Air conditioner
By using single-phase and two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipelines in air conditioners and using electronic expansion valves to control their opening and closing, the problems of temperature instability and condensation during heat dissipation in existing air conditioners have been solved, achieving efficient and safe heat dissipation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411554743.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-08
AI Technical Summary
Existing air conditioners cannot meet the heat dissipation requirements of power modules when using single-phase refrigerant, while using two-phase refrigerant can easily lead to condensation, posing safety issues.
An air conditioner was designed, which uses single-phase and two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipelines and controls their opening and closing through an electronic expansion valve. Based on the temperature signal from the temperature detection module, the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline is opened at high temperatures and closed at low temperatures to ensure that the power module temperature is within a reasonable range and to avoid condensation.
It improves heat dissipation capacity, ensures that the power module temperature is within a reasonable range, enhances safety, avoids the risk of condensation, and enables flexible temperature control.
Smart Images
Figure CN121993844A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning system technology, and in particular to an air conditioner with refrigerant heat dissipation function. Background Technology
[0002] An air conditioner includes an electrical control box. The power module inside the control box generates heat during operation. As the temperature of the power module rises, its stability decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to cool the power module.
[0003] Refrigerant cooling has been widely used due to its high heat dissipation efficiency, small size, low noise, and relatively convenient installation and manufacturing. However, existing refrigerant cooling methods still have the following problems: as the temperature of the power module increases, using only a single-phase refrigerant in the main pipeline for heat dissipation may not guarantee that the power module temperature is within a reasonable range; if a two-phase refrigerant in the auxiliary pipeline is used for heat dissipation, the refrigerant temperature may be too low, causing condensation on the power module and resulting in safety issues.
[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This invention proposes an air conditioner that solves the technical problems of existing air conditioners that cannot meet heat dissipation requirements when using single-phase refrigerant and are prone to condensation when using two-phase refrigerant.
[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: An air conditioner, comprising: The compressor, four-way valve, outdoor heat exchanger, throttling element, and indoor heat exchanger are connected in sequence. Refrigerant radiator, used to cool the power module; Temperature detection module, used to detect the current temperature of refrigerant radiator or power module; The refrigerant radiator includes: Single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation piping connects the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; The two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline has its inlet connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger via an electronic expansion valve; The controller is configured to open the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature exceeds the opening temperature, and close the electronic expansion valve otherwise.
[0007] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: The refrigerant radiator of the air conditioner includes a single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline and a two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline. The inlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger through an electronic expansion valve. The controller is configured to open the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature exceeds the opening temperature. That is, when the temperature of the refrigerant radiator or power module is high, a two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline is added on the basis of the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline to dissipate heat through the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline, thereby improving the heat dissipation capacity and ensuring that the temperature of the power module is within a reasonable range. Otherwise, the electronic expansion valve is closed. That is, when the temperature of the refrigerant radiator or power module is low, the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline is closed, and heat dissipation is carried out only through the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline to reduce the risk of condensation and improve safety.
[0008] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes: Current detection module, used to detect the current of the power module; The controller is configured to determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the power module current.
[0009] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the power module current can reflect the heat that the power module will generate in a timely and accurate manner. Therefore, the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve determined by the power module current can control the temperature of the power module more timely.
[0010] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to acquire the maximum current of the power module and determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the ratio of the power module current to the maximum current of the power module.
[0011] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: Since the specifications of power modules are different, the temperature requirements of power modules are also different. By determining the initial opening degree of the electronic expansion valve by the ratio of the power module current to the maximum current of the power module, the accuracy and uniformity of the initial opening degree of the electronic expansion valve can be determined.
[0012] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a correction factor based on the upper operating temperature limit of the power module and the current temperature, the correction factor being negatively correlated with the difference between the current temperature and the upper operating temperature limit of the power module; the controller is configured to determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the ratio of the power module current to the maximum current of the power module and the correction factor.
[0013] And / or, the controller is configured to determine an initial opening adjustment coefficient, and to determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the ratio of the power module current to the maximum current of the power module and the initial opening adjustment coefficient, wherein the initial opening adjustment coefficient is between 0.5 and 1.
[0014] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: The initial opening of the electronic expansion valve is corrected by a correction coefficient. This correction coefficient is negatively correlated with the difference between the current temperature and the upper operating temperature limit of the power module; that is, the higher the current temperature, the larger the correction coefficient, and the lower the current temperature, the smaller the correction coefficient. This allows for an increase in the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature is high, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the power module. The initial opening of the electronic expansion valve is adjusted by an initial opening adjustment coefficient between 0.5 and 1, which avoids adjusting the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve to its maximum, leaving a certain adjustment range.
