve 102, and the cooling water pump 103 in different modes are shown in Table 1.

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] Generally, energy-saving and cost-efficient air conditioning systems operate in cold storage mode at night, from 0:00 to 8:00 AM. During the day, they operate in chiller cooling mode and cold storage device cooling mode, from 8:00 to 23:59.

[0080] For example, at 0:00, a cold storage command is triggered. The cold storage outlet water temperature of the cold storage device 50 is t1, and the preset target cold storage water temperature is t2. The cooling demand is calculated as Q based on t1 and t2, and the hourly cooling capacity of the chiller unit 40 is Q2. The target cooling duration = Q / Q2. Assuming the target cooling duration is 7 hours, the preset maximum cold storage duration is 8 hours, the preset initial cold storage time is 0:00, and the preset end time is 8:00 AM, the target cooling duration is less than the preset maximum cold storage duration. Therefore, the cold storage start time is calculated as 1:00 AM based on the target cooling duration and the preset end time. During the period from 1:00 AM to 8:00 AM, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cold storage mode, that is, the outdoor cooling device 30 and the chiller unit 40 are activated, and the second electric valve 80 and the fourth electric valve 100 are opened. After the cold storage is completed, the outdoor cooling device 30 and the chiller unit 40 are deactivated.

[0081] When a cooling command is received, the energy-saving and cost-efficient air conditioning system operates in cooling mode.

[0082] Assuming the expected high temperature for the day is 34℃ and the expected time of the high temperature is 13:00, then the expected period of the high temperature is 12:00-14:00.

[0083] Therefore, when the time period is between 12:00 and 14:00, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in chiller cooling mode. When the current time period is outside of 12:00-14:00 and the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device 50 is 7℃, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cold storage device cooling mode. Assuming the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device 50 is 8℃, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in chiller cooling mode.

[0084] In this embodiment, when the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system is operating in the chiller unit cooling mode, if the chiller unit 40 malfunctions and the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device 50 is lower than the preset high value of the cooling temperature, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system will operate in the cold storage device cooling mode.

[0085] Similarly, when the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system is operating in the cooling mode of the cold storage device, if the cold storage device 50 malfunctions, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system will operate in the cooling mode of the chiller unit.

[0086] In the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method of this embodiment, in the cold storage stage, the cooling capacity requirement is calculated by obtaining the cold storage outlet water temperature of the cold storage device 50 and the preset target cold storage water temperature. The target cooling duration is obtained by combining the hourly cooling capacity of the chiller unit 40. Based on the relationship between the target cooling duration and the preset maximum cold storage duration, the cold storage operation period is flexibly determined. This can make full use of the off-peak electricity price period at night to complete the cold storage while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption. In the cooling supply stage, the chiller unit cooling mode and the cold storage device cooling mode are intelligently switched according to whether it is the highest temperature period of the day and the comparison between the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device 50 and the preset cooling supply temperature. This ensures that while meeting the cooling demand, the role of the cold storage device 50 is maximized to save electricity costs. Overall, the precise control of cold storage and cooling supply is achieved, taking into account both energy saving and cost saving, and improving the economy and efficiency of system operation.

[0087] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system, characterized in that, The system includes a meteorological sensor, an automatic control device, an outdoor cooling device, a chiller unit, a cold storage device, indoor terminal equipment, a first electric valve, a second electric valve, a third electric valve, a fourth electric valve, a fifth electric valve, a sixth electric valve, a cooling water pump, a first temperature sensor, and a second temperature sensor. The automatic control device communicates with the meteorological sensor, the outdoor cooling device, the chiller unit, the cold storage device, the indoor terminal equipment, the first electric valve, the second electric valve, the third electric valve, the fourth electric valve, the fifth electric valve, the sixth electric valve, the cooling water pump, the first temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor. The outdoor cooling device is connected to the chiller unit. The chiller unit is connected to both the cold storage device and the indoor terminal equipment. The cold storage device is also connected to the indoor terminal equipment. The chiller unit has a first outlet and a first return outlet. The cold storage device is equipped with a first inlet, a second outlet, a third outlet, and a second return outlet. The indoor terminal equipment is equipped with a third inlet and a fourth outlet. A first electric valve is located between the first outlet and the third inlet. A second electric valve is located between the first outlet and the first inlet. A third electric valve is located between the first return outlet and the fourth outlet. A fourth electric valve is located between the second outlet and the first return outlet. A fifth electric valve and a cooling water pump are located between the third outlet and the third inlet. A sixth electric valve is located between the second return outlet and the fourth outlet. A first temperature sensor is located at the second outlet to detect the cold storage outlet temperature of the cold storage device. A second temperature sensor is located at the third outlet to detect the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device.

