Air conditioner and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an air conditioner and a control method thereof, relates to the technical field of refrigeration equipment, and aims to solve the problem that a compressor is prone to failure or damage due to the fact that the compressor sucks air with liquid. The air conditioner comprises a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, an evaporator, a gas-liquid separator and a temperature compensator. The compressor, the condenser, the throttling device and the evaporator are sequentially communicated to form a refrigerant circulation loop; the gas-liquid separator is communicated between the compressor and the evaporator; the temperature compensator comprises a first heat exchange pipeline and a second heat exchange pipeline, the first heat exchange pipeline is provided with a first inlet and an air outlet, the first inlet is communicated with the gas-liquid separator, the air outlet is communicated with the compressor, the second heat exchange pipeline is provided with a liquid inlet and a liquid return opening, the liquid inlet is communicated with the condenser, and the liquid return opening is communicated with the throttling device. A refrigerant circulating in the first heat exchange pipeline can exchange heat with a refrigerant circulating in the second heat exchange pipeline; and the condenser is communicated with the throttling device through a second heat exchange pipeline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and in particular to an air conditioner and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] As people's demand for environmental comfort increases, air conditioners, as common temperature control devices, are used in various occasions in life and work.

[0003] As the core component of an air conditioner, the compressor plays a crucial role in the refrigeration cycle. The compressor increases the temperature and pressure of the gaseous refrigerant by compressing it.

[0004] However, due to changes in operating conditions and the response speed of the throttling device, the refrigerant in current air conditioners is difficult to completely evaporate, resulting in liquid refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator. In this case, the refrigerant entering the compressor is not purely gaseous but contains liquid refrigerant, meaning the compressor suction carries liquid. Liquid in the compressor suction can easily cause unstable compressor bearing control, frequent alarms, and in severe cases, compressor damage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides an air conditioner that solves the problem of liquid entering the compressor during intake, which can easily lead to compressor malfunction or damage.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This application provides an air conditioner, including: a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, an evaporator, a gas-liquid separator, and a temperature compensator. The compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator are sequentially connected to form a refrigerant circulation loop; the gas-liquid separator is connected between the compressor and the evaporator; the temperature compensator includes a first heat exchange pipe and a second heat exchange pipe, wherein the first heat exchange pipe has a first inlet and an outlet, the first inlet is connected to the bottom port of the gas-liquid separator, and the outlet is connected to the compressor's suction port; the second heat exchange pipe has a liquid inlet and a liquid return port, the liquid inlet is connected to the condenser's outlet, and the liquid return port is connected to the throttling device; the refrigerant flowing in the first heat exchange pipe can exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing in the second heat exchange pipe; the condenser and the throttling device are connected through the second heat exchange pipe.

[0008] In this way, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator flows into the compressor after heat exchange in the first heat exchange pipe. The medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser exchanges heat with the first heat exchange pipe in the second heat exchange pipe, and then flows out and enters the evaporator through the throttling device. In this way, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipe can be evaporated into gaseous refrigerant at the first heat exchange pipe and flow into the compressor, thereby solving the problem of unstable operation or even damage to the compressor bearings caused by liquid refrigerant entering the compressor.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner may further include a liquid introduction device, which is connected between the bottom of the gas-liquid separator and the first inlet of the temperature compensator. The liquid introduction device is used to introduce liquid refrigerant from the gas-liquid separator into the temperature compensator.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the liquid introduction device includes a three-way pipe, including a first opening, a second opening and a third opening, wherein the first opening is connected to the bottom of the gas-liquid separator, the second opening is connected to the first inlet, and the third opening is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor.

[0011] In this way, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing from the compressor's exhaust port enters the liquid inlet device through the third opening. Along the flow direction of the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, a "negative pressure region" is formed, specifically near the second opening. Due to the presence of this negative pressure, the liquid refrigerant at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator mixes with the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant through the first opening to form a mixed refrigerant. This mixed refrigerant then flows sequentially through the third opening and the first inlet into the first heat exchange pipeline, where it exchanges heat with the medium-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipeline.

[0012] In this way, the refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator can be transferred to the temperature compensator without the need for a power unit, which helps to reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioner and improve the user experience.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner may further include a valve, wherein the valve may include a first valve, which is disposed between the compressor's exhaust port and the third opening, for controlling the communication state between the compressor's exhaust port and the third opening.

[0014] In this way, when the first valve is open, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor's exhaust port can enter the liquid inlet device, creating a negative pressure and thus drawing out the liquid refrigerant from the gas-liquid separator. Conversely, when the first valve is closed, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant from the compressor's exhaust port will not enter the liquid inlet device. As a result, the negative pressure at the three-way pipe will no longer be generated, and the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator cannot be drawn out. In this case, refrigerant only flows in the second heat exchange pipe of the temperature compensator, and the temperature compensator only functions as a circulation pipe.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the valve may further include a second valve, which is disposed between the outlet and the inlet of the condenser and is used to control the connection state between the outlet and the inlet of the condenser. In this case, the air conditioner also includes a bypass branch, which is connected between the outlet of the condenser and the throttling device.

[0016] In this way, when the second valve is opened, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser outlet is divided into two paths. One path flows through the second heat exchange pipe of the temperature compensator and exchanges heat with the liquid refrigerant flowing out of the gas-liquid separator in the first heat exchange pipe. The cooled liquid refrigerant flows to the evaporator through the throttling device. The other path flows directly to the throttling device through the bypass branch. When the second valve is closed, the passage from the condenser outlet to the liquid inlet of the temperature compensator is disconnected, and all the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the condenser flows directly to the throttling device through the bypass branch.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner may further include a liquid level detection device and a controller. The liquid level detection device is disposed within the gas-liquid separator and is used to detect the liquid level within the gas-liquid separator. The controller is electrically connected to both the liquid level detection device and the valve. The controller is configured to: control the valve to close when the liquid level detection device detects that the liquid level within the gas-liquid separator is lower than a first preset liquid level value; and control the valve to open when the liquid level detection device detects that the liquid level within the gas-liquid separator is higher than or equal to a second preset liquid level value. The second preset liquid level value is higher than the first preset liquid level value.

