Intelligent collaborative control method and system of trough type solar heat collecting refrigeration system

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of solar heat collection and refrigeration system control, and provides an intelligent collaborative control method and system for a trough type solar heat collection and refrigeration system. First, according to multi-source sensing data at different positions of the trough type solar heat collection and refrigeration system, the efficiency priority conditions are divided into a first group of efficiency priority conditions, a second group of efficiency priority conditions and a third group of efficiency priority conditions. Then, when the first group of efficiency priority conditions is met, the control system runs a heat collection-direct drive refrigeration mode; when the second group of energy storage conditions is met and the first group of conditions is not met, the control system runs a heat collection-energy storage mode; and when the third group of energy release conditions is met and the first group of conditions is not met, the control system runs an energy storage-refrigeration mode, realizing dynamic optimization scheduling of the whole chain energy from heat collection, energy storage to refrigeration, fundamentally solving the problem of fragmentation of each link, avoiding energy waste and supply-demand mismatch, and greatly improving the overall energy utilization rate of the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of solar thermal cooling system control technology, and particularly relates to an intelligent collaborative control method and system for a trough solar thermal cooling system. Background Technology

[0002] A parabolic trough solar thermal cooling system (solar thermal cooling device or parabolic trough collector) is a thermal cooling device that uses photothermal conversion to convert light energy into heat energy through focusing, reflection and absorption processes, so that the heat exchange medium reaches a certain temperature to meet the needs of different loads.

[0003] Traditional parabolic trough solar thermal cooling systems lack a unified intelligent decision-making center. Each module operates independently, making it impossible to dynamically allocate energy based on global information. The root cause lies in the lack of an intelligent collaborative control method based on multi-source information fusion and capable of dynamically reconfiguring energy flow paths. This lack of collaborative control leads to low overall energy utilization efficiency. Furthermore, existing systems suffer from problems such as an inability to adapt to dynamically changing external load conditions, inadequate overheat protection mechanisms, insufficient solar tracking control precision, and a lack of remote data interaction capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes an intelligent collaborative control method and system for a trough-type solar thermal cooling system. This invention achieves dynamic optimization scheduling of energy across the entire chain from heat collection and storage to cooling, fundamentally solving the problem of fragmentation between different links, avoiding energy waste and supply-demand mismatch, and greatly improving the overall energy utilization rate of the system.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an intelligent collaborative control method for a trough-type solar thermal cooling system, comprising: Acquire multi-source sensor data at different locations of the parabolic trough solar thermal cooling system; Based on the multi-source sensing data, the performance priority conditions are divided into a first group of performance priority conditions, a second group of performance priority conditions, and a third group of performance priority conditions. When the first set of performance priority conditions is met, the control system operates in the heat collection-direct drive cooling mode; when the second set of energy storage conditions is met but the first set of conditions is not met, the control system operates in the heat collection-energy storage mode; when the third set of energy release conditions is met but the first set of conditions is not met, the control system operates in the energy storage-cooling mode.

[0006] Furthermore, the multi-source sensor data includes ambient light intensity, working fluid temperature at the heat collector outlet, internal temperature at the energy storage side, and required temperature at the cooling side.

[0007] Furthermore, the first set of performance priority conditions is when the ambient light intensity is higher than the first set light intensity threshold and the cooling demand is higher than the set cooling temperature value; the second set of performance priority conditions is when the light intensity is higher than the second set light intensity threshold, the temperature of the thermal storage module is lower than the melting point of the phase change material, and the direct drive cooling conditions are not met; the third set of performance priority conditions is when there is a cooling demand and the temperature of the thermal storage module is higher than the minimum start-up temperature required for the cooling cycle; wherein, the first set light intensity threshold is greater than the second set light intensity threshold, the melting point of the phase change material is set as the phase change temperature of the phase change material, and the minimum start-up temperature value is set as the minimum drive temperature required for the cooling cycle.

[0008] Furthermore, the parabolic trough solar thermal collector cooling system includes a parabolic trough solar collector module, a phase change thermal storage module, and a cooling cycle module. The outlet of the parabolic trough solar collector module is connected to the inlet of a three-way electric valve via an insulated pipe. The first outlet of the three-way electric valve is connected to the inlet of the phase change thermal storage module via a pipe, and the second outlet is connected to the heat source inlet of the generator or heat drive unit in the cooling cycle module via a pipe. The outlet pipe of the phase change thermal storage module is connected in series with an electric proportional regulating valve and a circulation pump, and then connected to the heat source circuit of the cooling cycle module.

