An air conditioning system facilitating water make-up

Abstract

This invention discloses a household energy storage air conditioning system that facilitates water replenishment and drainage. By setting a common node for water replenishment and drainage, the system forms a star topology connection between the second external heat source, the system drain outlet, and the energy storage unit. This allows for both water replenishment and drainage functions to be completed with only a single system water replenishment and drainage pipe, significantly simplifying piping layout and operation. Simultaneously, the system combines the star-shaped water replenishment and drainage structure with the energy storage unit and gas-liquid heat exchanger, enabling efficient heat exchange even during water replenishment and drainage, significantly improving temperature stability and ease of use. This system can be flexibly combined with various external heat sources such as gas stoves, heat pumps, and distributed energy storage units, making it particularly suitable for household applications.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2026102142828, filed on February 13, 2026, entitled "An air conditioner and system for easy water replenishment". Technical Field

[0002] This invention belongs to the field of air conditioners, specifically an air conditioner and its air conditioning system that facilitates water replenishment and drainage. Background Technology

[0003] As economic conditions improve, people have increasingly higher requirements for their living and working environments, thus necessitating air conditioners to improve the temperature and humidity of the environment. Air conditioning requires high-temperature or low-temperature heat sources, such as refrigeration compression cycles, combustion, or resistance heating, to provide heat or cooling, which is then transferred to the user environment through heat exchangers at the terminal.

[0004] There is often a significant mismatch between the output power of heat sources such as solar energy and gas furnaces and the power demand of rooms. In existing home air conditioning systems, although water storage devices can buffer fluctuations in heat source power and improve temperature stability, the water supply and drainage layout still has significant drawbacks: traditional systems usually require separate water supply and drainage pipes, resulting in a large number of pipes, complex wiring, high installation costs, and large space occupation; when changing the layout or moving the system, it is necessary to cumbersomely plug and unplug the pipes, which is inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention addresses the technical problems of complex water supply and drainage pipelines, cumbersome operation, and low heat exchange efficiency during water supply and drainage in existing technologies by providing a household energy storage air conditioning system based on star-shaped water supply and drainage.

[0006] The core of this invention lies in setting up a common node for water supply and drainage, so that the second external heat source, the system drain outlet and the energy storage device form a star topology connection, thereby completing both water supply and drainage functions with only a single system water supply and drainage pipe, without the need for frequent plugging and unplugging of pipes or switching of pipe layout.

[0007] Meanwhile, the present invention organically combines the above-mentioned star-shaped water supply and drainage structure with the energy storage device and the gas-liquid heat exchanger. Even during water supply or drainage, the system can still maintain efficient heat exchange function through the energy storage device and the gas-liquid heat exchanger, so as to achieve the stability and continuity of temperature output.

[0008] The main advantages of this invention are: it significantly reduces the number of pipes and connection complexity, thereby reducing installation and material costs; water replenishment and drainage can be completed alternately through the same node and a single pipe, making operation extremely convenient; it can maintain a high heat exchange capacity during water replenishment and drainage, improving system temperature stability and energy utilization efficiency; the system has a compact structure and is flexible in movement, making it particularly suitable for use with external heat sources such as household gas stoves.

[0009] An air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes an energy storage device, a gas-liquid heat exchanger, a main pump, and a common node for water supply and drainage; the energy storage device can store energy storage fluids such as hot water and chilled water; the inner side of the gas-liquid heat exchanger is connected to the energy storage device, and the outer side is connected to the outside, realizing the function of energy storage and heat exchange; the common node for water supply and drainage connects the second external heat source, the system drain outlet, and the energy storage device in a star topology, thereby completing the functions of water supply and drainage with a single system water supply and drainage pipe; the main pump drives the flow of fluid.

[0010] An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes components such as a regulator liquid inlet, a liquid tank, a liquid tank heat exchanger, a regulator liquid outlet, a liquid tank water supply valve, a liquid tank drain pipe, an air inlet, a fan, and an air outlet; the liquid tank is an open container; the liquid tank heat exchanger is located at the liquid tank; the regulator liquid inlet, the gas-liquid heat exchanger, the liquid tank, the liquid tank heat exchanger, and the regulator liquid outlet are connected by pipelines; one end of the liquid tank water supply valve is connected to the liquid tank; the liquid tank drain pipe connects the liquid tank to the outside; the air inlet, the liquid tank, the liquid tank heat exchanger, the fan, the gas-liquid heat exchanger, and the air outlet are connected by air ducts.