[0015] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the electronic expansion valve to close within a set time period after the compressor starts, and to determine whether the electronic expansion valve should open based on the current temperature after the set time period.
[0016] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: controlling the electronic expansion valve to close within the compressor start-up set time can prevent the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline from opening when the unit is first started, which would cause the compressor to return liquid.
[0017] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes: An ambient temperature detection module is used to detect the ambient temperature. The controller is configured to determine the activation temperature based on the ambient temperature.
[0018] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: Since ambient temperature has a significant impact on the heat dissipation effect of the power module, the power module heats up faster when the ambient temperature is low and slower when the ambient temperature is high. Therefore, by determining the start-up temperature through the ambient temperature, the start-up and stop time of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline can be controlled more precisely, ensuring that the temperature of the power module is within a reasonable range and avoiding condensation.
[0019] In some embodiments, the controller is configured with at least three temperature ranges between the ambient temperature and the upper limit temperature of the power module: a first temperature range, a second temperature range, and a third temperature range, wherein the temperature of the first temperature range is lower than the temperature of the second temperature range, and the temperature of the second temperature range is lower than the temperature of the third temperature range. The controller is configured to decrease the opening of the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature is in a first temperature range, keep the opening of the electronic expansion valve unchanged when the current temperature is in a second temperature range, and increase the opening of the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature is in a third temperature range.
[0020] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the electronic expansion valve is controlled by temperature range differentiation. When the current temperature is in the first temperature range, it indicates that the current temperature is low, so the opening of the electronic expansion valve is reduced to avoid condensation. When the current temperature is in the second temperature range, it indicates that the current temperature is moderate, so the opening of the electronic expansion valve can be kept constant. When the current temperature is in the third temperature range, it indicates that the current temperature is high, so the opening of the electronic expansion valve is increased to enhance the cooling of the refrigerant radiator and rapidly cool the power module.
[0021] In some embodiments, the controller is configured with a fourth temperature range located between the first and second temperature ranges, and a fifth temperature range located between the second and third temperature ranges; The controller is configured to reduce the opening of the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature is in the fourth temperature range and the temperature of the refrigerant radiator is decreasing; otherwise, the opening of the electronic expansion valve remains unchanged. The controller is configured to increase the opening of the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature is in the fifth temperature range and the temperature of the refrigerant radiator is increasing; otherwise, the opening of the electronic expansion valve remains unchanged. The decrease in the electronic expansion valve in the first temperature range is greater than the decrease in the electronic expansion valve in the fourth temperature range, and the increase in the electronic expansion valve in the fifth temperature range is less than the increase in the electronic expansion valve in the third temperature range.
[0022] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: it further refines the temperature zone control of the electronic expansion valve, adds control of the fourth and fifth temperature zones, and provides different control in the fourth and fifth temperature zones according to the current temperature change. The control range of the fourth temperature zone is different from that of the first temperature zone, and the control range of the fifth temperature zone is different from that of the third temperature zone, which can achieve a more precise and accurate adjustment effect.
[0023] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the electronic expansion valve at set time intervals, and to reduce the control time interval of the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature is within a specific range of the power module's operating upper limit temperature or the ambient temperature.
[0024] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: when the current temperature is within a specific range of the power module's operating upper limit temperature or the ambient temperature, the control time interval of the electronic expansion valve is reduced to accelerate the opening adjustment speed of the electronic expansion valve and ensure that condensation will not occur due to overheating or falling below the ambient temperature.
[0025] In some embodiments, the refrigerant radiator includes a heat-conducting element that contacts the power module, and both the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe and the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe are connected to the heat-conducting element; or, the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe is connected to the heat-conducting element, and the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe includes a cavity disposed within the heat-conducting element.
[0026] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: The refrigerant radiator includes a heat-conducting component that contacts the power module. Both the single-phase and two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipes are connected to the heat-conducting component. The single-phase and two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipes can provide cooling to the power module through the heat-conducting component, improving the uniformity of cooling. The single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe is connected to the heat-conducting component, and the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe includes a cavity disposed within the heat-conducting component. Therefore, the heat dissipation area of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe is increased, improving the heat dissipation effect of the refrigerant radiator.
[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram of the refrigerant circulation system of an air conditioner according to an embodiment; Figure 2 A diagram of the refrigerant circulation system of an air conditioner according to another embodiment; Figure 3 A diagram of the refrigerant circulation system of an air conditioner according to another embodiment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant radiator according to an embodiment; Figure 5 This is a structural diagram of a refrigerant radiator according to an embodiment; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant radiator according to another embodiment; Figure 7 This is a structural diagram of a refrigerant radiator according to another embodiment; Figure 8 for Figure 7 A sectional view; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the three temperature ranges according to the embodiment; Figure 10This is a schematic diagram showing the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the five temperature ranges according to the embodiment; Figure 11 This is a control flowchart of an air conditioner according to an embodiment.