[0009] Furthermore, the parabolic trough solar thermal collector cooling system is equipped with a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor, an ambient light sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, a first photoelectric switch, a first limit switch, a second photoelectric switch, a second limit switch, and a valve stroke sensor. The first temperature sensor is located on the outlet pipe of the parabolic trough solar collector module to monitor the temperature of the heat collection medium; the second temperature sensor is located inside the phase change thermal storage module to monitor the temperature of the phase change material; and the third temperature sensor is located at the evaporator outlet of the refrigeration cycle module to reflect the cooling effect and cooling load. Requirements: An ambient light sensor is installed on the solar collector module to monitor real-time solar irradiance; an ambient temperature sensor is installed in a well-ventilated area near the solar collector module to monitor ambient air temperature; a first photoelectric switch and a first limit switch are respectively installed at the positive and negative rotational limit positions of the solar tracking mechanism to provide mechanical position limit protection signals for the hardware; a second photoelectric switch and a second limit switch are installed on the actuator of the electric proportional control valve to provide full-open and full-close position limit protection signals for the valve; a valve stroke sensor is integrated into the actuator of the electric proportional control valve to provide feedback on the valve opening position.

[0010] Furthermore, the parabolic trough solar collector cooling system is equipped with a tracking motor, a circulating pump, a three-way electric valve, and an electric proportional regulating valve; wherein, the tracking motor drives the parabolic trough solar collector module to rotate, the circulating pump drives the heat transfer medium in the heat storage circuit to circulate, the three-way electric valve is used to switch the core working flow path of the system, and the electric proportional regulating valve is used to regulate the heat flow rate from the heat storage module to the cooling module.

[0011] Furthermore, when the ambient light intensity is higher than the first set light intensity threshold and the cooling demand is higher than the set cooling temperature value, the three-way electric valve is controlled to switch to direct connection between the heat collection module and the cooling module; when the light intensity is higher than the second set light intensity threshold, the temperature of the heat storage module is lower than the melting point of the phase change material, and the direct-drive cooling conditions are not met, the three-way electric valve is controlled to switch to connection between the heat collection module and the heat storage module, and the circulation pump is started to store the excess solar thermal energy; when there is a cooling demand and the temperature of the heat storage module is higher than the minimum start-up temperature required for the cooling cycle, the three-way electric valve is controlled to switch to connection between the heat storage module and the cooling module.

[0012] Secondly, the present invention also provides an intelligent collaborative control system for a trough-type solar thermal cooling system, comprising: The data acquisition module is configured to acquire multi-source sensor data at different locations of the trough solar thermal cooling system; The data processing module is configured to: divide the performance priority conditions into a first group of performance priority conditions, a second group of performance priority conditions, and a third group of performance priority conditions based on the multi-source sensor data. The control module is configured to: when the first set of efficiency priority conditions is met, the control system operates in heat collection-direct drive cooling mode; when the second set of energy storage conditions is met but the first set of conditions is not met, the control system operates in heat collection-heat storage mode; when the third set of energy release conditions is met but the first set of conditions is not met, the control system operates in heat storage-cooling mode.

[0013] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the intelligent coordinated control method for the trough solar thermal cooling system described in the first aspect.

[0014] Fourthly, the present invention also provides an electronic device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and capable of running on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the steps of the intelligent collaborative control method for the trough solar thermal cooling system described in the first aspect.