[0011] The function of the regulator liquid inlet and liquid outlet is to connect the air conditioner to the external heat source, allowing external fluid to enter and exit the air conditioner and serve as an energy source to achieve functions such as humidification, dehumidification, heating, and cooling. The naming of the regulator liquid inlet and outlet does not imply a restriction on the fluid flow direction; in some cases, external fluid can also enter the air conditioner through the regulator liquid outlet and exit through the regulator liquid inlet. Preferably, the regulator liquid inlet and outlet are quick-connect couplings, and secondarily quick-plug couplings or pagoda couplings, to facilitate flexible connection with various types of external heat sources and drainage methods, forming the air conditioning system.

[0012] The function of the gas-liquid heat exchanger is to transfer the heat or cold of the internal fluid to the air flowing outside the gas-liquid heat exchanger through heat exchange, thereby supporting functions such as heating, cooling, and dehumidification. The gas-liquid heat exchanger can be selected as a finned heat exchanger, finned tube heat exchanger, microchannel heat exchanger, etc., as needed to obtain a larger heat exchange area and heat exchange performance.

[0013] For the liquid pool, during humidification, water is placed in the liquid pool heat exchanger to prevent the surface of the liquid pool heat exchanger from drying out; during cooling or dehumidification, the function of the liquid pool is to collect condensate from the gas-liquid heat exchanger and the liquid pool heat exchanger.

[0014] For the liquid pool heat exchanger, during humidification, it provides the heat required for water vaporization; during heating, it also has a certain heating effect on the air. This is important for reducing the regulator outlet liquid temperature and improving the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system, because it allows the regulator outlet liquid temperature to be closer to the ambient wet-bulb temperature, rather than the higher dry-bulb temperature. During dehumidification and cooling, the liquid pool heat exchanger provides the cooling capacity required for water vapor condensation, and also has a certain air cooling effect.

[0015] The function of the liquid tank water supply valve is to provide water or water-containing fluid to the liquid tank when opened, thereby supporting the humidification function. Although named a liquid tank water supply valve here, in addition to conventional valve forms such as ball valves, needle valves, and butterfly valves, the liquid tank water supply valve can also be other forms of throttling structures such as stop clamps and plugs, as long as it can realize the opening, reduction, or closing of the water supply function. The same applies to other valves involved in this invention.

[0016] The function of the liquid tank drain pipe is to drain excess liquid from the liquid tank, preventing scale and dirt buildup. Furthermore, if the liquid replenished by the water supply valve contains components other than water, such as an aqueous solution of propylene glycol, the function of the liquid tank drain pipe also includes draining residual liquid after humidification and concentration, preventing any impact on the humidification function.

[0017] The fan drives ambient air to flow into the air conditioner through the air inlet, and then through the liquid tank, the liquid tank heat exchanger, and the gas-liquid heat exchanger, before leaving the air conditioner through the air outlet and entering the environment.

[0018] When the air conditioner is operating, air flows through the liquid pool heat exchanger and the gas-liquid heat exchanger. Liquid from the external heat source primarily regulates the air temperature through the gas-liquid heat exchanger and primarily regulates the air humidity through the liquid pool heat exchanger. The form of the external heat source can be flexibly determined. The external heat source is connected to the liquid inlet of the air conditioner via a pipeline, ensuring that the heat or cold energy from the external heat source is transferred to the air conditioner through the liquid, and that the air temperature and humidity are regulated through the liquid pool heat exchanger and the gas-liquid heat exchanger.

[0019] The air conditioner can also operate in a mist-free humidification mode without relying on the heat from the external heat source. In this mode, water or an aqueous liquid still needs to be added to the liquid tank. Driven by the fan inside the air conditioner, air flows through the liquid tank, and the heat carried by the air itself drives the evaporation of water in the liquid tank, thereby increasing the air humidity.

[0020] The air conditioner can also operate in ventilation mode without relying on the heat from the external heat source. In this mode, the fan inside the air conditioner turns on, enhancing the airflow in the environment where the air conditioner is located, functioning similarly to a regular cooling fan or ventilation device.

[0021] When the air conditioner is connected to the external heat source, and the external heat source is a high-temperature heat source, the air conditioner operates in heating mode. The high-temperature fluid from the external heat source mainly heats the air through the gas-liquid heat exchanger, and also heats the air through the liquid pool heat exchanger.

[0022] In heating mode, if the water supply valve of the liquid tank is opened, adding water or other water-containing fluids to the liquid tank, the air conditioner will operate in heating and humidification mode. Fluid from the external heat source heats the water in the liquid tank through the liquid tank heat exchanger, thereby driving the evaporation of the water and achieving the effect of humidifying the air. When the fan speed is lower, the humidification effect is better, while the heating effect is weaker; when the fan speed is higher, the humidification effect is reduced, but the heating effect is stronger.