[0030] In the picture: 1. Compressor; 3. Four-way valve; 4. Outdoor heat exchanger; 5. Outdoor electronic expansion valve; 6. Electronic expansion valve; 7. Refrigerant radiator; 71. Heat-conducting component; 72. Cavity; 8. Plate heat exchanger; 9. Second electronic expansion valve; 10. Indoor electronic expansion valve; 11. Indoor heat exchanger; 12. Gas-liquid separator. Detailed Implementation
[0031] 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.
[0032] In the description of this application, 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 application 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 application.
[0033] 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. Therefore, 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, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0034] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal conduction of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.
[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0036] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes or the use of other materials.
[0037] Air conditioning units execute a refrigeration cycle using a compressor, condenser, throttling device, and evaporator. The refrigeration cycle involves a series of processes, including compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation, to cool or heat an indoor space.
[0038] Low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor, which compresses it into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and the heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.
[0039] The throttling device expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant that condenses in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the expanded refrigerant in the throttling device, returning the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator achieves its cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout the cycle, the air conditioner regulates the temperature of the indoor space.
[0040] The outdoor unit of an air conditioner refers to the part of the refrigeration cycle that includes the compressor and the outdoor heat exchanger. The indoor unit of an air conditioner includes the indoor heat exchanger, and a throttling device can be provided in either the indoor or outdoor unit.
[0041] The indoor and outdoor heat exchangers function as either condensers or evaporators. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the air conditioner functions as a heater in heating mode; when the indoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the air conditioner functions as a cooler in cooling mode.
[0042] An air conditioner, comprising: The compressor, four-way valve, outdoor heat exchanger, throttling element, and indoor heat exchanger are connected in sequence. Refrigerant radiator, used to cool the power module; Temperature detection module, used to detect the current temperature of refrigerant radiator or power module; Refrigerant radiators include: Single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation piping connects the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; The two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline has its inlet connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger via an electronic expansion valve; The controller is configured to open the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature exceeds the opening temperature, and close the electronic expansion valve otherwise.
[0043] The refrigerant radiator of an air conditioner includes single-phase and two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipes. The inlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe is connected between the outdoor and indoor heat exchangers via an electronic expansion valve. The controller is configured to open the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature exceeds the activation temperature. That is, when the temperature of the refrigerant radiator or power module is high, a two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe is added on top of the single-phase heat dissipation pipe to further enhance heat dissipation capacity and ensure the power module temperature remains within a reasonable range. Otherwise, the electronic expansion valve is closed. That is, when the temperature of the refrigerant radiator or power module is low, the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe is shut off, and heat dissipation is only achieved through the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe to reduce the risk of condensation and improve safety. Therefore, the air conditioner flexibly opens or closes the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe via the electronic expansion valve to meet the temperature requirements of the power module and the anti-condensation requirements.
[0044] exist Figure 1 In the example, the refrigerant circulation system of the air conditioner includes a compressor 1, a four-way valve 3, an outdoor heat exchanger 4, an outdoor electronic expansion valve 5, an indoor electronic expansion valve 10, and an indoor heat exchanger 11, which are connected in sequence through pipelines.
[0045] The single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline of the refrigerant radiator 7 is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 11.
[0046] The inlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline of the refrigerant radiator 7 is connected between the outdoor heat exchanger 4 and the indoor heat exchanger 11 through the electronic expansion valve 6.
[0047] The outlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline of refrigerant radiator 7 is connected to the low-pressure side.
[0048] In some embodiments, the outlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline of the refrigerant radiator 7 is connected between the four-way valve 3 and the return port of the compressor 1.
[0049] exist Figure 1 In this example, the return port of compressor 1 is connected to a gas-liquid separator 12, and the outlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline of refrigerant radiator 7 is connected between the four-way valve 3 and the gas-liquid separator 12 to protect compressor 1.
[0050] In some embodiments, the outlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline of the refrigerant radiator 7 is connected to the gas supply pipeline of the compressor 1.
[0051] exist Figure 2 , Figure 3 In one example, the air conditioner also includes a plate heat exchanger 8.
[0052] The first pipe of the plate heat exchanger 8 is connected between the indoor heat exchanger 11 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The second pipe is connected to the pipe between the indoor heat exchanger 11 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 through the second electronic expansion valve 9. The second pipe is also connected to the gas-liquid separator 12.
