Air conditioning system

Abstract

The air conditioning system comprises an indoor unit and a compressor, the indoor unit comprises at least two indoor heat exchangers, one end of each indoor heat exchanger is provided with an electric three-way valve, and the other end of each indoor heat exchanger is provided with a throttling device; each electric three-way valve is provided with a first connector, a second connector and a third connector, the first connectors of the electric three-way valves of the indoor heat exchangers communicate with the inlet end of the compressor, and the second connectors of the electric three-way valves at one ends of the indoor heat exchangers can communicate with the outlet end of the compressor. Each indoor heat exchanger is communicated with a third connector of the corresponding electric three-way valve. The system can integrate multiple valve functions, system pipelines and system control are simplified, and the installation space is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and more particularly to air conditioning systems. Background Technology

[0002] Heat recovery multi-split air conditioning systems (i.e., three-pipe systems) not only possess the functions of single-cooling and heat pump systems, but also significantly improve energy efficiency by simultaneously utilizing the condensation and evaporation heat of the refrigeration system. With the increasing number of buildings requiring both cooling and heating, they hold immense application potential. Through the combined on / off switching of multiple solenoid valves, they can achieve free switching between cooling and heating within the room.

[0003] As people pay more attention to the global greenhouse effect, countries have introduced relevant GWP (Global Warming Potential) limits. A2L (Alternative Flammability) refrigerants have lower GWP values, but relevant regulations require the addition of safety shut-off valves in their systems, which leads to higher system piping complexity and costs.

[0004] It is evident that traditional three-pipe systems have multiple valves installed on the gas pipeline side, resulting in complex piping and cumbersome system control. The application of A2L refrigerant necessitates the addition of even more valves to three-pipe systems to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and operational safety.

[0005] In response, CN 104266423 A discloses a multi-split air conditioning system that uses three-way valves before and after the indoor heat exchanger to replace traditional valve groups. One end of the three-way valve is connected in parallel with an expansion valve. The main compressor is equipped with a main three-way valve, and a four-way valve connects the indoor heat exchanger, outdoor heat exchanger, and main compressor. While this system reduces the number of valves to some extent, it still has the following shortcomings:

[0006] First, multi-split air conditioning systems cannot isolate each indoor heat exchanger from the entire system, resulting in relatively poor safety.

[0007] Furthermore, the number of three-way valves used in multi-split air conditioning systems is still relatively large, and an additional four-way valve is also required, making the structure still quite complex.

[0008] Finally, it is impossible to achieve the function of partially cooling and partially heating the indoor heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide an air conditioning system. This system integrates the functions of multiple valves into one unit, simplifying system piping, system control, and reducing installation space.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an air conditioning system, including an indoor unit and a compressor. The indoor unit includes at least two indoor heat exchangers, one end of each indoor heat exchanger is provided with an electric three-way valve, and the other end of each indoor heat exchanger is provided with a throttling device.

[0011] Each of the electric three-way valves has a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface. The first interface of the electric three-way valve of each of the indoor heat exchangers is connected to the inlet end of the compressor. The second interface of the electric three-way valve at one end of each of the indoor heat exchangers is connected to the outlet end of the compressor. Each of the indoor heat exchangers is connected to the third interface of the corresponding electric three-way valve.

[0012] The air conditioning system provided by this invention redesigns the flow path control method, enabling one of two or more indoor heat exchangers to cool when cooling is required, heat when heating is required, and not operate when neither cooling nor heating is required. It achieves the functions that originally required more valves with only a smaller number of valves, meeting the various control needs of the system. It not only simplifies the system structure and control method, but also reduces the installation space. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow path of the air conditioning system in full indoor cooling mode.

[0015] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow path of the air conditioning system in full indoor heating mode.

[0016] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow path of the air conditioning system in the first indoor heating and cooling free mode.

[0017] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow path of the air conditioning system in the second indoor heating and cooling free mode.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the picture:

[0020] Y—Compressor; G—Outdoor heat exchanger; E1~E3—Indoor heat exchanger; F—Gas-liquid separator; EV1~EV3—Indoor electronic expansion valve; V1—Outdoor electronic expansion valve; J2, J4, J6—Safety shut-off valve; Q1~Q4—Electric three-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0022] In this document, terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer" are established based on the positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. Depending on the drawings, the corresponding positional relationships may also change. Therefore, they should not be interpreted as an absolute limitation on the scope of protection. Moreover, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one component from another that has the same name, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these components.