[0018] In this way, when the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is higher than or equal to the second preset liquid level, there is a large amount of liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator. This liquid refrigerant is easily carried out of the gas-liquid separator by suction, causing liquid to be carried into the compressor's suction. At this time, the valve opens, and the liquid introduction device introduces refrigerant into the temperature compensator. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipe of the temperature compensator exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipe, converting the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator into gaseous refrigerant which enters the compressor, preventing liquid from being carried into the compressor's suction. When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is lower than the first preset liquid level, the amount of liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator is very small and not easily carried out by the compressor's suction. The compressor will not experience liquid carrying into its suction, the valve closes, there is no refrigerant flowing in the liquid introduction device, and the first and second heat exchange pipes in the temperature compensator do not exchange heat.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner may further include a temperature and pressure sensor disposed on the connecting pipe between the gas-liquid separator and the compressor, for detecting the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the top outlet of the gas-liquid separator. The controller is further configured to: upon receiving a detection from a liquid level detection device that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is higher than or equal to a first preset liquid level value and lower than a second preset liquid level value, the controller obtains the compressor's suction superheat based on the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant flowing out of the gas-liquid separator detected by the temperature and pressure sensor, and determines the opening and closing of the valve based on the compressor's suction superheat.

[0020] In other words, when the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is higher than or equal to the first preset liquid level value and lower than the second preset liquid level value, the valve opening and closing is controlled according to the compressor's suction superheat. Specifically, when the compressor's suction superheat is less than the first threshold, the valve is opened. If the compressor's suction superheat is greater than the second threshold, the valve is closed. If the compressor's suction superheat is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, the valve's opening and closing remains unchanged.

[0021] Thus, when the compressor's suction superheat is less than the first threshold, the compressor's suction temperature is too low to evaporate the liquid refrigerant, and the liquid refrigerant is likely to enter the compressor, causing liquid to be carried in the suction. At this time, the valve opens, and the liquid introduction device introduces the refrigerant into the temperature compensator. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipe of the temperature compensator exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipe, converting the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator into gaseous refrigerant, which then enters the compressor, preventing liquid from being carried in the compressor's suction.

[0022] When the compressor's suction superheat exceeds the second threshold, the compressor's suction temperature is high, exceeding the evaporation temperature of the liquid refrigerant. This allows the liquid refrigerant carried out to be evaporated into gaseous refrigerant, ensuring that all refrigerant entering the compressor is gaseous. This eliminates the need for a temperature compensator to exchange heat and prevents liquid from being carried into the compressor's suction. Therefore, the valve closes.

[0023] When the compressor's suction superheat is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, the suction temperature is greater than the evaporation temperature, and the compressor will not experience suction liquid carryover. However, if the valve is open at this time, it will remain open, and the liquid introduction device will continue to introduce refrigerant into the temperature compensator. The temperature compensator will continue to exchange heat between the refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipe and the refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipe, converting the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator into gaseous refrigerant which enters the compressor, until the liquid level drops to a safe range, which is when the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is lower than the first preset liquid level value. If the valve is closed at this time, it will remain closed, no refrigerant will flow in the liquid introduction device, and the first and second heat exchange pipes in the temperature compensator will not exchange heat until the conditions meet the valve opening control conditions.

[0024] This application provides a control method for an air conditioner, which can be applied to the air conditioner provided in this application. The method includes: when a liquid level detection device detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is lower than a first preset liquid level value, controlling the valve to close; and when a liquid level detection device detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is higher than or equal to a second preset liquid level value, controlling the valve to open, wherein the second preset liquid level value is higher than the first preset liquid level value.

[0025] In this way, when the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is lower than the first preset liquid level, there is very little liquid refrigerant in the separator, the compressor will not suck in liquid, the valve is closed, there is no refrigerant flowing in the liquid inlet device, and the first and second heat exchange pipes in the temperature compensator do not exchange heat. When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is higher than or equal to the second preset liquid level, there is more liquid refrigerant in the separator, the valve opens, and the liquid inlet device introduces refrigerant into the temperature compensator. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipe of the temperature compensator exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipe, converting the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator into gaseous refrigerant which enters the compressor, preventing the compressor from sucking in liquid.

[0026] This application also provides an air conditioner, which may include: a compressor, a condenser, a throttling device, an evaporator, a gas-liquid separator, and a temperature compensator. The compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator are sequentially connected to form a refrigerant circulation loop, and the gas-liquid separator is connected between the compressor and the evaporator. The temperature compensator includes: a first heat exchange pipe and a second heat exchange pipe. One end of the first heat exchange pipe is connected to the bottom of the gas-liquid separator, and the other end is connected to the compressor's suction port. One end of the second heat exchange pipe is connected to the condenser's outlet, and the other end is connected to the throttling device. The refrigerant flowing in the first heat exchange pipe can exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing in the second heat exchange pipe. The condenser and the throttling device are connected through the second heat exchange pipe.

[0027] In this way, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator flows into the compressor after heat exchange in the first heat exchange pipe. The medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser exchanges heat with the first heat exchange pipe in the second heat exchange pipe, and then flows out and enters the evaporator through the throttling device. In this way, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipe can be evaporated into gaseous refrigerant at the first heat exchange pipe and flow into the compressor, thereby solving the problem of unstable operation or even damage to the compressor bearings caused by liquid refrigerant entering the compressor. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings are provided to further understand the technical solutions of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solutions of the present invention and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of an air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas-liquid separator provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a temperature compensator provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid introduction device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 This is one of the circuit connection diagrams of an air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a second schematic diagram of the circuit connection of an air conditioner provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 8 This is the third schematic diagram of the circuit connection of an air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 9 This is one of the schematic diagrams of an air conditioner control method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a second schematic diagram of the control method for an air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 11 This is the third schematic diagram of the control method for an air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 12 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the control method for an air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 13 The fifth schematic diagram is a control method for an air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0042] Attached image label: 100, Air conditioner;

[0043] 11. Compressor; 12. Condenser; 13. Throttling device; 14. Evaporator; 14A. First evaporator; 14B. Second evaporator; 15. Gas-liquid separator; 15A. Separation chamber; 151. Air inlet; 152. Air outlet; 153. Liquid outlet; 16. Temperature compensator; 161. First inlet; 162. Air outlet; 163. Liquid inlet; 164. Liquid return port; 17. Liquid introduction device; 171. First opening; 172. Second opening; 173. Third opening; 18. Valve; 18A. First valve; 18B. Second valve; 19. Bypass branch; 20. Controller; 21. Liquid level detection device; 22. Temperature and pressure sensor; A. First connection point; 23. Remote controller; 24. Communicator; 25. Memory. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0047] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, when describing pipelines, the terms "connect" and "link" as used in this application have the meaning of establishing electrical connection. Their specific meaning needs to be understood in conjunction with the context.