[0023] When the air conditioner is connected to the external heat source, and the external heat source is a low-temperature heat source and the fan speed is high, the conditioner operates in cooling mode. The low-temperature fluid from the external heat source mainly cools the air through the gas-liquid heat exchanger, and also cools the air through the liquid pool heat exchanger.

[0024] When the air conditioner is connected to the external heat source, and the external heat source is a low-temperature heat source with a low fan speed, the air conditioner operates in cooling and dehumidification mode. The low-temperature liquid from the external heat source dehumidifies the air through the gas-liquid heat exchanger and the liquid pool heat exchanger; that is, moisture in the air condenses at the gas-liquid heat exchanger, the liquid pool, and the liquid pool heat exchanger. The condensed water is collected through the liquid pool and discharged from the air conditioner through the liquid pool drain pipe.

[0025] It is evident that the air conditioner can be combined with various types of heat sources and flexibly arranged and used in various locations without being limited by power supply, ventilation, or piping conditions, and has good electrical and fire safety.

[0026] For the air conditioner, preferably, in the piping arrangement, the liquid pool heat exchanger is arranged after the gas-liquid heat exchanger, so that the liquid flowing through the air conditioner first exchanges heat with the air through the gas-liquid heat exchanger, and then humidifies the air through the liquid pool heat exchanger. The advantage of this is that when the air conditioner is in heating and humidification mode, it avoids excessive heating of the liquid pool heat exchanger and the liquid pool, which could produce water mist. This also improves heat utilization efficiency, as the fluid passing through the liquid pool heat exchanger can transfer heat to the water in the liquid pool, cooling it to near the wet-bulb temperature, rather than the higher dry-bulb temperature.

[0027] Preferably, in the air duct arrangement, the liquid pool heat exchanger is positioned before the gas-liquid heat exchanger, so that the air flowing into the air conditioner is first humidified by the liquid pool heat exchanger and then conditioned by the gas-liquid heat exchanger. This has the advantage that when the air conditioner operates in heating and humidification mode, the air flowing out of the air conditioner has a higher superheat, thus making it less prone to condensation, water mist, or making other objects damp.

[0028] An air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention is further characterized by having a drain pump; the drain pump is located at a section of the drain pipe of the liquid tank. The function of the drain pump is to assist in the discharge of water from the liquid tank through pumping and suction.

[0029] This invention also proposes an air conditioning system, characterized in that the air conditioner described in any of the above embodiments is connected to an external heat source via a pipeline; the external heat source is a high-temperature heat source with heat or a low-temperature heat source with cooling capacity; the external heat source provides the air conditioner with a hot or cold fluid. When heating or humidification is required, the external heat source can be a hot water source, antifreeze, or other hot fluid with heat from a gas furnace, coal-fired boiler, central heating system, air conditioning heat pump, solar energy system, hot water container, etc. In humidification mode, when the hot fluid is an antifreeze such as propylene glycol aqueous solution, the concentrated liquid after evaporation should be drained in a timely manner through the liquid tank drain pipe to avoid water shortage affecting the humidification effect. When cooling or dehumidification is required, the external heat source can be a low-temperature heat source with cooling capacity such as an air conditioning system, low-temperature natural water, ice storage container, etc.

[0030] According to some embodiments of the air conditioning system of the present invention, the external heat source is characterized by an energy storage device; in use, the energy storage device stores hot or cold fluids such as hot water or ice water containing heat or cold. Preferably, the energy storage device has a handle and casters for easy transportation and movement. The advantages of this approach are obvious. Combined with the energy storage device, for locations lacking adequate power supply, heat source piping, or exhaust conditions, the air conditioning system can meet the temperature and humidity control needs of the location with high capacity, high power, and low cost, without requiring large-scale, expensive fixed power supplies, fluid piping, or mobile power sources.

[0031] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an air conditioning system is characterized in that the air conditioning system further includes a second external heat source; the second external heat source is connected to the air conditioner or the energy storage device via a pipeline. The function of the second external heat source is to replenish the air conditioner or the energy storage device with a fluid having heat or cold capacity.