[0015] Fifthly, the present invention also provides a computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the intelligent collaborative control method for the trough solar thermal cooling system described in the first aspect.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention first divides the efficiency priority conditions into three groups based on multi-source sensor data from different locations within the trough solar thermal cooling system: a first group, a second group, and a third group. Then, when the first group of efficiency priority conditions is met, the control system operates in a heat collection-direct-drive cooling mode. When the second group of energy storage conditions is met but the first group is not, the control system operates in a heat collection-energy storage mode. When the third group of energy release conditions is met but the first group is not, the control system operates in a energy storage-cooling mode. This achieves dynamic optimization and scheduling of energy across the entire chain from heat collection and storage to cooling, fundamentally solving the problem of fragmentation between different stages, avoiding energy waste and supply-demand mismatch, and greatly improving the overall energy utilization rate of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this embodiment, are used to provide a further understanding of this embodiment. The illustrative embodiments and their descriptions are used to explain this embodiment and do not constitute an improper limitation of this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a system principle and collaborative control logic block diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a PLC control logic and signal connection logic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a control flowchart of the trough-type solar thermal collector module according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the coordinated control of the phase change thermal storage and refrigeration module in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 5 This is the emergency heat dissipation branch protection logic diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0020] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0021] Example 1: Traditional parabolic trough solar thermal cooling systems lack a unified intelligent decision-making center. Each module operates independently, making it impossible to dynamically allocate energy based on global information. The root cause lies in the lack of an intelligent collaborative control method based on multi-source information fusion and dynamically reconfigurable energy flow paths. This lack of collaborative control leads to low overall energy utilization efficiency. Existing system mode switching relies on manual intervention or simple logic, lacking multi-parameter adaptive switching capabilities. Response is sluggish, failing to fully utilize instantaneous high irradiance resources and struggling to maintain stable cooling output under varying operating conditions. The rigid operating modes cannot adapt to dynamically changing external conditions and loads. Under extreme conditions, the system lacks proactive and controllable emergency cooling measures, easily leading to overheating and overpressure, affecting equipment safety and lifespan. The overheating safety protection mechanism is inadequate, posing operational risks. Solar tracking control accuracy is insufficient, and its information is not used for overall system scheduling. Existing tracking methods have limited accuracy and are not integrated with energy management, limiting the predictive ability and pre-scheduling level of energy input fluctuations. Traditional systems lack remote data interaction capabilities, resulting in high operation and maintenance costs, slow response, and are not conducive to large-scale applications. Status monitoring and operation and maintenance rely on manual labor, and the level of intelligence and remoteness is low.

[0022] To address the shortcomings of existing trough solar cooling systems in terms of integration, control methods, and operational efficiency, and to resolve at least one of these issues, this embodiment provides an intelligent collaborative control method for trough solar thermal cooling systems, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method is executed by a central coordination controller, which is communicatively connected to a sensor network deployed at key nodes of the system and to a group of actuators driving the key actions; the method includes the following procedural control steps: S1. Multi-source information perception and fusion: The central controller acquires and fuses multi-source sensor data from different locations within the system in real time. This data includes at least ambient light intensity, heat collector outlet working fluid temperature, energy storage internal temperature, and cooling demand temperature. The controller then performs synchronization and fusion processing on this heterogeneous data. The fusion process involves: the central controller simultaneously collecting data from all sensors to ensure that the data originates at the same time; then processing and verifying the data, removing inaccurate data; and finally, combining the processed data into a complete system state description, forming a unified view characterizing the overall state of the system's current energy acquisition, storage, and utilization.

[0023] S2. Working mode decision based on dynamic optimization rules: The central controller, based on multi-source sensor data and according to preset priorities and rules, automatically determines the optimal operating mode for the system; the operating modes include: First mode (instant high efficiency mode): Activated when the system status meets the first set of performance priority conditions; Second mode (energy storage mode): Activated when the system state meets the second set of energy storage conditions but does not meet the first set of conditions; The third mode (energy storage release mode) is activated when the system state meets the third set of energy release conditions but does not meet the first set of conditions.

[0024] S3. Generation and Issuance of Cooperative Control Commands Based on the operating mode determined in step S2, the central controller generates a corresponding set of collaborative control instructions and issues them to the corresponding execution units to dynamically reconstruct the system energy flow and precisely control its transmission, specifically including: S3.1 Path control command: Controls a heat flow path switching unit to switch the main heat energy transport path of the system to the target module (heat collection module, energy storage module or cooling module) corresponding to the selected mode.

[0025] S3.2 Flow control command: When the system is running in the third mode, a heat flow rate adjustment unit is controlled to dynamically adjust the heat energy transfer rate from the energy storage module to the cooling module based on the real-time feedback information of the cooling demand temperature.

[0026] S3.3 Tracking control command: Controls an energy input optimization unit to maximize solar energy harvesting efficiency.