[0023] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] As shown in the figure, in one specific embodiment, the air conditioning system provided by the present invention mainly consists of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The outdoor unit is equipped with a compressor Y, a gas-liquid separator F and an outdoor heat exchanger G, and the indoor unit is equipped with at least two indoor heat exchangers E1 and E2. Specifically, in this embodiment, it is taken as an example that the indoor unit is equipped with three indoor heat exchangers E1, E2 and E3.

[0025] Each indoor heat exchanger E1, E2, E3 and outdoor heat exchanger G is equipped with an electric three-way valve Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 at one end, and an outdoor heat exchanger C is equipped with an outdoor throttling device at the other end. In this embodiment, it is an electronic expansion valve V1. Each indoor heat exchanger E1, E2 and E3 is also equipped with a throttling device at the other end. Specifically, in this embodiment, each throttling device can be an electronic expansion valve EV1, EV2 and EV3.

[0026] The four electric three-way valves Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 have the same structure, each with a first port A, a second port B, and a third port C. The first port A of electric three-way valves Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 are all connected to the inlet end of the gas-liquid separator F, and the second port B of electric three-way valve Q4 can be connected to the inlet end of the gas-liquid separator F. The outlet end of the gas-liquid separator F is connected to the inlet end of the compressor Y, and the second port B of electric three-way valves Q1, Q2, and Q3 can all be connected to the outlet end of the compressor Y. The first port of electric three-way valve Q4 is connected to the outlet end of the compressor. The outdoor heat exchanger C and the indoor heat exchangers E1, E2, and E3 are respectively connected to the third port C of the corresponding electric three-way valves Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. For example, the indoor electronic expansion valves EV1, EV2, and EV3 of each indoor heat exchanger E1, E2, and E3 can be integrated with safety shut-off valves.

[0027] The above-mentioned air conditioning system has multiple operating states:

[0028] In the first state, the second interface B is closed, the first interface A and the third interface C are interconnected, and the fluid flow rate on the first interface A side can be adjusted;

[0029] In the second state, the first interface A is closed, and the second interface B and the third interface C are interconnected; and the fluid flow rate on the second interface B side can be adjusted.

[0030] In the third state, the pressure on the third interface side is less than or equal to the pressure on the second interface side, and the pressure on the third interface side is greater than or equal to the pressure on the first interface side.

[0031] Please refer to this as well. Figures 2 to 5 , Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow path of the air conditioning system in full indoor cooling mode. Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow path of the air conditioning system in full indoor heating mode. Figure 4 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow path of the air conditioning system in the first indoor heating and cooling free mode. Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the flow path of the air conditioning system in the second indoor heating and cooling free mode.

[0032] As shown in the figure, by using the above-mentioned electric three-way valves Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4, the functions that originally required multiple valve groups can be achieved can be realized. It integrates the functions of multiple valves into one, which can meet the various control requirements of the system.

[0033] The specific operating modes are as follows (red indicates the heating flow path, and blue indicates the cooling flow path):

[0034] 1) In the indoor full cooling mode, the electric three-way valves Q1, Q2, and Q3 of the indoor heat exchangers E1, E2, and E3 are in the first state, and the electric three-way valve Q4 of the outdoor heat exchanger G is in the first state.

[0035] During operation, the high-temperature refrigerant output from the outlet of compressor Y enters the first port A of electric three-way valve Q4, and then enters the outdoor heat exchanger G from the third port C of electric three-way valve Q4. After heat exchange, it flows through the outdoor electronic expansion valve V1 and electronic expansion valves EV1, EV2, and EV3, and enters the indoor heat exchangers E1, E2, and E3. After completing heat exchange, it enters the third port C of electric three-way valves Q1, Q2, and Q3, and then enters the gas-liquid separator F from the first port A of electric three-way valves Q1, Q2, and Q3, and finally returns to compressor Y, completing one cycle.

[0036] The heat energy released by the indoor heat exchangers E1, E2, and E3 is transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger G, and then released to the outside through heat exchange.

[0037] 2) In the indoor full heating mode, the electric three-way valves Q1, Q2, and Q3 of the indoor heat exchangers E1, E2, and E3 are in the second state, and the electric three-way valve Q4 of the outdoor heat exchanger G is in the second state.