[0032] An air conditioning system according to some embodiments of the present invention is characterized by further including a system drain outlet and a common replenishment / drainage node; the second external heat source, the system drain outlet, and the energy storage device are connected in a star topology through the common replenishment / drainage node; a system drain valve is included between the system drain outlet and the common replenishment / drainage node. The advantages of this system structure are significant, as it reduces the number of pipes and connectors between the second external heat source and the energy storage device, facilitating pipe connection, installation, and retraction for users, and also reducing component costs. In conventional air conditioning system structures, two pipes, an inlet pipe and a drain pipe, are required between the second external heat source and the energy storage device to achieve water replenishment and drainage functions. With the air conditioning system structure employing the common replenishment / drainage node and the star topology connection, a single inlet / drainage pipe can achieve both water replenishment and drainage functions for the energy storage device and the air conditioner; during multiple rounds of continuous water replenishment and drainage cycles, there is no need to plug or unplug pipes or switch pipe connections, and the ease of use is essentially the same as that of traditional fixed heating / cooling systems.

[0033] The present invention also proposes a method for replenishing energy in an air conditioning system, characterized in that the energy storage device is provided or replaced in any of the above embodiments through a delivery method.

[0034] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 These are external structural diagrams of air conditioners according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 and Figure 4 for Figure 2 Internal structure diagram of an air conditioner in a horizontal position; Figure 5 for Figure 2 Internal structure diagram of an air conditioner in its side-mounted position; Figure 6 These are outline and cross-sectional views of filters according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 7 and Figure 8 These are outline drawings of the liquid pool, liquid pool heat exchanger, and fiber layer according to some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the air conditioning system of the present invention, which includes an energy storage device and an air conditioner placed horizontally. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the air conditioning system of the present invention, including an energy storage device and an air conditioner placed on the side; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the air conditioning system of the present invention, including an energy storage device, a second external heat source, a system water supply pipe, and a system drain pipe; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of some embodiments of the air conditioning system of the present invention, which includes an energy storage device, a second external heat source, and a common node for water supply and drainage.

[0036] Figure label: Air conditioner 100; Regulator liquid inlet 101, drain pump 102, gas-liquid heat exchanger 103, liquid pool 104, liquid pool heat exchanger 105, regulator liquid outlet 106, air inlet 107, fan 108, air outlet 109, fiber layer 110, liquid pool drain pipe 111, liquid pool water supply valve 112, side liquid pool 113, electric heater 114, filter 115, regulator handle 116, foot pad 117; Liquid tank drain hole 1041, liquid tank baffle plate 1042, liquid tank heat exchanger tube clamp 1043, liquid tank heat exchanger support 1044. Filter inlet and outlet 1151, filter element sealing gasket 1152, filter element 1153; Main pump 118, energy storage device 119; second external heat source 120, second external heat source liquid outlet 121, second external heat source water supply valve 122, drain container 123, pressure relief device 124, inlet and outlet pipe joint 125, system drain outlet 126, system water supply and drainage pipe 127, water supply and drainage common node 128, system drain valve 129, system water supply pipe 130, system drain pipe 131; Energy storage container 1191, energy storage handle 1192, energy storage liquid outlet 1193, energy storage liquid inlet 1194, energy storage vent 1195, energy storage caster 1196, energy storage basket 1197, energy storage outlet check valve 1198, energy storage inlet and outlet valve 1199, energy storage return valve 11910; Air conditioning system 200. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0038] The following disclosure provides numerous 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 and / 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 and / or arrangements discussed. Additionally, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention; however, those skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0039] The following is for reference. Figures 1-8 An air conditioner 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0040] like Figures 1-8 As shown, an air conditioner 100 according to some embodiments of the present invention includes: a conditioner liquid inlet 101, a drain pump 102, a gas-liquid heat exchanger 103, a liquid tank 104, a liquid tank heat exchanger 105, a conditioner liquid outlet 106, an air inlet 107, a fan 108, an air outlet 109, a fiber layer 110, a liquid tank drain pipe 111, a liquid tank water supply valve 112, a side liquid tank 113, an electric heater 114, a filter 115, a conditioner handle 116, and a foot pad 117. The liquid pool 104 includes: a liquid pool drain hole 1041, a liquid pool baffle plate 1042, a liquid pool heat exchanger tube clamp 1043, and a liquid pool heat exchanger support 1044.

[0041] In some embodiments, the regulator liquid inlet 101 and regulator liquid outlet 106 are in the form of quick connectors to facilitate flexible connection with various types of external components and to form an air conditioning system 200.

[0042] In some embodiments, the gas-liquid heat exchanger 103 is a finned heat exchanger. For clarity, Figure 4 , Figure 5 The gas-liquid heat exchanger 103 omits the fins.