[0027] S4. Full-cycle security monitoring and protection: At any stage of system operation, the central controller continuously monitors key safety parameters and automatically triggers an emergency heat dissipation control logic when it detects that the preset overheat risk conditions are met, guiding excess heat energy to a safe dissipation path to prevent the system from overheating and overpressure.

[0028] S5, Proactive Energy Management: The central controller can further integrate forecast information, which includes one or more of solar position forecasts, weather forecast data, and load forecasting models. The central controller incorporates the analysis of the forecast information into the decision-making process in step S2 to achieve forecast-based forward scheduling.

[0029] This embodiment, through the collaborative control in method step S3, particularly the feedback-based heat flux rate adjustment, enables the system to respond quickly, smoothly, and accurately to external light fluctuations and internal load changes, ensuring high-quality and stable cooling supply. The combination of method step S4 and system hardware protection devices provides an active and controllable safety protection mechanism, effectively preventing system over-temperature and over-pressure risks and improving long-term operational reliability. Through the optional method step S5, the system can integrate predictive information, upgrading from passive response to proactive planning, further optimizing energy storage and release strategies, and improving economic operation. The system architecture inherently supports remote data interaction, enabling remote and intelligent status monitoring, fault diagnosis, and strategy optimization, significantly reducing operation and maintenance costs and laying the foundation for large-scale deployment and continuous performance optimization. Through deep integration of software logic, hardware limit protection, and environmental parameter adaptation, a multi-layered safety and adaptability system is constructed, giving the system excellent anti-interference capabilities under complex and variable operating conditions.

[0030] This embodiment also provides a trough solar thermal collector and cooling system for implementing the above-mentioned intelligent collaborative control method, including a trough solar thermal collector module, a phase change thermal storage module, a cooling cycle module, and a central collaborative controller.

[0031] The system's hardware connections, sensor network configuration, and actuator group design together construct a physical platform that enables the central collaborative controller to physically perceive the system state and execute control commands, thereby enabling the implementation of the aforementioned intelligent collaborative control method.

[0032] Optionally, the outlet of the trough solar collector module is connected to the inlet of a three-way electric valve via an insulated pipe. The first outlet of the three-way electric valve is connected to the inlet of the phase change thermal storage module via a pipe, and the second outlet is connected to the heat source inlet of the generator or thermal drive unit in the refrigeration cycle module via a pipe. This design constitutes a physical channel for switching energy between heat collection, heat storage, and refrigeration.

[0033] The outlet pipeline of the phase change thermal energy storage module is connected in series with an electric proportional regulating valve and a circulation pump, and then connected to the heat source circuit of the refrigeration cycle module.

[0034] Optionally, a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor, an ambient light sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, a first photoelectric switch, a first limit switch, a second photoelectric switch, a second limit switch, and a valve stroke sensor / position feedback device may be provided. The system includes a first temperature sensor located on the outlet pipe of the trough solar collector module to monitor the temperature of the heat collection medium; a second temperature sensor located inside the phase change thermal storage module to monitor the temperature of the phase change material and its heat storage / release state; a third temperature sensor located at the evaporator outlet or the cooling space of the refrigeration cycle module to reflect the cooling effect and cooling load demand; an ambient light sensor located on the collector module to monitor real-time solar irradiance; an ambient temperature sensor located in a well-ventilated area near the collector module to monitor ambient air temperature, providing environmental thermal state compensation parameters for the system control logic and for anti-freeze protection judgment; a first photoelectric switch and a first limit switch installed at the positive and negative rotational limit positions of the solar tracking mechanism to provide mechanical position limit protection signals for the hardware, preventing overshoot damage to the mechanism; a second photoelectric switch and a second limit switch installed on the actuator of the electric proportional control valve to provide valve full-open and full-close position limit protection signals; and a valve stroke sensor / position feedback unit integrated into the actuator of the electric proportional control valve to provide real-time and continuous feedback on the valve opening position, achieving closed-loop precise control of the valve.

[0035] Pressure and flow sensors can also be installed on critical pipelines to provide more comprehensive system status information.

