Air conditioning equipment and refrigerant leakage detection method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to air conditioning equipment and a refrigerant leakage detection method thereof. The air conditioning equipment comprises a first refrigerant circulation loop and a second refrigerant circulation loop, wherein each of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the second refrigerant circulation loop comprises a condenser, a throttling device, an evaporator and a compressor; and a leak detection unit including a first temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the first refrigerant circulation loop; and a second temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the second refrigerant circulation loop; and the control assembly is configured to receive the first temperature measured by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature measured by the second temperature sensor and compare the temperature difference value of the first temperature and the second temperature with a temperature reference threshold value so as to generate a signal used for judging the refrigerant leakage condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air conditioning device and a method for detecting and blocking leaks of flammable refrigerants. The technology disclosed herein is applicable to air conditioning systems in commercial vehicles such as RVs and trucks, as well as indoor air conditioning systems. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerants used in air conditioners generally have high flammability or toxicity, such as carbon dioxide (CO2, R-744), propane (R-290), isobutane (R-600a), propylene (R-1270), and ammonia (NH3, R-717). Therefore, refrigerant leaks can easily lead to poisoning or explosions. In existing technologies, refrigerant sensors are typically used to detect leaks; however, this method has limitations. For example, multiple refrigerant sensors are usually needed at various points along the refrigerant circulation path to quickly detect and respond to leaks. However, cost constraints limit the number of sensors, resulting in slow response times, which are influenced by the location of the sensors and the leak point.

[0003] Furthermore, refrigerant sensors are mainly used to detect refrigerant leaks on the indoor side, and are usually not used to detect leaks on the outdoor side. As a result, the outdoor side cannot be effectively and timely protected. Therefore, when a refrigerant leak occurs on the outdoor side, it may lead to dangerous accidents such as compressor explosions caused by air entering the air conditioning equipment.

[0004] Therefore, the spread of potentially explosive and / or toxic natural refrigerants makes it necessary to detect refrigerant leaks rapidly before they cause a fire or explosion.

[0005] Therefore, an improved air conditioning equipment and control method are needed to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The inventors of this disclosure recognize that refrigerant leakage can significantly alter the operating state of air conditioning equipment, such as changes in the temperature and pressure of the intake and exhaust gases. Therefore, this disclosure proposes a technique for determining the presence of refrigerant leakage during operation by detecting temperature or pressure changes in the refrigeration equipment.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an air conditioning device is provided, comprising: a first refrigerant circulation loop; and a second refrigerant circulation loop; wherein the first and second refrigerant circulation loops are configured to circulate refrigerant.

[0008] The first refrigerant circulation loop includes: a first condenser configured to exchange heat with the external environment and condense the refrigerant; a first throttling device configured to expand the refrigerant; a first evaporator configured to exchange heat with the room to be air-conditioned and configured to evaporate the refrigerant; and a first compressor configured to compress the refrigerant.

[0009] The second refrigerant circulation loop includes: a second condenser configured to exchange heat with the external environment and condense the refrigerant; a second throttling device configured to expand the refrigerant; a second evaporator configured to exchange heat with the room to be air-conditioned and configured to evaporate the refrigerant; a second compressor configured to compress the refrigerant; and...

[0010] A leak detection unit is configured to determine whether a refrigerant leak has occurred.

[0011] The leak detection unit includes: a first temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of a first refrigerant circulation loop at a first evaporator; a second temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of a second refrigerant circulation loop at a second evaporator; and a control component configured to receive a first temperature measured by the first temperature sensor and a second temperature measured by the second temperature sensor, and to compare the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature with a temperature reference threshold to generate a signal for determining the refrigerant leak condition.

[0012] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the leak detection unit further includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor is configured to detect a first pressure in a first refrigerant circulation loop, and the second pressure sensor is configured to detect a second pressure in a second refrigerant circulation loop. The control component is configured to receive the first pressure measured by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure measured by the second pressure sensor, and compare the pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure with a pressure reference threshold to generate a signal for determining the refrigerant leak condition.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the control component is configured to generate an alarm signal when the temperature difference exceeds a temperature reference threshold.

[0014] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the temperature reference threshold is approximately 1°C to 15°C.

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the control component is configured to generate an alarm signal when the pressure difference exceeds a pressure reference threshold.

[0016] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the pressure reference threshold is equal to 0.01 MPa to 1.0 MPa.