[0043] In some embodiments, the liquid pool 104 is an open container. The liquid pool 104 is located below the gas-liquid heat exchanger 103 to naturally collect condensed moisture on the outer surface of the gas-liquid heat exchanger 103 by gravity during cooling and dehumidification mode. When humidification is required, water is added to the liquid pool via the liquid pool water supply valve 112. Excess liquid or waste liquid in the liquid pool 104 is discharged from the air conditioner 100 through the liquid pool drain hole 1041, the liquid pool drain pipe 111, the filter 115, and the drain pump 102. The side of the liquid pool 104 has a baffle structure 1042 to effectively collect condensate generated at the gas-liquid heat exchanger 103 without overflowing when the air conditioner 100 is in a side-mounted, horizontal blowing mode.

[0044] In some embodiments, the liquid pool heat exchanger 105 is composed of a curved serpentine metal tube arranged within the liquid pool 104, and its position and angle are constrained by the liquid pool heat exchanger tube clamp 1043 and the liquid pool heat exchanger support 1044. The liquid pool heat exchanger 105 is selected as copper tube, which has good bending, welding, corrosion resistance, and heat transfer characteristics.

[0045] In some embodiments, the liquid pool heat exchanger 105 is covered with a fiber layer 110; the fiber layer 110 is made of viscose polyester fiber with a hydrophilic porous structure, and the fiber layer 110 has a ring-shaped structure. The fiber layer 110 can improve the humidification or dehumidification effect through capillary action.

[0046] In some embodiments, the liquid pool heat exchanger 105 is inclined to the horizontal plane. When the air conditioner 100 is placed horizontally and blowing upwards, the angle between the liquid pool heat exchanger 105 and the horizontal plane is 3.6°; when the air conditioner 100 is placed horizontally and blowing downwards, the angle between the liquid pool heat exchanger 105 and the horizontal plane is 3.0°. The angle between the liquid pool heat exchanger 105 and the horizontal plane can be adjusted according to actual conditions. This inclined structure ensures that a larger area of ​​the liquid pool heat exchanger 105 and the fiber layer 110 is exposed above the liquid surface of the liquid pool 104 without the need for fine adjustment of the liquid level in the liquid pool 104, which is beneficial for humidification or dehumidification; in addition, this inclined structure can also guide condensate into the liquid pool 104 and the liquid pool baffle 1042.

[0047] In some embodiments, the liquid tank replenishment valve 112 is selected as a solenoid valve to facilitate the user to replenish the liquid tank 104 with water-containing liquid.

[0048] In some embodiments, the drain pump 102 is in the form of a diaphragm pump.

[0049] In some embodiments, a side liquid tank 113 is arranged on the side of the liquid tank heat exchanger 105. The side liquid tank 113 is a container with an opening. When the air conditioner 100 is in a side-mounted, horizontal blowing mode for cooling or dehumidification, the side liquid tank 113 collects the condensate generated at the gas-liquid heat exchanger 103. The condensate is discharged from the air conditioner 100 through the liquid tank drain hole 1041, the liquid tank drain pipe 111, the filter 115, and the drain pump 102. The filter 115 connected to the side liquid tank 113 and the filter 115 connected to the liquid tank 104 are connected in parallel to the same drain pump 102. In the side-mounted, horizontal blowing mode, the inner surface of the side liquid tank 113 has an angle with the horizontal surface to facilitate the drainage of condensate through the lower part of the side liquid tank 113 into the liquid tank drain pipe 111.

[0050] In some embodiments, a filter 115 is used to prevent contaminants from affecting the drain pump 102 and to avoid flow short circuits caused by hydraulic imbalances in different branch pipes.

[0051] In some embodiments, the air inlet 107 is arranged on one or more sides of the air conditioner 100 to ensure that the air conditioner 100 has good air intake conditions when it is laid flat and blowing upwards or laid sideways and blowing horizontally, which is beneficial to the air volume and the performance of the air conditioner 100.

[0052] In some embodiments, the air outlet 109 is arranged on the top surface of the air conditioner 100. When the air conditioner 100 is laid flat, the air outlet 109 is vented upwards; when the air conditioner 100 is laid on its side, the air outlet 109 is vented horizontally.

[0053] In some embodiments, an electric heater 114 is arranged near the air outlet 109. The electric heater 114 can heat the air either auxiliaryly or independently.

[0054] In some embodiments, the fan 108 is arranged above the liquid pool 104 and below the gas-liquid heat exchanger 103 to reduce the noise of the fan 108 from affecting the outside world and to prevent the electric heater 114 from damaging the fan 108.

[0055] In some embodiments, the regulator liquid inlet 101, gas-liquid heat exchanger 103, liquid pool 104, liquid pool heat exchanger 105, and regulator liquid outlet 106 are sequentially connected by pipelines. When the air conditioner 100 is working, liquid from an external heat source flows through these components sequentially, ensuring that heat or cold from the external heat source is transferred to the air conditioner 100, and regulating the temperature and humidity of the air through the liquid pool heat exchanger 105 and the gas-liquid heat exchanger 103.