[0049] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate that something is an example, illustration, or description. Any embodiment or design that is described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of the terms "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0050] To facilitate understanding, we will first provide a brief introduction and explanation of some terms or basic concepts of technology involved in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] Cooling mode: The air conditioner's compressor draws the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which has been evaporated in the evaporator, into the compressor chamber, compressing it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which then enters the condenser. The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant condenses into a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the condenser. After passing through a throttling device such as a capillary tube, it becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant, which then enters the evaporator and evaporates into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. Finally, it returns to the compressor, thus completing the entire refrigeration cycle.

[0052] Refrigerant: A substance that easily absorbs heat and turns into a gas, and easily releases heat and turns into a liquid. In air conditioners, heat energy is transferred through the evaporation and condensation of the refrigerant to produce a cooling effect.

[0053] Superheat: refers to the difference between the actual temperature of the refrigerant at the evaporator outlet and the saturation temperature corresponding to the refrigerant pressure at that point, that is, the difference between the evaporator outlet temperature and the evaporation temperature.

[0054] Liquid-carrying refrigerant: The refrigerant drawn into the compressor is not a pure gaseous refrigerant, but a gaseous refrigerant carrying liquid refrigerant together into the compressor under the action of suction.

[0055] Air conditioners, as common refrigeration equipment, are widely used in various industrial and commercial settings. Their core component, the compressor, plays a crucial role in the refrigeration cycle, compressing gaseous refrigerant to increase its temperature and pressure, thereby releasing energy in the condenser and condensing it into a liquid. However, in actual operation, the evaporator is affected by changes in operating conditions and the response speed of the throttling device, making it difficult for the refrigerant to completely evaporate. Liquid refrigerant may flow out of the evaporator, causing the compressor to carry some liquid refrigerant with it when drawing in gaseous refrigerant. This mixture of gaseous and liquid refrigerant entering the compressor together—a phenomenon known as liquid-fueled intake—can lead to unstable bearings during compressor operation, frequent alarms, and in severe cases, compressor damage and a shortened lifespan.

[0056] To reduce liquid carryover during compressor intake, a gas-liquid separator is typically added to the compressor intake end of the system to separate the gaseous and liquid refrigerant entering the compressor intake. In existing technologies, air-cooled heat pump air conditioners mostly use scroll and screw compressors. A small hole is added to the bottom of the return U-shaped pipe in the gas-liquid separator, through which liquid is directly drawn into the compressor. Scroll and screw compressors are not sensitive to liquid carryover during intake and allow a small amount of liquid carryover. As long as the return hole is not designed to be too large and the oil in the compressor is not carried away, liquid can be returned in this way, which can also reduce the overall cost of the unit.

[0057] However, most direct expansion air conditioners currently use magnetic levitation or air-suspension centrifugal compressors, which have the advantage of high efficiency. But this type of compressor is very sensitive to liquid in the suction, which can easily cause bearing failure and trigger unit alarms. Using this type of gas-liquid separator requires very precise design of the liquid return hole. At the same time, air conditioners do not operate under a single condition. Existing gas-liquid separators have difficulty in completely separating gaseous and liquid refrigerants so that the refrigerant entering the compressor is pure gas.

[0058] Based on this, this application provides an air conditioner 100, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of an air conditioner 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The air conditioner 100 includes a compressor 11, a condenser 12, a throttling device 13, and an evaporator 14. The compressor 11, condenser 12, throttling device 13, and evaporator 14 are connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circulation loop. Thus, the refrigeration cycle of the air conditioner 100 is executed through the cooperation of the compressor 11, condenser 12, throttling device 13, and evaporator 14.

[0059] The refrigeration cycle includes a series of processes involving compression, condensation, expansion and evaporation, and the supply of refrigerant to the conditioned and heat-exchanged air.

[0060] Compressor 11 compresses the gaseous refrigerant in a low-temperature, low-pressure state and discharges the compressed, high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The discharged gaseous refrigerant flows into condenser 12. Condenser 12 condenses the compressed refrigerant into a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid state, and heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0061] The throttling device 13 causes the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant condensed in the condenser 12 to expand into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator 14 evaporates the refrigerant that has expanded in the throttling device 13 and returns the gaseous refrigerant, which is in a low-temperature, low-pressure state, to the compressor 11. The evaporator 14 can achieve a cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material to be cooled.

[0062] Due to changes in operating conditions and the response speed of the throttling device 13, the evaporator 14 does not evaporate completely, resulting in some liquid refrigerant in the gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 14. In order to prevent the liquid refrigerant from flowing back into the compressor 11 and causing the compressor 11 to suck in liquid,

[0063] In some embodiments of this application, the evaporator 14 may include a first evaporator 14A and a second evaporator 14B, which can be connected in parallel between the throttling device 13 and the compressor 11. Thus, by arranging the first evaporator 14A and the second evaporator 14B in parallel, the evaporation efficiency and heat exchange effect of the refrigerant flowing out of the throttling device 13 are improved, reducing the occurrence of liquid refrigerant mixed in with the gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 14.

[0064] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner 100 further includes a gas-liquid separator 15, which is connected between the compressor 11 and the evaporator 14. Please refer to... Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a gas-liquid separator 15 provided in an embodiment of this application. The gas-liquid separator 15 includes a separator body, within which a separation chamber 15A is provided. The separator itself has an inlet 151 and an outlet 152, both of which communicate with the separation chamber 15A and are located on the top wall of the separator body. The inlet 151 communicates with the outlet of the evaporator 14, and the outlet 152 communicates with the suction port of the compressor 11.

[0065] In this way, the refrigerant discharged from the evaporator 14 can be split in the gas-liquid separator 15, where the gaseous refrigerant is discharged into the compressor 11 through the outlet 152 via the separation chamber 15A, and the liquid refrigerant is deposited at the bottom of the separation chamber 15A. This reduces the amount of liquid carried in the compressor 11 during intake.