2. A control method for an energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system, characterized in that, The energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method is used to implement the operation control of the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system as described in claim 1, and the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method includes: When a cold storage command is received, the cold storage outlet water temperature and the preset cold storage target water temperature of the cold storage device are obtained, and the cooling capacity requirement is calculated based on the cold storage outlet water temperature and the preset cold storage target water temperature. The target cooling duration is calculated based on the hourly cooling capacity and cooling demand of the chiller unit. When the target cooling duration is not less than the preset maximum cooling storage duration, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cooling storage mode from the preset initial cooling storage time to the preset end cooling time. When the target cooling duration is less than the preset maximum cooling storage duration, the cooling storage start time is calculated based on the target cooling duration and the preset termination time, and the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cooling storage mode from the cooling storage start time to the preset termination time. When a cooling command is received, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cooling mode. During the operation of cooling mode, if condition one or condition two is met, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in chiller cooling mode; if condition three or condition four is met, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in cold storage device cooling mode. Condition one is: the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device is greater than the preset high value of the cooling temperature; condition two is: the preset low value of the cooling temperature is less than the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device and less than or equal to the preset high value of the cooling temperature, and the current time period is the highest temperature period of the day; condition three is: the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device is not greater than the preset low value of the cooling temperature; condition four is: the preset low value of the cooling temperature is less than the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device and less than or equal to the preset high value of the cooling temperature, and the current time period is not the highest temperature period of the day.

3. The energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, If the cooling demand is defined as Q, then Q is expressed as: Q = m × c × (t1 - t2) In the formula, t1 represents the cold water outlet temperature of the cold storage device; t2 represents the preset target cold water temperature; m represents the mass of the cold storage medium in the cold storage device; and c represents the specific heat capacity of the cold storage medium.

4. The energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The preset maximum cold storage duration is 8 hours, the preset initial cold storage time is 0:00, the preset end time of cooling is 8:00, the preset low cooling temperature is 7℃, and the preset high cooling temperature is 9℃.

5. The energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Methods for determining whether the current time period is the period of highest temperature of the day include: Obtain the weather forecast information for the day and extract the expected maximum temperature for the day from the weather forecast information; Obtain the real-time outdoor temperature fed back by the meteorological sensor. When the real-time outdoor temperature meets the condition that the predicted maximum temperature of the day is less than or equal to the real-time outdoor temperature plus the first temperature difference, determine that the current time period is the start time of the highest temperature period of the day. Once the day's highest temperature period begins, the real-time outdoor temperature fed back by the meteorological sensor is obtained. When the real-time outdoor temperature fed back by the meteorological sensor meets the condition that the predicted highest temperature is ≥ the real-time outdoor temperature + the second temperature difference, the end time of the day's highest temperature period is determined.

6. The energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system switches to cold storage mode, the outdoor cooling device and the chiller unit are activated, and the second electric valve and the fourth electric valve are opened.

7. The energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system switches to chiller cooling mode, the outdoor cooling device and the chiller are activated, and the first electric valve and the third electric valve are opened.

8. The energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system switches to the cold storage device cooling mode, the cold storage device and the cooling water pump are activated, and the fifth electric valve and the sixth electric valve are opened.

9. The energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system operates in the cooling mode of the cold storage device, if the cold storage device malfunctions, the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system will operate in the cooling mode of the chiller unit.

10. The energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system control method as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system is operating in chiller unit cooling mode, if the chiller unit malfunctions and the real-time cooling temperature of the cold storage device is lower than the preset high value of the cooling temperature, then the energy-saving and cost-saving air conditioning system will operate in cold storage device cooling mode.

Images