[0056] In some embodiments, the air inlet 107, liquid tank 104, liquid tank heat exchanger 105, fan 108, gas-liquid heat exchanger 103, electric heater 114, and air outlet 109 are connected sequentially via air ducts. When the air conditioner 100 is working, the ambient air flows through these components in sequence and is regulated in temperature and humidity by the liquid tank 104, liquid tank heat exchanger 105, gas-liquid heat exchanger 103, and electric heater 114.

[0057] The form of the external heat source can be flexibly determined. See below for reference. Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 This describes an embodiment of an air conditioning system 200 that includes an energy storage unit 119 as an external heat source. The energy storage unit 119 includes: an energy storage container 1191, an energy storage handle 1192, an energy storage liquid outlet 1193, an energy storage liquid inlet 1194, an energy storage vent 1195, energy storage casters 1196, an energy storage basket 1197, an energy storage outlet check valve 1198, an energy storage inlet / outlet valve 1199, and an energy storage return valve 11910. The energy storage unit 119 is a component for storing and transporting energy storage media. The energy storage container 1191 internally stores liquids, solids, or liquid-solid mixtures with heat or cold, such as hot water, hot solutions, cold water, chilled solutions, ice, or ice water. The energy storage unit 119 supplies water or antifreeze to the air conditioner 100 via the main pump 118. The energy storage unit liquid outlet 1193 and liquid inlet 1194 are the heat transfer fluid interfaces between the energy storage unit 119 and the external environment. The energy storage unit liquid outlet 1193 is connected to the air conditioner liquid inlet 101 via a pipe, preferably a quick-connect coupling. The energy storage unit liquid inlet 1194 is connected to the air conditioner liquid outlet 106 via a pipe to receive used liquid return water; the quick-connect coupling is also preferred.

[0058] The energy storage handle 1192 and the energy storage caster 1196 facilitate the movement and transportation of the energy storage 119 and the air conditioning system 200.

[0059] The function of the energy storage vent 1195 is to ensure that the pressure inside the energy storage 119 and the air conditioning system 200 is within the normal operating range.

[0060] The pipe section where the liquid inlet 1194 and liquid outlet 1193 of the accumulator are located may include an outlet check valve 1198 of the accumulator to constrain the flow direction of the liquid in the pipe.

[0061] An energy storage inlet / outlet valve 1199 or an energy storage return valve 11910 can be installed at the liquid inlet 1194 of the energy storage device to regulate the working mode of the energy storage device 119 and the air conditioning system 200.

[0062] for Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 As mentioned above, the advantages of the air conditioning system 200 are obvious: it can fully realize heating, cooling, humidification or dehumidification; the air conditioner 100 can be easily adjusted to a different location; the air outlet direction can be easily adjusted; the air conditioning system 200 as a whole can be moved and transported relatively easily; and it has lower requirements for power supply, ventilation, piping and fire protection.

[0063] In some such Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the air conditioner 100 has external dimensions of only 56cm × 29cm × 38cm. The energy storage unit 119 is placed directly above the air conditioner 100, resulting in an air conditioning system 200 with overall dimensions of only 90cm × 45cm × 117cm. Both the air conditioner 100 and the air conditioning system 200 can be easily moved and arranged by the user. The air conditioning system 200 has a rated voltage of 24V and a rated power of 60W; it is powered by a 24V portable power source; the energy storage unit 119 stores 95 liters of hot water with an initial temperature of 95°C; the usable area of ​​the air conditioning system 200 is 42 square meters; and the average outside temperature is 12°C. Relying solely on the heat stored in the energy storage unit 119, the air conditioning system 200 achieves a humidification rate exceeding 500mL / h and a maximum heating power of 10kW, maintaining a room temperature above 22°C for 4 hours.

[0064] Depending on the usage conditions and piping layout, the air conditioning system 200 can also be configured in other ways.

[0065] The following is for reference. Figure 11 Examples of air conditioning systems 200 having a second external heat source 120 are described. Figure 11 The air conditioning system 200 shown also includes: a second external heat source liquid outlet 121, a second external heat source water supply valve 122, a drain container 123, a pressure relief device 124, an inlet and outlet pipe joint 125, a system drain outlet 126, a system drain valve 129, a system water supply pipe 130, and a system drain pipe 131.