[0066] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner 100 further includes a temperature compensator 16, which includes a first heat exchange pipeline and a second heat exchange pipeline. One end of the first heat exchange pipeline is connected to the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 15, and the other end is connected to the suction port of the compressor 11. One end of the second heat exchange pipeline is connected to the outlet of the condenser 12, and the other end is connected to the throttling device 13.

[0067] Thus, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 15 flows into the compressor 11 after heat exchange through the first heat exchange pipeline. The medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 12 flows out to the throttling device 13 after heat exchange with the first heat exchange pipeline through the second heat exchange pipeline.

[0068] In this way, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipeline can be evaporated into gaseous refrigerant at the first heat exchange pipeline and flow to the compressor 11, thereby solving the problem that liquid refrigerant entering the compressor 11 causes unstable operation or even damage to the compressor 11 bearing.

[0069] In some embodiments of this application, the separator body is further provided with a liquid outlet hole 153, which communicates with the separation chamber and is located at the bottom of the separator body.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a temperature compensator 16 provided in an embodiment of this application. The temperature compensator 16 further includes: a first inlet 161, an outlet 162, a liquid inlet 163, and a return liquid inlet 164. The first inlet 161 and the outlet 162 are respectively connected to the two ends of a first heat exchange pipeline, and the liquid inlet 163 and the return liquid inlet 164 are respectively connected to the two ends of a second heat exchange pipeline. The first inlet 161 is connected to the liquid outlet 153 of the gas-liquid separator 15, the outlet 162 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 11, the liquid inlet 163 is connected to the outlet of the condenser 12, and the return liquid inlet 164 is connected to the throttling device 13.

[0071] In this way, the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15 can enter the first heat exchange pipeline in the temperature compensator 16 through the liquid outlet 153 of the gas-liquid separator 15 and the first inlet 161 of the first heat exchange pipeline in sequence. The condenser 12 will convert the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 11 into medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The medium-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant can enter the second heat exchange pipeline in the temperature compensator 16 through the outlet of the condenser 12 and the liquid inlet 163 of the second heat exchange pipeline in sequence.

[0072] The liquid refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipeline and the liquid refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipeline exchange heat in the temperature compensator 16. Since the boiling point of the refrigerant increases with increasing pressure, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipeline has a higher pressure and a higher boiling point, requiring a higher temperature to evaporate. In contrast, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipeline has a lower pressure and a lower boiling point, requiring a much lower temperature for evaporation than the refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipeline. Thus, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipeline is evaporated into gaseous refrigerant, which then passes through the outlet 162 of the first heat exchange pipeline and the suction port of the compressor 11, entering the compressor 11 to participate in the cycle. The medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipeline, after heat exchange, has a lower temperature and returns to the throttling device 13 through the return port 164 of the second heat exchange pipeline to continue participating in the cycle.

[0073] In some embodiments of this application, within the temperature compensator 16, the cross-section of the first heat exchange pipe gradually increases from the first inlet 161 to the outlet 162, so that the flow velocity of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipe gradually decreases. The cross-section of the second heat exchange pipe gradually decreases from the liquid inlet 163 to the liquid return outlet 164, so that the flow velocity of the refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipe gradually increases, and the maximum cross-sectional area in the first heat exchange pipe is smaller than the minimum cross-sectional area in the second heat exchange pipe. In this way, the flow rate and velocity of the refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipe are both less than those in the second heat exchange pipe, ensuring that the liquid refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipe completely evaporates into gaseous refrigerant.

[0074] In this way, all the refrigerant entering the compressor 11 is gaseous, preventing liquid from being drawn into the compressor 11. This reduces the likelihood of compressor 11 malfunctioning or being damaged, extending its service life. Simultaneously, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant discharged from the condenser 12 exchanges heat in the temperature compensator 16, cooling the liquid and increasing its subcooling. This increases the refrigerant's cooling rate, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioner 100.

[0075] In order to facilitate the smooth entry of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15 into the temperature compensator 16, in some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner 100 further includes a liquid introduction device 17. The liquid introduction device 17 is connected between the liquid outlet 153 of the gas-liquid separator 15 and the first inlet. The liquid introduction device 17 is used to introduce the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15 into the temperature compensator 16.

[0076] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a liquid introduction device 17 provided in an embodiment of this application. The liquid introduction device 17 may include a three-way pipe with a first opening 171, a second opening 172, and a third opening 173. The first opening 171 may communicate with the second opening 172 or the third opening 173, and vice versa. The first opening 171 is connected to the liquid outlet 153 of the gas-liquid separator 15, the second opening 172 is connected to the first inlet 161 of the temperature compensator 16, and the third opening 173 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 11.

[0077] In this way, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 enters the liquid introduction device 17 through the third opening 173. Along the flow direction of the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, a "negative pressure area" is formed in this flow direction, that is, a "negative pressure area" is formed near the second opening 172. Due to the presence of negative pressure, under the action of negative pressure, the liquid refrigerant at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 15 will mix with the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant through the first opening 171 to form a mixed refrigerant. This mixed refrigerant flows into the first heat exchange pipeline through the third opening 173 and the first inlet 161 in sequence, where it exchanges heat with the medium-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipeline, preventing the liquid refrigerant from accumulating in the gas-liquid separator 15.

[0078] In this way, the refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator can be transferred to the temperature compensator without the need for a power unit, which helps to reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioner and improve the user experience.

[0079] In some other embodiments of this application, the air conditioner 100 may further include a power unit connected between the gas-liquid separator 15 and the temperature compensator 16.

[0080] Specifically, the power unit is connected between the liquid outlet 153 and the first inlet 161. That is, the inlet of the power unit can be connected to the liquid outlet 153 of the gas-liquid separator 15, and the outlet of the power unit is connected to the first inlet 161 of the temperature compensator 16.

[0081] For example, the power unit may be a refrigerant pump, a water pump, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0082] Thus, by connecting the power unit between the liquid outlet 153 and the first inlet 161, the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15 can be pumped out and flow through the first inlet 161 into the first heat exchange pipeline. Consequently, the liquid refrigerant entering the first heat exchange pipeline can exchange heat with the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipeline, thereby converting it into gaseous refrigerant that flows back to the compressor 11.

[0083] In some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner 100 may also include a valve 18. The valve 18 is used to control the connection relationship between various components (such as the compressor 11, condenser 12, gas-liquid separator 15, etc.).