[0053] exist Figure 2 In this example, the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline of the refrigerant radiator 7 is connected between the first pipeline of the plate heat exchanger 8 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4. The inlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline is connected between the refrigerant radiator 7 and the outdoor heat exchanger 4 through the electronic expansion valve 6. The outlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline is connected to the gas-liquid separator 12.
[0054] exist Figure 3 In the example, the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline of the refrigerant radiator 7 is connected between the first pipeline of the plate heat exchanger 8 and the indoor electronic expansion valve 10. The inlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline is connected between the refrigerant radiator 7 and the plate heat exchanger 8 through the electronic expansion valve 6, and the outlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline is connected to the gas-liquid separator 12.
[0055] In some embodiments, the second pipeline of the plate heat exchanger 8 may also be connected to the gas supply port of the compressor 1, and the outlet of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline may be connected to the gas supply port of the compressor 1.
[0056] Taking refrigeration as an example, the refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner is as follows: the compressor 1 discharges into the four-way valve 3, and then the liquid refrigerant that passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 4 enters the refrigerant radiator 7 and plate heat exchanger 8 after passing through the outdoor electronic expansion valve 5. Then it enters the indoor electronic expansion valve 10 for throttling and enters the indoor heat exchanger 11 to exchange heat into gaseous refrigerant. Finally, it returns to the compressor 1 after passing through the gas-liquid separator 12, completing the cycle.
[0057] To avoid excessive flow through the branch where the electronic expansion valve 6 is located, the inner diameter of the branch pipe should be less than 1 / 2 or 1 / 3 of the inner diameter of the main pipe, and a matching electronic expansion valve should be selected. The bypass flow of the selected electronic expansion valve 6 at 2 / 3 opening ensures that when the power module is running at maximum power, the two-phase refrigerant in the branch pipe alone can cool the maximum temperature of the power module to below the upper operating temperature Tmax-a℃, where a is a constant, and in some embodiments, a is any value between 5 and 15℃.
[0058] In some embodiments, the electronic expansion valve 6 may also be a thermostatic expansion valve. When a thermostatic expansion valve is used, its parameters are set similarly to those of the electronic expansion valve 6.
[0059] The principle of refrigerant radiator 7 in cooling mode is as follows: Figure 4 , 6 As shown, the liquid refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger 4 is split into two paths before entering the refrigerant radiator 7. One path directly enters the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe of the refrigerant radiator 7, absorbs heat from the power module, and then flows out of the refrigerant radiator 7 as a single phase. The other path, after being throttled by the electronic expansion valve 6, enters the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe of the refrigerant radiator 7 in a two-phase state to absorb heat before flowing out of the refrigerant radiator 7. The two-phase refrigerant in the two-phase heat dissipation pipe can both enhance the heat dissipation capacity of the refrigerant radiator and absorb heat from the main circuit, thus subcooling the main circuit and improving energy efficiency.
[0060] exist Figure 5 In the example, the refrigerant radiator 7 includes a heat-conducting component 71 that contacts the power module, and both the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline and the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline are connected to the heat-conducting component 71.
[0061] The heat-conducting component 71 is attached to the electrical box or power module, and the heat-conducting component 71 can be fixed to the electrical box or power module by a fixing device.
[0062] Single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation piping and two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation piping pass through heat-conducting component 71.
[0063] exist Figure 5 In the example, the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe is located in the middle of the heat-conducting component 71, and the single-phase refrigerant heat-conducting pipe heat-conducting component 71 is located near the edge.
[0064] In some embodiments, the positions of the two sets of refrigerant pipes can also be interchanged.
[0065] The arrangement of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipes and the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipes in the refrigerant radiator 7 should be combined with the actual application environment: When the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipes are close to the center, the refrigerant heat dissipation capacity is strong, and less refrigerant is required for the bypass under the same power, with less impact on the main circuit. However, when only single-phase refrigerant is used, less heat is removed under the same conditions, causing the electronic expansion valve 6 to be in the open state in most cases. When the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipes are close to the center, the application range of single-phase refrigerant can be increased, but the capacity of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipes is relatively weakened, resulting in an increase in bypass flow.
[0066] In some embodiments, the heat-conducting element 71 is a heat-conducting plate.
[0067] The unidirectional and two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipes of the refrigerant radiator 7 can provide cooling to the power module through the heat-conducting component 71, thereby improving the uniformity of cooling.
[0068] exist Figure 7 , 8 In this example, the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline is connected to the heat-conducting component 71, and the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline includes a cavity 72 disposed within the heat-conducting component 71. The two-phase refrigerant enters the cavity 72 and can dissipate heat over a large area within the cavity 72, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the refrigerant radiator 7.