[0066] The second external heat source 120 can be a wall-mounted boiler, a solar water heating system, an air conditioning heat pump system, an energy storage device, or other heat source forms. The drain container 123 is used to collect or discharge the drainage from the air conditioning system 200. This drainage can be reused in other ways or discharged directly. The pressure relief device 124 is connected to the system water supply pipe 130 and its function is to prevent excessive pressure in the system water supply pipe 130 and other fittings, which could lead to leaks or other problems.

[0067] The purpose of the inlet and outlet pipe connectors 125 is to facilitate the connection and disconnection of pipes, and to facilitate the adjustment of the pipeline layout. When the air conditioning system 200 does not require water replenishment or drainage, the corresponding connectors can be cut off, and components such as the inlet and outlet pipe connectors 125, system drain outlet 126, system drain valve 129, system water replenishment pipe 130, and system drain pipe 131 can be stored to reduce interference with the space of use. Especially when the distance from the second external heat source 120 to the energy storage device 119 is long, laying the system water replenishment pipe 130 and system drain pipe 131 in the use area for a long time will significantly affect the user's experience.

[0068] like Figure 11 In the embodiment of the air conditioning system 200 shown, the second external heat source liquid outlet 121 is connected to the energy storage inlet / outlet valve 1199 via the system water supply pipe 130, and then connected to the pipeline node where the energy storage liquid outlet 1193 and the regulator liquid inlet 101 are located; while the system drain outlet 126 is connected to the pipeline node where the energy storage liquid inlet 1194 and the regulator liquid outlet 106 are located via the system drain pipe 131. Based on the air conditioner 100, the energy storage device 119, and the second external heat source 120, according to... Figure 11 The way in which they are connected to form an air conditioning system 200 is easy to imagine. But as mentioned earlier, Figure 11 The system structure shown has problems such as the significant impact of pipe fittings on space, complex pipe connection and disconnection, and high pipe fitting costs. Under this system structure, due to the presence of two long pipes, the system water supply pipe 130 and the system drainage pipe 131, users are prone to significant inconvenience during pipe connection, disconnection, and retraction, especially when the pipes are long.

[0069] Considering that system water replenishment and drainage can be carried out at different times, this invention proposes that the system drain pipe 131 and other fittings are not connected when the system is replenishing water; similarly, the system water replenishment pipe 130 and other fittings are not connected when the system is draining water. The structure and function of the system water replenishment pipe 130 and the system drain pipe 131 are combined into one system water replenishment / drainage pipe 127, and the corresponding connection method is switched during water replenishment or drainage. The advantages of this approach are: reducing two long pipes to one long pipe significantly reduces the workload of connecting, laying, and retracting pipes, and has very little impact on the usage environment; it also makes pipe laying and clamping easier, and even placing the pipe directly on the floor without laying it on the wall will not cause much interference to the user. However, this method still requires a corresponding pipe pulling and connecting operation for each water replenishment-drainage cycle, which is still quite inconvenient.

[0070] Therefore, such as Figure 12As shown, this invention proposes a star-topology air conditioning system 200, characterized in that the second external heat source 120, the system drain outlet 126, and the energy storage device 119 are connected in a star configuration via a common replenishment / drainage node 128; the common replenishment / drainage node 128 can also be connected to components such as a pressure relief device 124; the pipe section from the common replenishment / drainage node 128 to the second external heat source 120, the system drain outlet 126, or the energy storage device 119 can be connected to valves or other fittings, such as the energy storage device inlet / drainage valve 1199. Preferably, the common replenishment / drainage node 128 is connected to the energy storage device 119 via the energy storage device liquid inlet 1194. The advantage of this is that this node is also connected to the regulator liquid outlet 106. When the air conditioning system 200 drains, if the energy storage device return valve 11910 is closed, the discharged water comes from the regulator liquid outlet 106. That is, before the water is discharged from the air conditioning system 200, its heat or cold energy will be more fully utilized at the air conditioner 100, resulting in higher energy efficiency of the air conditioning system 200.

[0071] for Figure 12 In the embodiment of the air conditioning system 200 shown, the air conditioner 100 and the energy storage unit 119 share a single system drain pipe 127 with the second external heat source 120 and the system drain outlet 126. This structure offers several advantages: a) It uses only one long pipe, reducing the workload for users when inserting, removing, and retracting the pipe; b) It saves on fitting costs; c) A single pipe has a much smaller impact on usable space than two pipes; d) The pipe connection method is unique, with the connection method being the same for both system water replenishment and system drainage, only the valve status differs. Therefore, with proper markings or anti-misconnection structures, misunderstandings or incorrect connections are less likely to occur when inserting or removing the pipe; e) System water replenishment and drainage pipes 127 and other fittings can be easily fixed with pipe clamps provided at the user's location, and no adjustment of the pipe connection status is required after fixing; f) During the multi-cycle water replenishment and drainage of the air conditioning system 200, the user only needs to simply adjust the valve status to switch between water replenishment and drainage without inserting or removing the pipe. That is, when water replenishment is needed, the second external heat source water supply valve 122 is opened, and at other times, the second external heat source water supply valve 122 is closed. When drainage is needed, the system drain valve 129 is opened. In summary, through Figure 12 The embodiment shown demonstrates that the air conditioning system 200 achieves the same ease of use as a fixed heating system, while still retaining the advantages of good flexibility, portability, acceptance of various heat source forms, and low power consumption.