[0084] In some embodiments, the valve 18 may include a first valve 18A, which is disposed between the exhaust port of the compressor 11 and the third opening 173 of the liquid inlet device 17, for controlling the communication state between the exhaust port and the third opening 173.

[0085] In this way, when the first valve 18A is open, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 can enter the liquid introduction device 17, forming a negative pressure and drawing out the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15. Conversely, when the first valve 18A is closed, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant in the compressor 11 will not enter the liquid introduction device 17, the negative pressure at the three-way pipe will no longer be generated, and the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15 cannot be drawn out. At this time, the temperature compensator 16 only has refrigerant flowing in the second heat exchange pipe, and the temperature compensator 16 only acts as a circulation pipe.

[0086] Please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 The second schematic diagram of an air conditioner 100 provided in this application embodiment shows that, in some other embodiments, the air conditioner 100 further includes a second valve 18B, which is disposed between the outlet of the condenser 12 and the liquid inlet 163 of the temperature compensator 16, and is used to control the communication state between the outlet and the liquid inlet 163.

[0087] The air conditioner 100 also includes a bypass branch 19, which connects the outlet of the condenser 12 to the throttling device 13. Thus, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing from the outlet of the condenser 12 is divided into two paths. One path passes sequentially through the outlet of the condenser 12, the inlet 163 of the temperature compensator 16, the second heat exchange pipeline, and the return port 164 of the temperature compensator 16 back to the throttling device 13 to participate in the refrigeration cycle. The other path flows directly from the outlet of the condenser 12 through the bypass branch 19 to the throttling device 13.

[0088] In this way, when the second valve 18B is opened, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 12 outlet is divided into two paths. One path flows through the second heat exchange pipe of the temperature compensator 16, exchanging heat with the liquid refrigerant flowing out of the gas-liquid separator 15 in the first heat exchange pipe. The cooled liquid refrigerant returns to the throttling device 13. The other path flows directly to the throttling device 13 via the bypass branch 19. When the second valve 18B is closed, the passage from the outlet of the condenser 12 to the liquid inlet 163 of the temperature compensator 16 is disconnected, and all the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the condenser 12 flows directly to the throttling device 13 via the bypass branch 19.

[0089] When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 is too high, the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15 is easily sucked into the compressor 11 by the suction force of the compressor 11's suction port, resulting in liquid being sucked into the compressor 11. In order to solve this technical problem, in some embodiments of this application, the air conditioner 100 may also include a controller 20 and a liquid level detection device 21.

[0090] The liquid level detection device 21 is installed inside the gas-liquid separator 15 to detect the liquid level inside the gas-liquid separator 15. The controller 20 is electrically connected to the liquid level detection device 21 and the valve 18.

[0091] In one possible structural design, the liquid level detection device 21 can be any device capable of detecting liquid height, and this application does not further limit it.

[0092] For example, please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is one of the circuit connection diagrams of an air conditioner 100 provided in an embodiment of this application. The liquid level detection device 21 may include a float and a liquid level sensor. The float can float on the surface of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15, and the liquid level sensor is set at the bottom of the float. In this way, the liquid level sensor can detect the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15.

[0093] For example, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 The second circuit connection diagram of an air conditioner 100 provided in this application embodiment shows that the liquid level detection device 21 may include a first liquid level detector and a second liquid level detector. The first liquid level detector is set at a first preset liquid level value of the gas-liquid separator 15, and the second liquid level detector is set at a second preset liquid level value of the gas-liquid separator 15.

[0094] The first liquid level detector is used to detect whether the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 has reached the first preset liquid level value. When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 is detected to have reached the first preset liquid level value, a first open signal is sent to the controller 20. When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 is detected not to have reached the first preset liquid level value, a first close signal is sent to the controller 20.

[0095] The second liquid level detector is used to detect whether the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 has reached the second preset liquid level value. When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 is detected to have reached the second preset liquid level value, a second open signal is sent to the controller 20. When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 is detected not to have reached the second preset liquid level value, a second close signal is sent to the controller 20.

[0096] In the embodiments provided in this application, the controller 20 refers to a device that can generate operation control signals according to instruction opcodes and timing signals, instructing the air conditioner 100 to execute control commands. Exemplarily, the controller 20 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic device (PLD), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or any combination thereof. The controller 20 can also be other devices with processing functions, such as circuits, devices, or software modules; this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0097] In some embodiments, the controller 20 can be a microcontroller unit (MCU). An MCU, also known as a single-chip microcomputer, is a central processing unit (CPU) with its frequency and specifications appropriately reduced. It integrates peripheral interfaces such as memory, timer, USB, A / D converter, UART, PLC, DMA, and even LCD driver circuitry onto a single chip, forming a chip-level computer that provides different control combinations for different applications.

[0098] In addition, the controller 20 can be used to control the operation of various components inside the air conditioner 100 so that each component of the air conditioner 100 can perform its predetermined functions.

[0099] For example, the controller 20 can execute the following control instructions: when the liquid level detection device 21 detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 is lower than the first preset liquid level value, the control valve 18 is closed; when the liquid level detection device 21 detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 is higher than or equal to the second preset liquid level value, the control valve 18 is opened, and the second preset liquid level value is higher than the first preset liquid level value.

[0100] In some embodiments, the valve 18 includes a first valve 18A, which is then closed by the controller. In other embodiments, the valve 18 may further include a second valve 18B, which is then closed by the controller.

[0101] In this way, when the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 is lower than the first preset liquid level, there is very little liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15, which is not easily carried out by the suction of the compressor 11. The compressor 11 will not carry liquid in its suction, the valve 18 will be closed, there will be no refrigerant flowing in the liquid inlet device 17, and the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15 will not be introduced into the first heat exchange pipeline of the temperature compensator 16. The first heat exchange pipeline and the second heat exchange pipeline in the temperature compensator 16 will not exchange heat. When the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 is higher than or equal to the second preset liquid level value, there is a large amount of liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15. The liquid refrigerant is easily carried out of the gas-liquid separator by suction, causing the compressor to suck in liquid. When valve 18 is opened, the liquid introduction device 17 can introduce the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15 into the temperature compensator 16. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipeline in the temperature compensator 16 exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipeline, which can convert the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator 15 into gaseous refrigerant and enter the compressor 11, preventing the compressor 11 from sucking in liquid.