[0069] The heat-conducting component 71 is attached to the electrical box or power module, and the heat-conducting component 71 can be fixed to the electrical box or power module by a fixing device.
[0070] The heat source of the electrical box should be aligned with the center of the refrigerant radiator 7.
[0071] The single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe passes through it, while the bidirectional refrigerant heat dissipation pipe is located within the cavity of the heat-conducting component 71. In the diagram, the two middle pipes are single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipes, ensuring the basic heat dissipation capacity of the electrical box. When the heat dissipation demand is low, it can be met by using only single-phase refrigerant. When the heat dissipation demand is high, the electronic expansion valve 6 connected to the bidirectional refrigerant heat dissipation pipe opens, connecting the single-phase refrigerant to the low-pressure side, causing the refrigerant to vaporize into two phases. Figure 8 As shown in the cross-sectional view of the refrigerant radiator 7, the presence of the intermediate cavity 72 allows for the storage of a certain amount of two-phase refrigerant. To improve heat dissipation at the heat source, the two-phase refrigerant inlet is positioned directly in the direction of the heat source, and the jet impact can bring higher heat exchange capacity.
[0072] In some embodiments, turbulence columns are provided on the inner wall of the cavity 72 where it contacts the heat source to slow down the flow rate of the refrigerant in the cavity 72 and improve the heat exchange capacity.
[0073] In some embodiments, due to the large volume of the gaseous refrigerant, and in order to reduce the height of the refrigerant radiator 7, a single inlet and dual outlet structure is adopted.
[0074] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to close the electronic expansion valve 6 within a set time period after the compressor 1 starts, and to determine whether the electronic expansion valve 6 is open based on the current temperature after the set time period after the compressor 1 starts.
[0075] The controller is configured to close the electronic expansion valve 6 when the compressor 1 stops running.
[0076] By controlling the electronic expansion valve 6 to close within the set time of compressor 1 startup, it can be prevented that the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline will open when the unit is first started, which would cause compressor 1 to return liquid.
[0077] exist Figure 1-3 In one embodiment, the temperature detection module detects the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator as the current temperature.
[0078] When the unit starts up and is running normally at the set time, the electronic expansion valve 6 is opened based on the relationship between the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator 7 and the opening temperature Tp. When Tf > Tp, the electronic expansion valve 6 is open; otherwise, the electronic expansion valve 6 is closed.
[0079] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes: An ambient temperature detection module is used to detect the ambient temperature Ta. The controller is configured to determine the start-up temperature Tp based on the ambient temperature.
[0080] Since ambient temperature has a significant impact on the heat dissipation of power modules, the power modules dissipate heat quickly when the ambient temperature is low and slowly when the ambient temperature is high. Therefore, determining the start-up temperature Tp by using the ambient temperature allows for more precise control of the start-up and shutdown time of the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline, ensuring that the temperature of the power module is within a reasonable range and preventing condensation.
[0081] The start-up temperature Tp is related to the ambient temperature Ta.
[0082] When the ambient temperature Ta is high, the start-up temperature Tp setting value increases less relative to the ambient temperature Ta; when the ambient temperature Ta is low, the start-up temperature Tp setting value increases more relative to the ambient temperature Ta to avoid the power module temperature from increasing too quickly when the ambient temperature Ta is high, but the start-up temperature Tp should be ≤ 50℃.
[0083] In some embodiments, when Ta ≤ 35℃, Tp = Ta + 15℃, and when Ta > 35℃, Tp = Ta + 5℃.
[0084] In some embodiments, the air conditioner includes: The current detection module is used to detect the current I of the power module. The controller is configured to determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 based on the power module current I.
[0085] The power module current can promptly and accurately reflect the heat that the power module will generate, which is equivalent to controlling the electronic expansion valve 6 to open to the degree that can eliminate the heat generated by the power module in advance. Therefore, the initial opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 6 determined by the power module current can control the temperature of the power module more timely.
[0086] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to acquire the maximum current Imax of the power module and determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 based on the ratio of the power module current I to the maximum current Imax of the power module.
[0087] The initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 is determined by the ratio of the power module current to the maximum current of the power module. This allows us to determine the accuracy and consistency of the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 for different specifications of power modules.
[0088] The initial opening percentage of the electronic expansion valve 6 is EV% = I / Imax.
[0089] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a correction factor Ke based on the upper operating temperature limit Tmax of the power module and the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator.
[0090] The correction factor Ke is negatively correlated with the difference between the refrigerant radiator surface temperature Tf and the upper limit operating temperature Tmax of the power module.