[0038] During operation, the refrigerant output from the compressor Y from the outlet enters the second port B of the electric three-way valves Q1, Q2, and Q3, and then enters the indoor heat exchangers E1, E2, and E3 from the third port C of the electric three-way valves Q1, Q2, and Q3. After heat exchange, the refrigerant flows through the electronic expansion valves EV1, EV2, and EV3 and the outdoor electronic expansion valve V1, enters the third port C of the electric three-way valve Q4, and then enters the gas-liquid separator F from the second port B of the electric three-way valve Q4. Finally, it returns to the compressor Y, completing one cycle.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, in the first indoor heating and cooling free mode, the electric three-way valve Q4 of the outdoor heat exchanger G is in the closed state, the electric three-way valve Q2 of the indoor heat exchanger E2 is in the third state, the electric three-way valve Q3 of the indoor heat exchanger E3 is in the first state, and the electric three-way valve Q1 of the indoor heat exchanger E1 is in the second state.

[0040] During operation, the refrigerant output from the outlet of compressor Y enters the second port B of electric three-way valve Q1, and then enters the indoor heat exchanger E1 from the third port C of electric three-way valve Q1. After heat exchange, the refrigerant flows through electronic expansion valves EV1 and EV3, enters the indoor heat exchanger E3, then enters the third port C of indoor heat exchanger Q3, and enters the gas-liquid separator F from the first port A of indoor heat exchanger Q3, and finally returns to compressor Y, completing one cycle.

[0041] In this embodiment, since indoor heat exchanger E1 is used for heating, while indoor heat exchanger E2 is stopped and indoor heat exchanger E3 is used for cooling, indoor heat exchanger E1 and indoor heat exchanger E3 can achieve thermal balance. That is to say, the heat energy released by indoor heat exchanger E3 for cooling can be absorbed by indoor heat exchanger E1 and used for heating, and the refrigerant whose temperature drops after indoor heat exchanger E1 heats can be used by indoor heat exchanger E3 for cooling. It is equivalent to using indoor heat exchanger E1 as an outdoor heat exchanger, and indoor heat exchanger E1 performs the function of outdoor heat exchanger. Therefore, there is no need to turn on outdoor heat exchanger G.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, in the second indoor heating and cooling free mode, the electric three-way valve Q4 of the outdoor heat exchanger G is in the first state, the electric three-way valve Q1 of the indoor heat exchanger 1 is in the second state, and the electric three-way valves Q2 and Q3 of the indoor heat exchangers E2 and E3 are in the first state.

[0043] During operation, the refrigerant output from the compressor Y is split into two paths. One path enters the second port B of the electric three-way valve Q1, and then flows through the third port C of the electric three-way valve Q1 into the indoor heat exchanger E1 and the electronic expansion valve EV1. The other path enters the first port A of the electric three-way valve Q4, and then flows through the third port C of the electric three-way valve Q4 into the outdoor heat exchanger G and the electronic expansion valve V1. After the two refrigerant paths merge, they split into two paths again. One path passes through the electronic expansion valve EV1 and enters the indoor heat exchanger E2, and then flows through the third port C and the first port A of the electric three-way valve Q2. The other path passes through the electronic expansion valve EV3 and enters the indoor heat exchanger E3, and then flows through the third port C and the first port A of the electric three-way valve Q3. After the two paths merge, they enter the gas-liquid separator F, and finally return to the compressor Y, completing one cycle.

[0044] In this mode, the outdoor heat exchanger G also works simultaneously. At this time, by adjusting the diameter of the flow side of the electric three-way valve, and by quantitatively distributing and adjusting the system requirements and the compressor power with the indoor heat exchanger, it is possible to achieve the function of cooling in some cases and heating in others.

[0045] In this mode, since indoor heat exchanger E1 is used for heating and indoor heat exchangers E2 and E3 are used for cooling, outdoor heat exchanger G is activated in order to achieve thermal balance. This means that the heat energy that indoor heat exchanger E1 cannot absorb is absorbed by outdoor heat exchanger G and then discharged outdoors through heat exchange.

[0046] The aforementioned air conditioning system can cool when the indoor heat exchanger needs cooling and heat when it needs heating, and can shut down when neither cooling nor heating is required, thus better meeting actual usage needs. For example, during seasonal transitions, users in different rooms may experience different levels of temperature sensitivity; or, some users may feel the room is warmer after exercising, while others may feel it is colder. In such cases, users who feel hot can turn on the cooling mode, and those who feel cold can turn on the heating mode, allowing each user to use what they need without affecting the others.

[0047] Furthermore, the air conditioning system also has the following advantages: the control system can control the opening or closing of the electric ball valve of the outdoor unit based on the energy efficiency of the indoor unit through calculations by the control program.

[0048] In addition, under abnormal operating conditions, if a leak occurs in an indoor heat exchanger or its piping, the corresponding electric three-way valve and electronic expansion valve can be controlled to be in the cut-off state simultaneously, thereby isolating the indoor heat exchanger from the entire air conditioning system.