[0102] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 100 further includes: a temperature and pressure sensor 22, which is disposed on the connecting pipe between the gas-liquid separator 15 and the compressor 11, for detecting the temperature and pressure values ​​of the gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the gas outlet 152 of the gas-liquid separator 15; the controller 20 is electrically connected to the temperature and pressure sensor 22.

[0103] In some embodiments of this application, the temperature and pressure sensor 22 may be an integrated temperature and pressure sensor that can transmit the detected temperature and pressure values ​​to the controller 20.

[0104] In some other embodiments of this application, the temperature and pressure sensor 22 may include a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, both of which are disposed on the connecting pipeline between the gas-liquid separator 15 and the compressor 11. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature value of the gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the gas-liquid separator 15, and the pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure value of the gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the gas-liquid separator 15.

[0105] For example, the controller 20 can also execute the following control instructions: when the liquid level detection device 21 detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator 15 is higher than or equal to the first preset liquid level value and lower than the second preset liquid level value, the controller 20 obtains the suction superheat of the compressor 11 based on the temperature and pressure values ​​of the gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the gas-liquid separator 15 detected by the temperature and pressure sensor 22; and determines the opening and closing of the valve 18 based on the suction superheat of the compressor 11.

[0106] It is understandable that the temperature and pressure sensor 22 is installed on the connecting pipeline between the gas-liquid separator 15 and the compressor 11. At the same time, the outlet 162 of the temperature compensator 16 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 11. In order to avoid the temperature and pressure values ​​detected by the temperature and pressure sensor 22 being interfered with by the temperature and pressure at the outlet 162 of the temperature compensator 16 and the suction port of the compressor 11, the temperature and pressure sensor 22 can be installed between the outlet 152 of the gas-liquid separator 15 and the first connection point A. The first connection point A is the connection point between the outlet 162 of the temperature compensator 16 and the connecting pipeline between the gas-liquid separator 15 and the suction port of the compressor.

[0107] In addition, the temperature and pressure sensor 22 can be set away from the first connection point A to avoid affecting the accuracy of the detection.

[0108] Figure 8 This is shown as the third schematic diagram of the circuit connection of an air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of this application. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the air conditioner 100 may include a remote control 23, which is electrically connected to the controller 20. The remote control 23 has the function of communicating with the controller 20, for example, using infrared or other communication methods. The user can use the remote control 23 to perform various controls on the air conditioner 100, realizing interaction between the user and the air conditioner 100.

[0109] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the air conditioner 100 may further include a communicator 24, which is electrically connected to the controller 20 and used to establish a communication connection with the server. The communicator 24 may include a radio frequency (RF) module, a cellular module, a wireless fidelity (WIFI) module, and a GPS module, etc. Taking an RF module as an example, the RF module can be used for signal reception and transmission; specifically, it sends received information to the controller 20 for processing; additionally, it transmits signals generated by the controller 20. Typically, the RF circuit may include, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a duplexer, etc.

[0110] In some embodiments, the air conditioner 100 can also send its own operating data to the server via the communicator 24, so that the server can calculate the operating parameters of each component of the multi-split air conditioner 100 during operation based on the data of the air conditioner 100, and then send the calculated operating parameters to the air conditioner 100. Then the controller 20 controls each component in the air conditioner 100 to operate according to the operating parameters calculated by the server.

[0111] The server can be a single server or a server cluster consisting of multiple servers. In some embodiments, the server cluster can also be a distributed cluster. In some embodiments, the service area can also be a cloud server. This application does not limit the specific type of server.

[0112] In some embodiments, the memory 25 can be used to store software programs and data. The controller 20 executes various functions of the air conditioner 100 and performs data processing by running the software programs or data stored in the memory 25. The memory 25 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device. The memory 25 stores an operating system that enables the air conditioner 100 to run. In this application, the memory 25 may store the operating system and various application programs, and may also store code that executes a control method for an air conditioner 100 provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0113] The embodiments provided in this application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0114] This application also provides a control method for an air conditioner, which can be used to control the air conditioner 100 provided in this application embodiment. Please refer to... Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is one of the schematic diagrams of an air conditioner control method provided in an embodiment of this application. The control method of the air conditioner 100 may include the following steps:

[0115] S1. The liquid level detection device detects the liquid level information inside the gas-liquid separator and sends the detected liquid level information to the controller. This liquid level information may include: the liquid level value, or a signal indicating that the liquid level is higher or lower than a preset value.

[0116] In some embodiments, the liquid level information can be the current liquid level value in the gas-liquid separator. The liquid level detection device can include a float and a liquid level sensor. The float can float on the surface of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator, and the liquid level sensor is disposed at the bottom of the float. In this way, the liquid level sensor can detect the liquid level value of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator and can send the liquid level value of the liquid refrigerant to the controller.

[0117] In other embodiments, the liquid level information is a signal indicating that it is higher or lower than a preset liquid level value. The liquid level detection device may include a first liquid level detector and a second liquid level detector. The first liquid level detector is located at a first preset liquid level value of the gas-liquid separator 15, and the second liquid level detector is located at a second preset liquid level value of the gas-liquid separator 15. The second preset liquid level value is higher than the first preset liquid level value.

[0118] When the first liquid level detector detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator has reached the first preset liquid level value, it sends a first open signal to the controller; when it detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator has not reached the first preset liquid level value, it sends a first close signal to the controller. When the second liquid level detector detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator has reached the second preset liquid level value, it sends a second open signal to the controller; when it detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator has not reached the second preset liquid level value, it sends a second close signal to the controller.

[0119] S2. The controller controls the opening and closing of the valve based on the received liquid level information.

[0120] It is understandable that the valve may include a first valve or a second valve.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 The second schematic diagram of the control method for an air conditioner provided in this application embodiment shows that step S2 may include the following steps:

[0122] S21. The controller determines whether the liquid level in the liquid level detection device is lower than the first preset liquid level value.

[0123] In some embodiments, if the liquid level detection device can detect the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator, the controller can determine whether the liquid level in the liquid level detection device is lower than the first preset liquid level value based on the magnitude of the received liquid level of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator and the first preset liquid level value.

[0124] In other embodiments, when the liquid level detection device is able to send the first open signal and / or the first close signal and the second open signal and / or the second close signal as described above, if the controller receives the first close signal, it determines that the liquid level in the liquid level detection device is lower than the first preset liquid level value; if the controller receives the first open signal, it determines that the liquid level in the liquid level detection device is higher than or equal to the first preset liquid level value.