[0072] for Figure 11 and Figure 12In the embodiment of the air conditioning system 200 shown, the energy storage inlet and outlet valve 1199 is preferably an electric valve. This has the advantage that when the liquid level in the energy storage 119 is too high, the valve can be automatically shut off by a corresponding controller, preventing water overflow and reducing the user's burden of monitoring the water level in the energy storage 119. The second external heat source 120 typically has a flow switch. In the system's water replenishment mode, after the energy storage inlet and outlet valve 1199 is shut off, the second external heat source 120 will stop supplying heat. Even if the second external heat source 120 continues to supply water, due to the throttling effect of the pressure relief device 124, only a small amount of water will be discharged through the pressure relief device 124, resulting in minimal water loss.

[0073] In some embodiments, an energy storage unit 119 is provided or replaced to the air conditioning system 200 via delivery to supplement the air conditioning system 200 with heat or cooling. The energy storage unit has energy storage casters 1196 and an energy storage handle 1192 for easy transport. The upper part of the energy storage unit 119 has a flat surface for placing items, facilitating delivery personnel to place and transport items such as power banks, pipes, door sill mats, ramp mats, food, and beverages. Delivery destinations include not only general air conditioning usage locations such as residential homes, offices, shops, and schools, but also locations without fixed air conditioning units, such as construction sites, factories, and outdoor sheds. A typical delivery process is as follows: a) The customer places an order; b) Delivery personnel transport the energy storage unit 119 or air conditioner 100 to the destination; c) Delivery personnel install / replace the energy storage unit 119 or air conditioner 100 and configure the air conditioning system 200; d) Delivery personnel transport the depleted energy storage unit 119 or the air conditioner 100 that the customer has discontinued to the designated location. During the delivery process, ramp mats, threshold mats, etc., are used to ensure that the energy storage unit 119 can overcome obstacles that are easily encountered in urban environments, such as stairs and thresholds. This delivery process can also utilize the carrying capacity of the energy storage unit 119 to coordinate the delivery of other items, thereby improving economic efficiency.

[0074] Obviously, the energy storage device 119 and the air conditioning system 200 can also incorporate other valves, pipes, pumps, and other components to achieve the same effects. Any pipework and system structure design based on the air conditioner 100 or air conditioning system 200 described in this invention, without sufficient creative effort or unexpected practical effects, should be within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0075] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0076] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0077] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0078] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0079] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0080] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A household energy storage air conditioning system that facilitates water replenishment and drainage, characterized in that, The system includes a gas-liquid heat exchanger, an energy storage device, a common water supply and drainage node, a system drain outlet, and a main pump. The inner side of the gas-liquid heat exchanger is connected to the energy storage device, and the outer side is connected to the outside environment, achieving temperature regulation through internal and external heat exchange. The energy storage device serves as an external heat source and can store energy storage fluids such as hot water and ice water. The air conditioning system also includes a second external heat source. The common water supply and drainage node forms a star topology connection between the second external heat source, the system drain outlet, and the energy storage device, thereby enabling both water supply and drainage functions to be completed with a single system water supply and drainage pipe. The main pump drives the flow of fluids.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system drain outlet is connected to the common node for water supply and drainage via a system drain valve. By switching the state of the system drain valve, water supply mode or drainage mode can be achieved without changing the pipeline connection.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid pool and a liquid pool heat exchanger; the liquid pool heat exchanger is used to adjust the air humidity.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid tank water supply valve and a liquid tank drain pipe; the liquid tank water supply valve provides water-containing fluid to the liquid tank heat exchanger during humidification; the liquid tank drain pipe removes excess liquid from the liquid tank.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, characterized in that... It has a drain pump; the drain pump is located at the section of the drain pipe of the liquid pool, and the drain pump is used to drain excess liquid from the liquid pool.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second external heat source is a high-temperature or low-temperature heat source such as a gas furnace, heat pump, solar energy system, or ice storage container.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The system provides or replaces the energy storage device through a delivery method.

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