[0017] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the leak detection unit further includes an additional first temperature sensor and an additional second temperature sensor, the additional first temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature of a first refrigerant circulation loop in a first condenser, and the additional second temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature of a second refrigerant circulation loop in a second condenser.

[0018] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the control component is configured to receive a temperature measured by an additional first temperature sensor and a temperature measured by an additional second temperature sensor, and compare the difference between them with a temperature threshold to determine the amount of refrigerant leakage.

[0019] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the first throttling device and the second throttling device are electronic expansion valves or capillaries.

[0020] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioning device further includes a four-way valve connected to a refrigerant circulation loop and operable in a first position to operate the air conditioning device in a cooling mode and in a second position to operate the air conditioning device in a heating mode, wherein the control component is configured to further select a temperature reference threshold and a pressure reference threshold depending on whether the four-way valve is in the first position or the second position.

[0021] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioning equipment further includes a solenoid valve configured to close the leaking refrigerant circulation loop when a refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred in a first refrigerant circulation loop or a second refrigerant circulation loop.

[0022] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the air conditioning device further includes: a memory that stores temperature threshold parameters and pressure threshold parameters, wherein a control component is connected to the memory and configured to receive the temperature threshold parameters and pressure threshold parameters from the memory.

[0023] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioning unit is provided. The air conditioning unit includes a first refrigerant circulation loop and a second refrigerant circulation loop. Both the first and second refrigerant circulation loops include a condenser for heat exchange with the external environment, a throttling device, an evaporator, and a compressor for heat exchange with the room to be air-conditioned. The method includes: measuring temperature parameters of the first and second refrigerant circulation loops using temperature sensors, wherein the temperature parameters represent the temperature of the refrigerant at the evaporator, condenser, or compressor exhaust; receiving the temperature parameters of the first and second refrigerant circulation loops via a control component; comparing the difference between the temperature parameters of the first and second refrigerant circulation loops with a temperature reference threshold; and generating a signal for determining the refrigerant leakage condition.

[0024] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the method further includes: measuring pressure parameters of a first refrigerant circulation loop and a second refrigerant circulation loop using a pressure sensor; receiving the pressure parameters of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the second refrigerant circulation loop using a control component; comparing the difference between the pressure parameters of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the second refrigerant circulation loop with a pressure reference threshold; and generating a signal for determining refrigerant leakage status.

[0025] The technology disclosed herein can be used to detect flammable refrigerant leaks and promptly prevent refrigerant leakage to the indoor side. This disclosure applies to refrigeration equipment with a twin-cylinder compressor or refrigeration equipment consisting of two single-cylinder compressors. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The non-limiting exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 An air conditioning device including a dual-cylinder compressor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 2 An air conditioning unit comprising two single-cylinder compressors according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0029] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioning unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 Air conditioning equipment includes a first refrigerant circulation loop and a second refrigerant circulation loop for circulating the refrigerant. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning equipment includes compressor 1a (one or two); four-way valves 2-1 and 2-2; condensers 3-1 and 3-2; external fans 4 and 8; solenoid valves 5-1, 5-2, 9-1 and 9-2; throttling devices 6-1 and 6-2; evaporators 7-1 and 7-2; exhaust temperature sensors 10-1 and 10-2; condenser temperature sensors 11-1 and 11-2; evaporator temperature sensors 12-1 and 12-2; pressure sensors 13-1 and 13-2; suction inlets 14a-1 and 14a-2; and exhaust outlets 15a-1 and 15a-2.

[0032] In this embodiment, compressor 1a, four-way valve 2-1, condenser 3-1, solenoid valves 5-1 and 9-1, throttling device 6-1, and evaporator 7-1 form a first refrigerant circulation loop. Compressor 1a, four-way valve 2-2, solenoid valves 5-2 and 9-2, throttling device 6-2, condenser 3-2, and evaporator 7-2 form a second refrigerant circulation loop.

[0033] In the embodiment, condensers 3-1 and 3-2 can be two independent condensers placed side by side perpendicular to the airflow direction, or a condenser can be divided into two parallel condensation zones perpendicular to the airflow direction.

[0034] Throttling devices 6-1 and 6-2 can be any type of throttling mechanism, such as an electronic solenoid valve or a capillary tube.

[0035] Solenoid valves 5-1, 5-2, 9-1, and 9-2 are configured to close when a refrigerant leak is detected, thereby preventing refrigerant from entering evaporators 7-1 and 7-2.