[0091] In some embodiments, Ke = 0.8 when Tf ≥ Tmax - 10; Ke = 0.6 when Tmax - 10 > Tf ≥ Tmax - 20; and Ke = 0.4 in other cases.
[0092] The controller is configured to determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 based on the ratio of the power module current I to the maximum current Imax of the power module and the correction factor Ke.
[0093] The initial opening percentage of the electronic expansion valve 6 is EV% = I / Imax*Ke.
[0094] The initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 is corrected by a correction factor. The correction factor is negatively correlated with the difference between the current temperature and the upper limit operating temperature of the power module. That is, the higher the current temperature, the larger the correction factor, and the lower the current temperature, the smaller the correction factor. This is so that when the current temperature is high, the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 can be increased to improve the cooling efficiency of the power module.
[0095] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine an initial opening adjustment coefficient b, and to determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 based on the ratio of the power module current I to the maximum current Imax of the power module and the initial opening adjustment coefficient b, wherein the initial opening adjustment coefficient b is between 0.5 and 1.
[0096] The initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 is adjusted by the initial opening adjustment coefficient b. The initial opening adjustment coefficient b is between 0.5 and 1, which can prevent the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 from being adjusted to the maximum and leave a certain adjustment range.
[0097] The initial opening percentage of the electronic expansion valve 6 is EV% = b*I / Imax.
[0098] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to determine a correction coefficient Ke and an initial opening adjustment coefficient b, and to determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 based on the ratio of the power module current I to the maximum current Imax of the power module, the correction coefficient Ke, and the initial opening adjustment coefficient b, wherein the initial opening adjustment coefficient b is between 0.5 and 1.
[0099] The initial opening percentage of the electronic expansion valve 6 is EV% = b*I / Imax*Ke.
[0100] The initial opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 6 is the maximum opening degree of the electronic expansion valve multiplied by the initial opening degree percentage.
[0101] In some embodiments, after the electronic expansion valve 6 is opened, the control of the electronic expansion valve 6 should be combined with the refrigerant radiator surface temperature Tf, the ambient temperature Ta, and the upper limit operating temperature Tmax of the power module.
[0102] exist Figure 9 In this example, the controller is configured with at least three temperature ranges between the ambient temperature Ta and the upper limit temperature Tmax of the power module: a first temperature range, a second temperature range, and a third temperature range, where the temperature in the first temperature range is lower than the temperature in the second temperature range, and the temperature in the second temperature range is lower than the temperature in the third temperature range.
[0103] The controller is configured to reduce the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 when the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the first temperature range, keep the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 unchanged when the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the second temperature range, and increase the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 when the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the third temperature range.
[0104] The electronic expansion valve 6 is controlled differentially within different temperature ranges. When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the first temperature range, it indicates that the current temperature of the refrigerant radiator is low, so the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 is reduced to avoid condensation. When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the second temperature range, it indicates that the current temperature of the refrigerant radiator is moderate, so the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 can be kept constant. When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the third temperature range, it indicates that the current temperature of the refrigerant radiator is high, so the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 is increased to enhance the cooling of the refrigerant radiator 6 and rapidly cool down the power module.
[0105] exist Figure 9 In the example, the relationship between the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 6 and the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is as follows: When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the first temperature range: EV(n) = M1 * EV(n-1); When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the second temperature range: EV(n) = EV(n-1); When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the third temperature range: EV(n) = M3*EV(n-1).
[0106] M1 < 1 < M3.
[0107] In some embodiments, the relationship between the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 6 and the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is as follows: When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the first temperature range: EV(n) = EV(n-1) - ΔEV1; When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the second temperature range: EV(n) = EV(n-1); When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the third temperature range: EV(n) = EV(n-1) + ΔEV2.
[0108] In some embodiments, △EV1 is determined based on the ambient temperature Ta and the refrigerant radiator surface temperature Tf; △EV2 is determined based on the power module upper limit temperature Tmax and the refrigerant radiator surface temperature Tf.
[0109] exist Figure 10In one example, the controller is configured with a fourth temperature range located between the first and second temperature ranges, and a fifth temperature range located between the second and third temperature ranges. The controller is configured to reduce the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 when the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the fourth temperature range and the temperature of the refrigerant radiator is decreasing; otherwise, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 remains unchanged. The controller is configured to increase the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 when the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the fifth temperature range and the temperature of the refrigerant radiator increases; otherwise, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 remains unchanged. The decrease in the electronic expansion valve 6 in the first temperature range is greater than the decrease in the electronic expansion valve 6 in the fourth temperature range, and the increase in the electronic expansion valve 6 in the fifth temperature range is less than the increase in the electronic expansion valve 6 in the third temperature range.