[0036] The actuators include a tracking motor, a circulating pump, a three-way electric valve, and an electric proportional control valve. The tracking motor drives the trough solar collector module to rotate on one or both axes to track the sun's position; the circulating pump drives the circulation of the heat transfer medium in the thermal storage circuit; the three-way electric valve is used to switch the core working flow path of the system; and the electric proportional control valve is used to continuously adjust the heat flow rate from the thermal storage module to the cooling module.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the PLC central coordinating controller is the intelligent brain of the system. Its input port is electrically connected to the sensor network to collect multi-source real-time data; its output port is electrically connected to the actuator group to output control commands. The PLC internally stores and runs preset control programs, and its core control logic includes: like Figure 3 As shown, the PLC automatically controls the three-way electric valve to switch according to sensor data and preset priorities and conditions, enabling the system to intelligently switch between the following three modes: Solar collector-direct-drive cooling mode: When the ambient light intensity is higher than the first set light intensity threshold and the cooling demand is higher than the set cooling temperature value, the PLC controls the three-way electric valve to switch the solar collector module to directly connect to the cooling module. At this time, solar thermal energy directly drives the cooling cycle, achieving the highest instantaneous efficiency.

[0038] Heat collection-storage mode: When the light intensity is higher than the second set light intensity threshold, the temperature of the heat storage module is lower than the melting point of the phase change material and the direct drive cooling conditions are not met, the PLC controls the three-way electric valve to switch the heat collection module to connect to the heat storage module and start the circulation pump to store the excess solar thermal energy.

[0039] Thermal Storage-Cooling Mode: When there is a cooling demand (temperature higher than the set value) and the temperature of the thermal storage module is higher than the minimum start-up temperature required for the cooling cycle, the PLC controls the three-way electric valve to switch the connection between the thermal storage module and the cooling module. In this mode, the PLC dynamically adjusts the opening of the electric proportional regulating valve to precisely control the heat release rate and achieve on-demand, stable cooling.

[0040] Among them, the first set light intensity threshold is greater than the second set light intensity threshold to ensure that the direct drive cooling mode is only activated when the light intensity is strong enough; the melting point of the phase change material is set to the phase change temperature of the phase change material or slightly lower than this temperature, indicating that the thermal storage module is not yet fully charged; the minimum start-up temperature value is set to the minimum driving temperature required for the cooling cycle, which is usually higher than the ambient temperature but lower than the upper limit temperature of the phase change material; the cooling setting threshold is the target cooling temperature set according to the user's needs.

[0041] The threshold values ​​set in the control logic are not fixed, but can be dynamically optimized and adaptively adjusted by the PLC based on historical operating data, seasonal changes, or through self-learning algorithms, so that the system always stays near the optimal operating point.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the PLC sends direction and speed commands to the tracking motor, and simultaneously reads the angle and position feedback of the solar collector in real time through the encoder connected to the motor, forming a closed-loop control. The PLC combines data from the light sensor to achieve high-precision solar tracking, and uses the solar collector angle information for short-term prediction of the system's energy input.

[0043] Optional, such as Figure 5 As shown, an emergency heat dissipation branch is provided, which is connected in parallel to the outlet pipe of the trough solar collector module through a normally closed solenoid valve. When the first temperature sensor detects over-temperature and the second temperature sensor indicates that the heat storage is full (reaching the upper limit), the PLC outputs a command to open the normally closed solenoid valve, guiding the excess heat energy to the auxiliary radiator for dissipation, preventing system overpressure and over-temperature, and ensuring safe operation.

[0044] Enhanced safety and precise control logic: The PLC monitors the signals of the first and second photoelectric switches in real time. When either limit switch is triggered, the PLC will immediately stop the drive of the corresponding motor or valve and issue an alarm, forming a final hardware-level safety barrier; the PLC receives data from the ambient temperature sensor to dynamically fine-tune the control threshold; in the "heat storage-cooling mode", the PLC constructs a closed-loop control circuit for the electric proportional regulating valve based on the feedback from the cooling load and valve stroke sensor, thereby achieving precise and stable regulation of the heat release flow and improving the cooling quality.

[0045] In some embodiments, the PLC central coordinating controller can also integrate an IoT communication module (such as a 4G / 5G or Wi-Fi module) to upload system operating data (temperature, pressure, mode status, etc.) to a cloud platform and receive control commands from the cloud platform or remote terminals, enabling remote monitoring, fault alarms, and intelligent operation and maintenance. By introducing more sensors (such as pressure and flow), the PLC can build a more comprehensive system energy model for fault diagnosis and energy efficiency analysis.