[0125] S22. If so, the controller will close the valve.

[0126] In some embodiments, the valve includes a first valve, which the controller controls to close. In other embodiments, the valve may further include a second valve, which the controller controls to close both the first and second valves.

[0127] At this time, there is less liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator, the compressor will not suck up liquid, the valve is closed, there is no refrigerant flowing in the liquid inlet device, and the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator will not be introduced into the first heat exchange pipeline of the temperature compensator. The first heat exchange pipeline and the second heat exchange pipeline in the temperature compensator do not exchange heat.

[0128] S23. If not, the controller determines whether the liquid level in the liquid level detection device is lower than the second preset liquid level value.

[0129] In some embodiments, if the liquid level detection device can detect the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator, the controller can determine whether the liquid level in the liquid level detection device is lower than the second preset liquid level value based on the magnitude of the received liquid level of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator and the second preset liquid level value.

[0130] In other embodiments, when the liquid level detection device is able to send the first open signal and / or the first close signal and the second open signal and / or the second close signal as described above, if the controller receives the first open signal and the second open signal, it determines that the liquid level in the liquid level detection device is higher than or equal to the second preset liquid level value; if the controller receives the first open signal and the second close signal, it determines that the liquid level in the liquid level detection device is lower than the second preset liquid level value.

[0131] S24. If not, the controller will open the valve.

[0132] Similarly, if the valve includes a first valve, the controller will close the first valve. If the valve may also include a second valve, the controller will close both the first and second valves.

[0133] At this time, there is a lot of liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator, and the compressor will suck in liquid. The valve opens, and the liquid introduction device can introduce the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator into the temperature compensator. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipeline of the temperature compensator exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipeline, which can convert the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator into gaseous refrigerant and enter the compressor, preventing the compressor from sucking in liquid.

[0134] S25. If so, the temperature and pressure sensor detects the temperature and pressure values ​​of the refrigerant flowing from the outlet of the gas-liquid separator to the compressor.

[0135] S26. The controller obtains the compressor's suction superheat based on the detected temperature and pressure values.

[0136] For example, the controller can obtain a first temperature value Ts and a pressure value Pe detected by the temperature and pressure sensor, and can convert the pressure value Pe into a second temperature value Te, wherein the second temperature value Te is a saturation temperature value. The controller obtains the difference between the first temperature value Ts and the second temperature value Te, which is the suction superheat of the compressor.

[0137] S27. The controller controls the opening and closing of the valves based on the superheat of the compressor's suction.

[0138] Please refer to Figure 11 , Figure 11 The third schematic diagram of the air conditioner control method provided in the embodiment of this application shows that S27 may specifically include the following steps:

[0139] S271, The controller determines whether the intake superheat is less than the first threshold.

[0140] The first threshold is a pre-set value, which can be 5, 7 or 9, etc., and this application does not limit it.

[0141] S272. If so, the controller will open the valve.

[0142] Similarly, the valve may include a first valve, and the valve may also include a first valve and a second valve, which will not be described in detail here.

[0143] When the suction superheat is less than the first threshold, the compressor suction temperature is too low to evaporate the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator. The liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator is prone to enter the compressor, causing liquid carryover in the suction. This application controls the valve to open when the suction superheat is less than the first threshold, so that the liquid introduction device introduces the refrigerant into the temperature compensator. The refrigerant in the first heat exchange pipeline of the temperature compensator exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the second heat exchange pipeline, thereby converting the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator into gaseous refrigerant and entering the compressor, thus preventing liquid carryover in the compressor suction.

[0144] S273. If not, the controller determines whether the intake superheat is greater than the second threshold.

[0145] S274. If so, the controller will close the valve.

[0146] When the suction superheat exceeds the second threshold, the compressor suction temperature is high, exceeding the evaporation temperature of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator. The gaseous refrigerant discharged from the gas-liquid separator can carry away the liquid refrigerant at its bottom and evaporate it into gaseous refrigerant. This ensures that all refrigerant entering the compressor is gaseous, eliminating the need for a temperature compensator to prevent liquid from being carried into the compressor suction. Furthermore, because the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the gas-liquid separator carries away and evaporates the liquid refrigerant at the bottom of the separator, the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator decreases. Therefore, the controller closes the valve, eliminating the need for a liquid introduction device and a temperature compensator to convert the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator into a gaseous state.

[0147] S275. If not, the controller will keep the valve opening and closing unchanged.

[0148] When the compressor's suction superheat is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, the controller can keep the valve opening constant.

[0149] Please refer to Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is the fourth schematic diagram of the control method for an air conditioner provided in the embodiments of this application. It can be understood that the controller maintains the same control over the opening and closing of the valve, which can be specifically divided into the following steps S275a-S275c.

[0150] S275a. Determine whether the valve is open before the intake superheat is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold.

[0151] S275b If so, the controller will open the valve.

[0152] That is, when the suction superheat is less than the first threshold, the suction temperature of the compressor is low, and there may be some liquid refrigerant in the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the evaporator, which will cause the liquid refrigerant level in the gas-liquid separator to rise. Therefore, the controller controls the valve to open, and as the temperature compensator gradually converts the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator into gaseous refrigerant, it ensures that the liquid refrigerant level in the gas-liquid separator remains unchanged or decreases.

[0153] When the suction superheat changes from less than the first threshold to greater than or equal to the second threshold, the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator may still be high. Therefore, the controller keeps the valve open to reduce the liquid refrigerant level in the gas-liquid separator and prevent liquid from being carried into the compressor suction.

[0154] S275c, If not, the controller will close the valve.

[0155] In other words, when the suction superheat is greater than the second threshold, the compressor suction temperature is high, there is no liquid refrigerant in the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the evaporator, and the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the evaporator can evaporate the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator, thus causing the liquid level of the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator to gradually decrease. Therefore, when the suction superheat changes from being greater than the second threshold to being less than or equal to the second threshold, the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is low, so the controller can keep the valve closed and there is no need to send the liquid refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator to the temperature compensator for evaporation.

[0156] Please refer to Figure 13 The control method of the air conditioner may also include: after the controller controls the valve to open or close, it returns to S1 and executes the control process again.

[0157] For example, after executing S22 to close the valve, the process returns to step S1. The level detection device then detects the level in the gas-liquid separator again, and the control process repeats. For example, after executing S272 to open the valve, the process returns to step S1, and the level detection device detects the level in the gas-liquid separator again, and the control process repeats.