[0036] Four-way valves 2-1 and 2-2 are connected between the condenser and evaporator in the refrigerant circulation loop. The four-way valves have a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port. In cooling mode, the first port is connected to the evaporator in the refrigerant circulation loop to receive refrigerant from the evaporator. The second port is connected to the condenser in the refrigerant circulation loop to send refrigerant to the condenser. Conversely, in heating mode, the first port is used to send refrigerant, and the second port is used to receive refrigerant. The third port is connected to the compressor inlet to send refrigerant to the compressor (in both cooling and heating modes); the fourth port is connected to the compressor outlet to receive refrigerant from the compressor (in both cooling and heating modes).

[0037] Four-way valves 2-1 and 2-2 can be operated in the first position to receive refrigerant at the first port and release (compressed) refrigerant at the second port, and can also be operated in the second position to receive refrigerant at the second port and release (compressed) refrigerant at the first port. In the first position of the four-way valves, the air conditioning unit operates in cooling mode, and in the second position of the four-way valves, the air conditioning unit operates in heating mode.

[0038] In refrigeration mode, the refrigerant fluid circulates from compressor 1a through four-way valves 2-1 and 2-2 to condenser 3-1 and 3-2, from condenser 3-1 and 3-2 through solenoid valves 5-1 and 5-2 to throttling device 6-1 and 6-2, from throttling device 6-1 and 6-2 to evaporator 7-1 and 7-2, and then from evaporator 7-1 and 7-2 through solenoid valves 9-1 and 9-2 back to compressor 1a.

[0039] In heating mode, the refrigerant fluid circulates from compressor 1a through solenoid valves 9-1 and 9-2 to evaporators 7-1 and 7-2, then from evaporators 7-1 and 7-2 through solenoid valves 9-1 and 9-2 to throttling devices 6-1 and 6-2, then from throttling devices 6-1 and 6-2 through solenoid valves 5-1 and 5-2 to condensers 3-1 and 3-2, and finally from condensers 3-1 and 3-2 through four-way valves 2-1 and 2-2 back to compressor 1a.

[0040] The air conditioning unit also includes a leak detection unit. The leak detection unit includes condenser temperature sensors 11-1 and 11-2; and evaporator temperature sensors 12-1 and 12-2. Condenser temperature sensor 11-1 and evaporator temperature sensor 12-1 are connected to condenser 3-1 and evaporator 7-1 respectively in the first refrigerant circulation loop to measure the temperature Tx1 at condenser 3-1 and the temperature Ti1 at evaporator 7-1. Condenser temperature sensor 11-2 and evaporator temperature sensor 12-2 are connected to condenser 3-2 and evaporator 7-2 respectively in the second refrigerant circulation loop to measure the temperature Tx2 at condenser 3-2 and the temperature Ti2 at evaporator 7-2.

[0041] The leakage unit also includes exhaust temperature sensors 10-1 and 10-2, which measure the exhaust temperature Td1 of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the exhaust temperature Td2 of the second refrigerant circulation loop, respectively.

[0042] The leak detection unit also includes pressure sensors 13-1 and 13-2. Pressure sensors 13-1 and 13-2 are configured to measure the pressure P1 of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the pressure P2 of the second refrigerant circulation loop, respectively.

[0043] The leak detection unit includes a control component (not shown) connected to a refrigerant sensor and configured to receive data from the refrigerant sensor (e.g., in real time). The control component may include a printed circuit board (PCB). The control component receives temperature data from a first refrigerant circulation loop and a second refrigerant circulation loop measured by a temperature sensor and compares the temperature difference between the two loops with a temperature reference threshold stored in a memory to generate a signal for determining a refrigerant leak.

[0044] The control component is also connected to a memory. This memory may or may not be included in the air conditioning unit. The control component is configured to compare real-time received data with a reference threshold stored in the memory and generate a signal reflecting the refrigerant leak status. For example, the control component can be configured to generate an alarm signal if the difference between the received data and the reference threshold exceeds the threshold. Therefore, the control component can be configured to monitor the refrigerant leak status, allowing for rapid identification of leaks once they occur.

[0045] In the refrigeration mode, if at least two of |Td1 - Td2| > A1, |Tx1 - Tx2| > B1, and |P1 - P2| > C1 are satisfied, it is determined that a leak has occurred, and the solenoid valve is closed through the control component to prevent the refrigerant from entering the evaporator.

[0046] In the heating mode, if at least two of |Td1 - Td2| > A2, |Tx1 - Tx2| > B2, and |P1 - P2| > C2 are satisfied, it is determined that a leak has occurred, and the solenoid valve is closed through the control component to prevent the refrigerant from entering the condenser.