[0110] The temperature zone control of the electronic expansion valve 6 is further refined by adding control over a fourth and fifth temperature zone. Different control measures are provided in the fourth and fifth temperature zones based on the current temperature changes. The control range of the fourth temperature zone is different from that of the first temperature zone, and the control range of the fifth temperature zone is different from that of the third temperature zone, which can achieve a more precise and accurate adjustment effect.
[0111] exist Figure 10 In the example, the relationship between the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 6 and the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is as follows: When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the first temperature range: EV(n) = K5 * EV(n-1); When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the fourth temperature range: when the temperature of the refrigerant radiator decreases, EV(n) = K4*EV(n-1); otherwise, the opening of the electronic expansion valve remains unchanged. When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the second temperature range: EV(n) = EV(n-1); When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the fifth temperature range: when the temperature of the refrigerant radiator increases, EV(n) = K3*EV(n-1); otherwise, the opening of the electronic expansion valve remains unchanged. When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the third temperature range: EV(n) = K2*EV(n-1).
[0112] When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is higher than Tmax, EV(n) = K1*EV(n-1).
[0113] K1>K2>K3>1>K4>K5.
[0114] In some embodiments, the relationship between the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 6 and the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is as follows: When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the first temperature range: EV(n) = EV(n-1) - ΔEV11; When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the fourth temperature range: when the temperature of the refrigerant radiator decreases, EV(n) = EV(n-1) - ΔEV12; otherwise, the opening of the electronic expansion valve remains unchanged. When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the second temperature range: EV(n) = EV(n-1); When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the fifth temperature range: when the temperature of the refrigerant radiator increases, EV(n) = EV(n-1) + ΔEV21; otherwise, the opening of the electronic expansion valve remains unchanged. When the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator is in the third temperature range: EV(n) = EV(n-1) + ΔEV22.
[0115] △EV11>△EV12,△EV21<△EV22。
[0116] The temperature range between ambient temperature Ta and the upper limit operating temperature Tmax of the power module is divided into 5 intervals. Among them, T2 to T3 is the preferred temperature control interval. The function of T1 is to prevent Tf from rapidly approaching Ta, so that the surface temperature of the refrigerant radiator Tf is lower than the ambient temperature Ta, causing condensation. The function of T4 is to prevent Tf from rapidly approaching Tmax, so that the surface temperature of the refrigerant radiator Tf approaches or exceeds the maximum allowable operating temperature Tmax, causing overheating. Among them, T1 is greater than the start-up temperature Tp.
[0117] Within the first interval, Tf is less than T1, and regardless of whether Tf decreases, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 decreases. In the fourth interval, if Tf is greater than T1 and the temperature decreases, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 will also decrease. If the temperature Tf remains unchanged or increases, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 will remain unchanged. Within the second interval, changes in Tf will not cause changes in the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve 6; Within the fifth interval, if Tf increases, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 will also increase; if Tf remains unchanged or decreases, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 will remain unchanged. Within the third range, regardless of whether Tf increases, the opening of the electronic expansion valve 6 will increase until it decreases to the fifth range.
[0118] When Tf is greater than Tmax, the opening degree of electronic expansion valve 6 changes more.
[0119] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the electronic expansion valve at set time intervals, reducing the control time interval of the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature of the refrigerant radiator is within a specific range of the power module's operating upper limit temperature or the ambient temperature.
[0120] When the current temperature of the refrigerant radiator is within a specific range of the power module's operating upper limit temperature or the ambient temperature, reduce the control time interval of the electronic expansion valve to accelerate the opening adjustment speed of the electronic expansion valve and ensure that condensation will not occur due to overheating or falling below the ambient temperature.
[0121] While controlling the operation, the relationship between the surface temperature Tf and the opening temperature Tp of the refrigerant radiator is determined. When Tf > Tp, the opening control of the two-phase heat dissipation pipeline of the refrigerant radiator continues; otherwise, the electronic expansion valve 6 is closed, and the control of the two-phase heat dissipation pipeline of the refrigerant radiator is stopped.
[0122] exist Figure 11 In this example, the control flow of the air conditioner is as follows: S1, Begin.
[0123] S2. The electronic expansion valve is closed within the compressor start-up set time.
[0124] S3. After setting the time, detect the ambient temperature Ta and the surface temperature Tf of the refrigerant radiator, and determine the start-up temperature Tp based on the ambient temperature Ta.
[0125] S4. If Tf ≥ Tp, proceed to step S5; otherwise, proceed to step S9.