[0046] In existing technologies, each module operates independently, making it impossible to dynamically allocate energy globally based on real-time light resources, energy storage status, and user cooling load. This results in poor matching of energy in the "collection-storage-utilization" chain, leading to energy waste when there is heat but no cooling or energy shortage when there is cooling but no heat. This embodiment solves the problem of low overall energy utilization efficiency in existing systems due to the decentralized control and lack of unified coordination of the heat collection, heat storage, and cooling subsystems.

[0047] Traditional systems struggle to automatically and smoothly switch to the optimal operating mode (such as direct-drive cooling, thermal storage, and cold release) based on multiple parameters (such as light intensity, thermal storage temperature, and cooling demand), resulting in sluggish system response, inability to fully utilize instantaneous high irradiance resources, and difficulty in maintaining stable cooling output under varying operating conditions. This embodiment solves the problem of fixed or inflexible system operating modes that cannot adapt to dynamic changes in the external environment and load.

[0048] When the energy obtained by the solar collector exceeds the heat storage capacity and there is no cooling demand, the existing system lacks proactive and controllable emergency heat dissipation measures, which can easily lead to local overheating and overpressure, affecting equipment lifespan and operational safety. This embodiment solves the operational safety risk problem caused by the lack or inadequacy of overheat protection mechanisms under extreme operating conditions.

[0049] Existing tracking methods have limited accuracy and are typically only standalone functions. The azimuth angle information of the solar collectors they obtain is not integrated with system energy management, limiting the ability to predict energy input fluctuations and the level of pre-scheduling. This embodiment addresses the problems of low control accuracy in solar tracking systems and the failure to use the information to improve the overall system scheduling foresight.

[0050] Existing systems lack convenient remote data acquisition, status monitoring, and control interfaces, resulting in high operation and maintenance costs, slow fault response, and unsuitability for efficient management in large-scale, networked application scenarios. This embodiment solves the problem of system status monitoring and operation and maintenance relying on manual on-site operations, and low levels of intelligent and remote management.

[0051] In some other embodiments, optionally, the PLC central coordinating controller can be replaced by other types of programmable digital controllers, such as embedded microcontrollers (e.g., ARM Cortex-M series), industrial computers (IPCs), main control units in distributed control systems (DCS), or industrial control computers based on soft PLCs (software-implemented logic control). As long as it has multiple digital / analog input / output interfaces and logic processing capabilities, and can perform the aforementioned data acquisition, logic judgment, and control command output functions, it is acceptable. Some or all of the control logic can be moved to a cloud server or edge computing gateway. Field sensor data is uploaded via a communication module, and the cloud or edge nodes perform data fusion and pattern decision-making, then issue control commands to the field actuators. A simple redundant controller can be retained locally for emergency safety control. This solution is more suitable for large-scale, distributed system clusters. The function of the three-way electric valve can be achieved by a combination of two two-way electric valves (or solenoid valves). For example, a two-way valve can be installed at the collector outlet connected to the inlet of the thermal storage module, and another two-way valve can be connected to the heat source inlet of the refrigeration module. The interlocking opening and closing of these two valves can be controlled by a PLC (e.g., opening only one or closing both simultaneously) to effectively achieve the three-way switching function of the three-way valve. The electric proportional regulating valve is used to regulate the heat flow rate from the thermal storage module to the refrigeration module. This function can be replaced by one of the following methods: using a frequency converter-driven circulating pump, adjusting the working fluid flow rate by changing the pump speed, thereby controlling the heat release rate. In this case, V2 can be simplified to a normally open valve or a switching valve; or using a switching valve connected in parallel with a fixed throttling orifice (or capillary tube), simulating the average flow effect of proportional regulation by using a PLC to control the duty cycle of the switching valve at high frequency (PWM control). Some directly measured parameters can be derived from other parameters or indirectly measured. For example, the temperature of the phase change material measured by the second temperature sensor can be estimated by measuring the temperature of multiple points on the outer shell of the thermal storage module and combining it with a thermal model. The information of the cooling load (third temperature sensor) can be indirectly obtained by accessing the building energy management system (BMS) to obtain the set temperature or by directly reading the data from the indoor temperature and humidity sensor. In addition to obtaining the light intensity information through an independent light sensor, it can also be indirectly inferred by integrating the weather station data interface or by using the rate of change of the collector outlet temperature (T1) in combination with time.