[0047] In an embodiment, it is possible to determine whether there is a refrigerant leak in the air - conditioning equipment during the shutdown process by detecting the pressure of the refrigeration equipment before startup. For example, when the air - conditioning equipment is not operating (powered on but the compressor is not running), if |P1 - P2| > C3, it is determined that a leak has occurred.

[0048] Among them, A1, A2, B1, and B2 refer to temperature differences and are used to judge refrigerant leaks; C1, C2, and C3 refer to refrigerant pressure differences and are used to judge refrigerant leaks.

[0049] In an embodiment, A1 is about 1.0°C to 15.0°C, A2 is about 1.0°C to 20.0°C, and A1 is less than A2. For example, if A1 is taken as 1°C, then A2 is taken as 1.5°C. B1 is about 1.0°C to 10.0°C, B2 is about 1.0°C to 15.0°C, B1 is less than B2. For example, if B1 is taken as 1°C, then B2 is taken as 1.5°C. C1 is about 0.01 MPa to 0.5 MPa, C2 is about 0.01 MPa to 1.0 MPa, C3 is about 0.01 MPa to 0.6 MPa, C1 < C2 < C3. For example, if C1 is taken as 0.01 MPa, then C2 is taken as 0.02 MPa, and C3 is taken as 0.1 MPa.

[0050] In an embodiment, the first refrigerant circulation loop and the second refrigerant circulation loop are two identical independent refrigerant circulation loops. The dual - refrigerant circulation loop can identify refrigerant leaks in a timely manner by comparing the differences in real - time temperature and pressure parameters. In addition, the dual - circulation loop system can reduce the leakage of flammable refrigerants. Even if one of the refrigerant circulation loops leaks, the maximum leakage ratio of the entire air - conditioning refrigerant is only 50%.

[0051] Because the structures and refrigerant injection rates of the dual refrigerant circulation loops are basically the same, the amounts of evaporating and condensing air are essentially the same, and the displacements of the two compressors under the same motor are also the same, under normal circumstances, their discharge temperature, condensing temperature, evaporating temperature, and refrigerant pressure in both refrigerant circulation loops should be the same, or have only very small deviations. When a refrigerant leak occurs in one of the refrigerant circulation loops, the discharge temperature, condensing temperature, evaporating temperature, and refrigerant pressure of that loop will all change to varying degrees. By comparing some or all of the parameters of this loop with those of the normal loop, a refrigerant leak can be quickly identified.

[0052] The air conditioning equipment in this embodiment can detect flammable refrigerant leaks in a timely manner, thus providing users with more reliable protection. Furthermore, the dual refrigerant circulation loop can increase the upper limit of flammable refrigerant charge, thereby providing better air conditioning performance; and it meets the safety regulations for low-GWP refrigerants (R290, etc.), making it suitable for more markets.

[0053] exist Figure 1 In the air conditioning equipment shown, the refrigerant passing through compressor 1a does not pass through the motor cavity; after compression, the refrigerant is directly discharged from the compressor through discharge ports 15a-1 and 15a-2. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this. Compressor 1a can have different heat dissipation methods. For example, in one of the two refrigerant circulation loops of compressor 1a, the refrigerant is compressed and discharged from the motor cavity through discharge port 15a-1 to cool the motor. In the other refrigerant circulation loop, the refrigerant is compressed and discharged directly from the compressor through discharge port 15a-2.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In one embodiment, compressor 1a is a two-cylinder compressor, wherein one cylinder of the compressor is connected in a first refrigerant circulation loop; and the other cylinder of the compressor is connected in a second refrigerant circulation loop. However, the technology disclosed herein is not limited to this and can be applied to two single-cylinder compressors.

[0055] Figure 2 An air conditioning unit comprising two single-cylinder compressors according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the air conditioning unit includes two single-cylinder compressors, one of which is connected in the first refrigerant circulation loop; the other single-cylinder compressor is connected in the second refrigerant circulation loop. Other components are... Figure 1 The embodiments shown are the same and will not be described again here.

[0056] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method for detecting refrigerant leakage in an air conditioning unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] When the air conditioning unit is not running (powered on but compressor not running), the pressure P1 of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the pressure P2 of the second refrigerant loop are measured by pressure sensors 13-1 and 13-2 to determine whether there is a refrigerant leak during the shutdown process. For example, if |P1-P2|>C3, a leak is confirmed, and an alarm signal is sent, where C3 is approximately 0.01MPa to 0.6MPa.