[0158] In this way, after the air conditioner completes one control, the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator changes, and it can cycle back to step S1 to detect the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator again. Based on the new liquid level, a new control command is executed. In this way, the air conditioner can realize real-time detection and control of the liquid level, ensuring that the refrigerant entering the compressor is all in gaseous state and preventing the compressor from sucking in liquid.

[0159] As can be seen, the above mainly describes the solutions provided by the embodiments of this application from a methodological perspective. To achieve the above functions, the embodiments of this application provide corresponding hardware structures and / or software modules for executing each function. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize that, in conjunction with the modules and algorithm steps of the various examples described in the embodiments disclosed herein, the embodiments of this application can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and computer software. Whether a function is executed by hardware or by computer software driving hardware depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this invention.

[0160] This application embodiment can divide the controller into functional modules according to the above method example. For example, each function can be divided into a separate functional module, or two or more functions can be integrated into one processing module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. Optionally, the module division in this application embodiment is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division; other division methods may be used in actual implementation.

[0161] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer-executable instructions that, when run on a computer, cause the computer to execute any of the air conditioner control methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0162] This application also provides a computer program product containing computer execution instructions, which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute any of the air conditioner control methods provided in the above embodiments.

[0163] In the above embodiments, implementation can be achieved, in whole or in part, through software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software programs, implementation can be, in whole or in part, in the form of a computer program product. This computer program product includes one or more computer-executable instructions. When these computer-executable instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the flow or function according to the embodiments of this application is generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer-executable instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another. For example, computer-executable instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, fiber optic, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a computer or a data storage device containing one or more servers, data centers, etc., that can be integrated with the medium. The available media can be magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes), optical media (e.g., DVDs), or semiconductor media (e.g., solid-state disks, SSDs).

[0164] Although this application has been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments, those skilled in the art, by reviewing the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, will understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in carrying out the claimed application. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other components or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude multiple instances. A single processor or other unit can implement several functions listed in the claims. While different dependent claims may recite certain measures, this does not mean that these measures cannot be combined to produce good results.

[0165] Although this application has been described in conjunction with specific features and embodiments, it is obvious that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Accordingly, this specification and drawings are merely exemplary illustrations of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are considered to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents within the scope of this application. Clearly, those skilled in the art can make various alterations and modifications to this application without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Thus, if such modifications and modifications of this application fall within the scope of the claims of this application and their equivalents, this application is also intended to include such modifications and modifications.

[0166] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator are connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circulation loop; The air conditioner also includes: A gas-liquid separator is connected between the compressor and the evaporator; Temperature compensator, including: The first heat exchange pipeline and the second heat exchange pipeline are connected together. The refrigerant flowing in the first heat exchange pipeline can exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing in the second heat exchange pipeline. The condenser and the throttling device are connected through the second heat exchange pipeline. The first inlet and the outlet are connected to the first heat exchange pipeline. The first inlet is connected to the bottom of the gas-liquid separator, and the outlet is connected to the suction port of the compressor. The inlet and outlet are connected to the second heat exchange pipeline. The inlet is connected to the outlet of the condenser, and the outlet is connected to the throttling device.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes: A liquid introduction device is connected between the bottom of the gas-liquid separator and the first inlet, and the liquid introduction device introduces the liquid refrigerant at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator into the temperature compensator.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid introduction device includes: The three-way pipe includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening. The first opening is connected to the bottom of the gas-liquid separator, the second opening is connected to the first inlet, and the third opening is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes: valves; The valve includes: a first valve, disposed between the exhaust port of the compressor and the third opening, for controlling the communication state between the exhaust port of the compressor and the third opening.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve further includes: a second valve, disposed between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet, for controlling the communication state between the outlet of the condenser and the inlet; The air conditioner further includes a bypass branch, which connects the outlet of the condenser to the throttling device.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes: A liquid level detection device is installed inside the gas-liquid separator to detect the liquid level inside the gas-liquid separator; The controller is electrically connected to both the liquid level detection device and the valve, and the controller is configured to: When the liquid level detection device detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is lower than the first preset liquid level, the valve is controlled to close. When the liquid level detection device detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is higher than or equal to the second preset liquid level value, it controls the valve to open, and the second preset liquid level value is higher than the first preset liquid level value.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air conditioner also includes: A temperature and pressure sensor is installed on the connecting pipe between the gas-liquid separator and the compressor to detect the temperature and pressure values ​​of the refrigerant flowing out of the gas-liquid separator. The controller is also configured as follows: When the liquid level detection device detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is higher than or equal to the first preset liquid level value and lower than the second preset liquid level value, the controller obtains the suction superheat of the compressor based on the temperature and pressure values ​​of the refrigerant flowing out of the gas-liquid separator detected by the temperature and pressure sensor. The opening and closing of the valve is determined based on the suction superheat of the compressor.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of determining the opening and closing of the valve based on the suction superheat of the compressor includes: If the suction superheat of the compressor is less than the first threshold, then the valve is controlled to open; If the superheat of the compressor's intake air is greater than the second threshold, then the valve is controlled to close, where the second threshold is greater than the first threshold. If the superheat of the compressor's intake air is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than or equal to the second threshold, the opening and closing of the valve remains unchanged.

9. A control method for an air conditioner, applied to the air conditioner according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized in that, The method includes: When the liquid level detection device detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is lower than the first preset liquid level value, the control valve is closed. When the liquid level detection device detects that the liquid level in the gas-liquid separator is higher than or equal to the second preset liquid level value, it controls the valve to open, where the second preset liquid level value is higher than the first preset liquid level value.

10. An air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator are connected in sequence to form a refrigerant circulation loop; The air conditioner also includes: A gas-liquid separator is connected between the compressor and the evaporator; Temperature compensator, including: The first heat exchange pipeline and the second heat exchange pipeline are connected together. The refrigerant flowing in the first heat exchange pipeline can exchange heat with the refrigerant flowing in the second heat exchange pipeline. The condenser and the throttling device are connected through the second heat exchange pipeline. One end of the first heat exchange pipeline is connected to the bottom of the gas-liquid separator, and the other end is connected to the suction port of the compressor; One end of the second heat exchange pipeline is connected to the outlet of the condenser, and the other end is connected to the throttling device.

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