[0052] In some other embodiments, optionally, the single phase change thermal storage module can be expanded into multiple thermal storage units, which can be connected in parallel (increasing capacity) or in series (achieving cascaded thermal storage and release). The PLC controller needs to add corresponding valves to control the charging and discharging heat loops of each unit, and the control logic is expanded to manage the sequential charging and discharging, mixed scheduling, etc., of multiple thermal storage units. On the heat source inlet pipe of the refrigeration cycle module, a loop heated by an auxiliary heat source (such as a gas boiler, electric heater, or waste heat recovery device) is connected in parallel, and this loop is separated by a valve controlled by the PLC. When neither solar energy nor thermal storage can meet the cooling demand, the PLC can open this valve to introduce an auxiliary heat source to ensure the continuity of system cooling. This enhances the system's all-weather operation capability. In addition to threshold judgment based on current real-time parameters, the control logic of the PLC central coordinating controller can further integrate weather forecast data (future sunshine, temperature) and cooling load prediction models. Based on forecast information and historical data, the PLC can adjust the thermal storage strategy and pre-switch the working mode in advance to achieve more forward-looking energy management. The emergency heat dissipation branch, in addition to being connected to the auxiliary radiator via a normally closed solenoid valve, can also be designed to directly discharge excess heat to a low-level hot water storage tank (for domestic hot water preheating) or guide it to an outdoor air-cooled radiator. Its control triggering conditions can also be expanded; for example, it can be based not only on temperature but also on signals from the system pressure sensor.

[0053] Example 2: This embodiment provides an intelligent collaborative control system for a trough-type solar thermal cooling system, including: The data acquisition module is configured to acquire multi-source sensor data at different locations of the trough solar thermal cooling system; The data processing module is configured to: divide the performance priority conditions into a first group of performance priority conditions, a second group of performance priority conditions, and a third group of performance priority conditions based on the multi-source sensor data. The control module is configured to: when the first set of efficiency priority conditions is met, the control system operates in heat collection-direct drive cooling mode; when the second set of energy storage conditions is met but the first set of conditions is not met, the control system operates in heat collection-heat storage mode; when the third set of energy release conditions is met but the first set of conditions is not met, the control system operates in heat storage-cooling mode.

[0054] The working method of the system is the same as the intelligent collaborative control method of the trough solar thermal cooling system in Example 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] Example 3: This embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the intelligent collaborative control method for the trough solar thermal cooling system described in Embodiment 1.

[0056] Example 4: This embodiment provides an electronic device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and capable of running on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements the steps of the intelligent collaborative control method for the trough solar thermal cooling system described in Embodiment 1.

[0057] Example 5: This embodiment provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program. When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the intelligent collaborative control method for the trough solar thermal cooling system described in Embodiment 1.

[0058] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this practice and is not intended to limit the scope of this practice. Various modifications and variations can be made to this practice by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this practice should be included within the protection scope of this practice.

Claims

1. A smart collaborative control method for a trough-type solar thermal cooling system, characterized in that, include: Acquire multi-source sensor data at different locations of the parabolic trough solar thermal cooling system; Based on the multi-source sensing data, the performance priority conditions are divided into a first group of performance priority conditions, a second group of performance priority conditions, and a third group of performance priority conditions. When the first set of performance priority conditions is met, the control system operates in the heat collection-direct drive cooling mode; when the second set of energy storage conditions is met but the first set of conditions is not met, the control system operates in the heat collection-energy storage mode; when the third set of energy release conditions is met but the first set of conditions is not met, the control system operates in the energy storage-cooling mode.

2. The intelligent collaborative control method for a trough solar thermal cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-source sensor data includes ambient light intensity, working fluid temperature at the heat collector outlet, internal temperature at the energy storage side, and required temperature at the cooling side.

3. The intelligent collaborative control method for a trough solar thermal cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first set of performance priority conditions is when the ambient light intensity is higher than the first set light intensity threshold and the cooling demand is higher than the set cooling temperature value; the second set of performance priority conditions is when the light intensity is higher than the second set light intensity threshold, the temperature of the thermal storage module is lower than the melting point of the phase change material, and the direct drive cooling conditions are not met; the third set of performance priority conditions is when there is a cooling demand and the temperature of the thermal storage module is higher than the minimum start-up temperature required for the cooling cycle; wherein, the first set light intensity threshold is greater than the second set light intensity threshold, the melting point of the phase change material is set as the phase change temperature of the phase change material, and the minimum start-up temperature value is set as the minimum drive temperature required for the cooling cycle.