[0058] When the air conditioning equipment is running, the method includes measuring the temperature Tx1 at the condenser 3-1 in the first refrigerant circulation loop and the temperature Tx2 at the condenser 3-1 in the second refrigerant circulation loop using condenser temperature sensors 11-1 and 11-2 respectively; measuring the temperature Ti1 at the evaporator 7-1 in the first refrigerant circulation loop and the temperature Ti2 at the evaporator 7-2 in the second refrigerant circulation loop using evaporator temperature sensors 12-1 and 12-2 respectively; and measuring the exhaust temperature Td1 of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the exhaust temperature Td2 of the second refrigerant circulation loop using exhaust temperature sensors 10-1 and 10-2 respectively.

[0059] The measured temperatures Tx1, Tx2, Ti1, Ti2, Td1, and Td2 are sent to a control component connected to the temperature sensor. The control component reads the stored temperature reference threshold from the memory and compares the differences between Tx1 and Tx2, Ti1 and Ti2, and Td1 and Td2 with the temperature reference threshold respectively.

[0060] In cooling mode, if at least one of |Td1-Td2|>A1 or |Tx1-Tx2|>B1 is satisfied, a leak is determined, and an alarm signal is sent through the control component and the solenoid valve is closed to prevent refrigerant from entering the evaporator.

[0061] In heating mode, if at least one of |Td1-Td2|>A2 or |Tx1-Tx2|>B2 is satisfied, a leak is determined, and an alarm signal is sent through the control component and the solenoid valve is closed to prevent refrigerant from entering the condenser.

[0062] In an embodiment, the method may further include measuring the pressure P1 of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the pressure P2 of the second refrigerant circulation loop using pressure sensor 13-1 and pressure sensor 13-2, respectively.

[0063] The measured pressures P1 and P2 are sent to a control unit connected to the pressure sensor. The control unit reads a stored pressure reference threshold from the memory and compares the difference between P1 and P2 with the pressure reference threshold.

[0064] In the refrigeration mode, if |P1 - P2| > C1 is satisfied, it is determined that a leakage has occurred, and an alarm signal is sent through the control component and the solenoid valve is closed to prevent the refrigerant from entering the evaporator.

[0065] In the heating mode, if |P1 - P2| > C2 is satisfied, it is determined that a leakage has occurred, and an alarm signal is sent through the control component and the solenoid valve is closed to prevent the refrigerant from entering the condenser.

[0066] A1, A2, B1, and B2 refer to temperature differences used to determine refrigerant leakage; C1, C2, and C3 refer to refrigerant pressure differences used to determine refrigerant leakage.

[0067] In the embodiment, A1 is about 1.0°C to 15.0°C, A2 is about 1.0°C to 20.0°C, A1 is less than A2. For example, if A1 is taken as 1°C, then A2 is taken as 1.5°C. B1 is about 1.0°C to 10.0°C, B2 is about 1.0°C to 15.0°C), B1 is less than B2. For example, if B1 is taken as 1°C, then B2 is taken as 1.5°C. C1 is about 0.01 MPa to 0.5 MPa, C2 is about 0.01 MPa to 1.0 MPa, C3 is about 0.01 MPa to 0.6 MPa), C1 < C2 < C3. For example, if C1 is taken as 0.01 MPa, then C2 is taken as 0.02 MPa, and C3 is taken as 0.1 MPa.

[0068] Compared with the well-known detection method using a refrigerant sensor on the inner heat exchanger side, the disclosed technology can detect leaks at any position of the air-conditioning equipment, having higher safety.

[0069] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish each other for the purpose of description and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance and order.

[0070] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as a limitation of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art can combine, change, modify, replace, and vary the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An air conditioning device, comprising: First refrigerant circulation loop; Second refrigerant circulation loop; The first refrigerant circulation loop and the second refrigerant circulation loop are configured to circulate the refrigerant. The first refrigerant circulation loop includes: A first condenser is configured to exchange heat with the external environment and condense the refrigerant; A first throttling device, configured to expand the refrigerant; A first evaporator is configured to exchange heat with the room to be air-conditioned and to evaporate the refrigerant. A first compressor, configured to compress the refrigerant. The second refrigerant circulation loop includes: A second condenser is configured to exchange heat with the external environment and condense the refrigerant; A second throttling device is configured to expand the refrigerant; A second evaporator is configured to exchange heat with the room to be air-conditioned and is configured to evaporate the refrigerant. A second compressor, configured to compress the refrigerant; and a leak detection unit, configured to determine whether a refrigerant leak has occurred. The leakage detection unit includes: A first temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the first refrigerant circulation loop at the first evaporator. A second temperature sensor, configured to measure the temperature of the second refrigerant circulation loop at the second evaporator; and A control component is configured to receive a first temperature measured by a first temperature sensor and a second temperature measured by a second temperature sensor, and to compare the temperature difference between the first and second temperatures with a temperature reference threshold to generate a signal for determining refrigerant leakage.

2. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The leak detection unit further includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor is configured to detect a first pressure in the first refrigerant circulation loop, and the second pressure sensor is configured to detect a second pressure in the second refrigerant circulation loop. The control component is configured to receive the first pressure measured by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure measured by the second pressure sensor, and compare the pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure with a pressure reference threshold to generate a signal for determining the refrigerant leak condition.

3. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The control component is configured to generate an alarm signal when the temperature difference exceeds the temperature reference threshold.

4. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The control component is configured to generate an alarm signal when the pressure difference exceeds a pressure reference threshold.

5. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The leak detection unit further includes an additional first temperature sensor and an additional second temperature sensor, the additional first temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature of the first refrigerant circulation loop at the first condenser, and the additional second temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature of the second refrigerant circulation loop at the second condenser.

6. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The control component is configured to receive the temperature measured by the additional first temperature sensor and the temperature measured by the additional second temperature sensor, and compare the difference between them with a second temperature threshold to determine the amount of refrigerant leakage.

7. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The additional first temperature sensor is also configured to measure the exhaust temperature of the first refrigerant circulation loop, and the additional second temperature sensor is also configured to measure the exhaust temperature of the second refrigerant circulation loop.

8. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 7, wherein, The control component is configured to receive the exhaust temperature measured by the additional first temperature sensor and the exhaust temperature measured by the additional second temperature sensor, and compare the difference between them with a third temperature threshold to determine the refrigerant leakage condition.

9. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, 6, or 7, wherein, The temperature reference threshold is equal to 1℃~15℃, the second temperature reference threshold is equal to 1.0~10.0℃, and the third temperature reference threshold is equal to 1.0~20.0℃. In the cooling mode, the temperature reference threshold, the second temperature reference threshold, and the third temperature reference threshold are all less than the temperature reference threshold in the heating mode.

10. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The pressure reference threshold is equal to 0.01 MPa to 1.0 MPa, and the pressure reference threshold in cooling mode is less than the pressure reference threshold in heating mode.

11. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, wherein the first throttling device and the second throttling device are electronic expansion valves or capillary tubes.

12. The air conditioning device according to claim 1, further comprising a four-way valve connected to the refrigerant circulation loop and operable in a first position to operate the air conditioning device in cooling mode, and operable in a second position to operate the air conditioning device in heating mode, wherein... The control component is configured to further select the temperature reference threshold and the pressure reference threshold based on whether the four-way valve is in the first position or the second position.

13. The air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a solenoid valve configured to close the leaking refrigerant circulation loop when a refrigerant leak is determined to have occurred in the first refrigerant circulation loop or the second refrigerant circulation loop.

14. The air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: The memory stores the temperature threshold parameter and the pressure threshold parameter. The control component is connected to the memory and configured to receive the temperature threshold parameter and the pressure threshold parameter from the memory.

15. A method for detecting refrigerant leakage in air conditioning equipment, wherein, The air conditioning equipment includes a first refrigerant circulation loop and a second refrigerant circulation loop. Both the first and second refrigerant circulation loops include a condenser for heat exchange with the external environment, a throttling device, an evaporator, and a compressor for heat exchange with the room to be air-conditioned. The method includes: Temperature parameters of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the second refrigerant loop are measured by a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature parameters represent the temperature of the refrigerant at the evaporator, the condenser, or the compressor discharge point; The control component receives the temperature parameters of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the temperature parameters of the second refrigerant circulation loop. The difference between the temperature parameters of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the temperature parameters of the second refrigerant circulation loop is compared with the temperature reference threshold. Generates a signal to determine the refrigerant leak status.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: The pressure parameters of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the second refrigerant circulation loop are measured using pressure sensors; The control component receives the pressure parameters of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the pressure parameters of the second refrigerant circulation loop. The difference between the pressure parameters of the first refrigerant circulation loop and the pressure parameters of the second refrigerant circulation loop is compared with a pressure reference threshold; and Generates a signal to determine the refrigerant leak status.

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