[0126] S5. Detect the power module current, determine the initial opening degree of the electronic expansion valve based on the power module current, and open the electronic expansion valve to the initial opening degree.
[0127] S6. Detect the temperature Tf and control the opening of the electronic expansion valve according to the relationship between temperature Tf and the temperature range.
[0128] S7. Detect ambient temperature Ta and refrigerant radiator surface temperature Tf.
[0129] S8. If Tf ≥ Tp, proceed to step S6; otherwise, proceed to step S9.
[0130] S9. Close the electronic expansion valve. Proceed to step S3.
[0131] The refrigerant radiator of an air conditioner includes single-phase and two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipes. When the temperature of the refrigerant radiator or power module is high, a two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe is added on top of the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe to further dissipate heat, thereby improving heat dissipation capacity and ensuring that the temperature of the power module is within a reasonable range. Otherwise, the electronic expansion valve is closed, that is, when the temperature of the refrigerant radiator or power module is low, the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe is closed, and heat dissipation is carried out only through the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipe to reduce the risk of condensation and improve safety.
[0132] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
[0133] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An air conditioner, comprising: The compressor, four-way valve, outdoor heat exchanger, throttling element, and indoor heat exchanger are connected in sequence. Refrigerant radiator, used to cool the power module; A temperature detection module is used to detect the current temperature of a refrigerant radiator or power module; characterized in that, The refrigerant radiator includes: Single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation piping connects the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger; The two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline has its inlet connected between the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger via an electronic expansion valve; The controller is configured to open the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature exceeds the opening temperature, and close the electronic expansion valve otherwise.
2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: Current detection module, used to detect the current of the power module; The controller is configured to determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the power module current.
3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, characterized in that, The controller is configured to acquire the maximum current of the power module and determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the ratio of the power module current to the maximum current of the power module.
4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, characterized in that, The controller is configured to determine a correction coefficient based on the upper limit operating temperature of the power module and the current temperature, and to determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the ratio of the power module current to the maximum current of the power module and the correction coefficient. The correction factor is negatively correlated with the difference between the current temperature and the upper limit operating temperature of the power module; And / or, the controller is configured to determine an initial opening adjustment coefficient, and to determine the initial opening of the electronic expansion valve based on the ratio of the power module current to the maximum current of the power module and the initial opening adjustment coefficient; The initial opening adjustment coefficient is between 0.5 and 1.
5. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to close the electronic expansion valve within a set time after the compressor starts, and to determine whether the electronic expansion valve should open based on the current temperature after the set time has elapsed since the compressor started.
6. The air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air conditioner includes: An ambient temperature detection module is used to detect the ambient temperature. The controller is configured to determine the activation temperature based on the ambient temperature.
7. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The controller is configured with at least three temperature ranges between the ambient temperature and the upper limit temperature of the power module: a first temperature range, a second temperature range, and a third temperature range, wherein the temperature of the first temperature range is lower than the temperature of the second temperature range, and the temperature of the second temperature range is lower than the temperature of the third temperature range. The controller is configured as follows: When the current temperature is within the first temperature range, reduce the opening of the electronic expansion valve; When the current temperature is in the second temperature range, the opening of the electronic expansion valve remains unchanged; When the current temperature is in the third temperature range, increase the opening of the electronic expansion valve.
8. The air conditioner according to claim 7, characterized in that, The controller is configured with a fourth temperature range located between the first and second temperature ranges, and a fifth temperature range located between the second and third temperature ranges. The controller is configured as follows: When the current temperature is in the fourth temperature range, if the temperature of the refrigerant radiator decreases, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is reduced; otherwise, the opening of the electronic expansion valve remains unchanged. When the current temperature is in the fifth temperature range, if the temperature of the refrigerant radiator increases, the opening of the electronic expansion valve is increased; otherwise, the opening of the electronic expansion valve remains unchanged. The decrease in the electronic expansion valve in the first temperature range is greater than the decrease in the electronic expansion valve in the fourth temperature range, and the increase in the electronic expansion valve in the fifth temperature range is less than the increase in the electronic expansion valve in the third temperature range.
9. The air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that, The controller is configured to control the electronic expansion valve at set time intervals, and to reduce the control time interval of the electronic expansion valve when the current temperature is within a specific range of the power module's operating upper limit temperature or the ambient temperature.
10. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1-6 and 8-9, characterized in that, The refrigerant radiator includes a heat-conducting component that contacts the power module; Both the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline and the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline are connected to the heat-conducting component; Alternatively, the single-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline is connected to the heat-conducting component, and the two-phase refrigerant heat dissipation pipeline includes a cavity disposed within the heat-conducting component.