4. The intelligent collaborative control method for a trough solar thermal cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The parabolic trough solar thermal collector and cooling system includes a parabolic trough solar collector module, a phase change thermal storage module, and a cooling cycle module. The outlet of the parabolic trough solar collector module is connected to the inlet of a three-way electric valve via an insulated pipe. The first outlet of the three-way electric valve is connected to the inlet of the phase change thermal storage module via a pipe, and the second outlet is connected to the heat source inlet of the generator or heat drive unit in the cooling cycle module via a pipe. The outlet pipe of the phase change thermal storage module is connected in series with an electric proportional regulating valve and a circulation pump, and then connected to the heat source circuit of the cooling cycle module.

5. The intelligent collaborative control method for a trough solar thermal cooling system as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The parabolic trough solar collector cooling system is equipped with a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor, an ambient light sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, a first photoelectric switch, a first limit switch, a second photoelectric switch, a second limit switch, and a valve stroke sensor. The first temperature sensor is located on the outlet pipe of the parabolic trough solar collector module to monitor the temperature of the heat collection medium. The second temperature sensor is located inside the phase change thermal storage module to monitor the temperature of the phase change material. The third temperature sensor is located at the evaporator outlet of the cooling cycle module to reflect the cooling effect and cooling load demand. An ambient light sensor is installed on the solar collector module to monitor real-time solar irradiance; an ambient temperature sensor is installed in a well-ventilated area near the solar collector module to monitor ambient air temperature; a first photoelectric switch and a first limit switch are respectively installed at the positive and negative rotational limit positions of the solar tracking mechanism to provide mechanical position limit protection signals for the hardware; a second photoelectric switch and a second limit switch are installed on the actuator of the electric proportional control valve to provide full-open and full-close position limit protection signals for the valve; a valve stroke sensor is integrated into the actuator of the electric proportional control valve to provide feedback on the valve opening position.

6. The intelligent collaborative control method for a trough solar thermal cooling system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The parabolic trough solar collector cooling system is equipped with a tracking motor, a circulating pump, a three-way electric valve, and an electric proportional regulating valve. The tracking motor drives the parabolic trough solar collector module to rotate, the circulating pump drives the heat transfer medium in the heat storage circuit to circulate, the three-way electric valve is used to switch the core working flow path of the system, and the electric proportional regulating valve is used to regulate the heat flow rate from the heat storage module to the cooling module.

7. The intelligent collaborative control method for a trough solar thermal cooling system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, When the ambient light intensity is higher than the first set light intensity threshold and the cooling demand is higher than the set cooling temperature value, the three-way electric valve is controlled to switch to direct connection between the heat collection module and the cooling module. When the light intensity is higher than the second set light intensity threshold, the temperature of the heat storage module is lower than the melting point of the phase change material, and the direct-drive cooling conditions are not met, the three-way electric valve is controlled to switch to connection between the heat collection module and the heat storage module, and the circulation pump is started to store the excess solar thermal energy. When there is a cooling demand and the temperature of the heat storage module is higher than the minimum start-up temperature required for the cooling cycle, the three-way electric valve is controlled to switch to connection between the heat storage module and the cooling module.

8. An intelligent collaborative control system for a trough-type solar thermal cooling system, characterized in that, include: The data acquisition module is configured to acquire multi-source sensor data at different locations of the trough solar thermal cooling system; The data processing module is configured to: divide the performance priority conditions into a first group of performance priority conditions, a second group of performance priority conditions, and a third group of performance priority conditions based on the multi-source sensor data. The control module is configured to: when the first set of efficiency priority conditions is met, the control system operates in heat collection-direct drive cooling mode; when the second set of energy storage conditions is met but the first set of conditions is not met, the control system operates in heat collection-heat storage mode; when the third set of energy release conditions is met but the first set of conditions is not met, the control system operates in heat storage-cooling mode.

9. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and capable of running on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the program, it implements the steps of the intelligent collaborative control method for the trough solar thermal cooling system as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that, The computer program product includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the intelligent collaborative control method for a trough solar thermal cooling system as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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