[0049] This is because if the refrigerant used is flammable, an explosion could easily occur if a leak is left uncontrolled and the refrigerant concentration in the room reaches a certain level. This application isolates the indoor heat exchanger from the entire air conditioning system through the shut-off functions of an electric three-way valve and an electronic expansion valve. This ensures that the refrigerant leak is limited to the refrigerant contained within the corresponding indoor heat exchanger and its piping, preventing further leakage and thus guaranteeing safety.

[0050] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not limited thereto. Based on these, targeted adjustments can be made according to actual needs to obtain different implementation methods. For example, the electronic expansion valves of each of the indoor heat exchangers are connected in series with safety shut-off valves J2, J4, and J6 (see...). Figure 6 And so on. Since there are many possible ways to achieve this, we will not list them all here.

[0051] This invention enables indoor heat exchangers to partially cool and partially heat, and also provides a shut-off function to isolate each indoor heat exchanger from the entire system, resulting in high system safety. Moreover, it achieves the functions that originally required more valves with only a small number of valves, meeting various system control needs. This not only simplifies the system structure and control method but also reduces the installation space required.

[0052] The air conditioning system provided by this invention has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the core ideas of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this invention without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, comprising an indoor unit and a compressor, wherein the indoor unit includes at least two indoor heat exchangers, characterized in that, Each of the indoor heat exchangers is equipped with an electric three-way valve at one end and a throttling device at the other end. Each of the electric three-way valves has a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface. The first interface of the electric three-way valve of each of the indoor heat exchangers is connected to the inlet end of the compressor. The second interface of the electric three-way valve at one end of each of the indoor heat exchangers is connected to the outlet end of the compressor. Each of the indoor heat exchangers is connected to the third interface of the corresponding electric three-way valve.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioning system has a first state in which the second interface is closed, the first interface is interconnected with the third interface, and the fluid flow rate from the first interface to the third interface can be adjusted.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air conditioning system has a second state in which the first interface is closed, the second interface is interconnected with the third interface, and the fluid flow rate from the second interface to the third interface can be adjusted.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air conditioning system has a third state in which the first interface and the second interface are closed, the pressure on one side of the third interface is less than or equal to the pressure on the second interface, and the pressure on one side of the third interface is greater than or equal to the pressure on the first interface.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The air conditioning system also includes an outdoor unit and an outdoor heat exchanger. The outdoor unit includes the electric three-way valve. The first port of the electric three-way valve of the outdoor unit is connected to the outlet end of the compressor. The indoor unit includes three indoor heat exchangers. The second port of the electric three-way valve at one end of each indoor heat exchanger can be connected to the outlet end of the compressor. Each indoor heat exchanger is connected to the third port of the corresponding electric three-way valve.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the indoor full cooling mode, the electric three-way valve of the indoor heat exchanger is in the first state, the electric three-way valve of the outdoor heat exchanger is in the first state, and the first port of the electric three-way valve of the outdoor heat exchanger, the third port of the electric three-way valve of the outdoor heat exchanger, the third port of the electric three-way valve of the indoor heat exchanger, and the first port of the electric three-way valve of the indoor heat exchanger are connected in sequence.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the indoor full heating mode, the electric three-way valve of the indoor heat exchanger is in the second state, and the electric three-way valve of the outdoor heat exchanger is in the second working state. The second port of the electric three-way valve of the indoor heat exchanger, the third port of the electric three-way valve of the indoor heat exchanger, the third port of the electric three-way valve of the outdoor heat exchanger, and the second port of the electric three-way valve of the outdoor heat exchanger are connected in sequence.

8. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, In the first indoor heating and cooling free mode, the electric three-way valve of the outdoor heat exchanger is in the third state, at least one electric three-way valve of the indoor heat exchanger is in the third state, at least one electric three-way valve of the indoor heat exchanger is in the first state, and at least one electric three-way valve of the indoor heat exchanger is in the second state.

9. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, In the second indoor heating and cooling free mode, the electric three-way valve of the outdoor heat exchanger is in the first state, a portion of the electric three-way valves of the indoor heat exchangers are in the second state, and the remaining electric three-way valves of the indoor heat exchangers are in the first state.

10. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The throttling device is an electronic expansion valve. In abnormal operating conditions, at least one of the electric three-way valves and the electronic expansion valve of the indoor heat exchanger are simultaneously in a cut-off state to isolate the indoor heat exchanger from the air conditioning system.

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