Air conditioning system, control method thereof, and electronic device

Abstract

The application relates to the air conditioning technical field, and particularly provides an air conditioning system, a control method thereof and an electronic device, and aims to solve the problem that the existing air conditioning system absorbs heat from the indoor side in the defrosting process, resulting in obvious indoor temperature fluctuation. For the purpose, the air conditioning system comprises a refrigerant circuit, an energy storage module, an energy storage heat exchanger, an energy storage tank and a flow path switching assembly, the energy storage heat exchanger comprises a refrigerant side flow path and an energy storage side flow path, the flow path switching assembly comprises a first connection state, a second connection state and a third connection state, in the first connection state, the refrigerant side flow path is connected in parallel with an indoor heat exchanger, in the second connection state, the refrigerant side flow path is connected in series between the indoor heat exchanger and a first throttling element in the refrigerant circuit, and in the third connection state, the refrigerant side flow path is disconnected. In the defrosting process of the air conditioning system, the energy storage heat exchanger is used for heat supply instead of heat absorption from the indoor side, so that the indoor temperature fluctuation in the defrosting process can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, specifically providing an air conditioning system and its control method, as well as electronic equipment. Background Technology

[0002] A multi-split air conditioner is an air conditioning system that connects one outdoor unit to multiple indoor units, enabling independent temperature control and centralized cooling and heating for multiple rooms. When operating in heating mode in low-temperature environments, the outdoor unit of a multi-split air conditioner is prone to frosting. Related technologies address this by switching from heating mode to defrost mode to defrost the outdoor unit.

[0003] However, the defrosting process of the air conditioning system absorbs heat from the indoor side, causing significant fluctuations in indoor temperature and affecting the user experience.

[0004] Therefore, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to solve the aforementioned technical problem, namely, the problem that the air conditioning system absorbs heat from the indoor side during the defrosting process, resulting in significant fluctuations in indoor temperature and affecting the user experience.

[0006] This application provides an air conditioning system, comprising: a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger, a first throttling element, and an outdoor heat exchanger; and an energy storage module including an energy storage heat exchanger, an energy storage box, and a flow path switching assembly connecting the refrigerant circuit and the energy storage heat exchanger, wherein the energy storage heat exchanger includes a heat-exchangeable refrigerant-side flow path and an energy storage-side flow path; wherein the flow path switching assembly includes a first connection state, a second connection state, and a third connection state; in the first connection state, the refrigerant-side flow path is connected in parallel with the indoor heat exchanger; in the second connection state, the refrigerant-side flow path is connected in series with the refrigerant circuit between the indoor heat exchanger and the first throttling element; in the third connection state, the refrigerant-side flow path is disconnected; and the energy storage-side flow path is connected to the energy storage box.

[0007] In some embodiments, the refrigerant circuit includes a first switching valve disposed between the four-way valve and the indoor heat exchanger, and a second switching valve disposed between the indoor heat exchanger and the first throttling element; wherein, the flow path switching assembly includes a first pipe section, a second pipe section, and a third pipe section that can be connected / disconnected; a first end of the refrigerant-side flow path is connected to the refrigerant circuit between the second switching valve and the first throttling element through the first pipe section; a second end of the refrigerant-side flow path is connected to the refrigerant circuit between the second switching valve and the indoor heat exchanger through the second pipe section; and a second end of the refrigerant-side flow path is connected to the refrigerant circuit between the first switching valve and the four-way valve through the third pipe section.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first pipe section is provided with a second throttling element; the second pipe section is provided with a third switching valve; the third pipe section is provided with a fourth switching valve; and an indoor throttling element is provided on the refrigerant circuit between the second switching valve and the indoor heat exchanger.

[0009] In some embodiments, the energy storage side flow path is connected to the energy storage tank through a water circulation loop, and a water pump is provided on the water circulation loop.

[0010] This application provides a control method for an air conditioning system, applied to the aforementioned air conditioning system. The control method includes: adjusting the connection state of the flow path switching component according to the operating mode, current operating condition, current electricity price and time, and / or the operating state of the indoor unit, so that the energy storage module stores cold or heat; adjusting the operating state of the flow path switching component and / or the indoor heat exchanger according to the operating mode and / or the outdoor temperature, so that the energy storage module supplies cooling or heating; wherein, the operating mode includes heating mode, cooling mode, and defrosting mode; the current operating condition includes high load condition, low load condition, and heat recovery condition; the current electricity price and time include low electricity price time and high electricity price time; and the indoor unit operating state includes indoor unit off state and indoor unit working state.

[0011] In some embodiments, "adjusting the connection state of the flow path switching component according to the operating mode of the air conditioning system, the current operating condition, the current electricity price and time, and / or the operating state of the indoor unit, so that the energy storage module stores cold or heat" includes: if the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, the indoor unit is off, and the electricity price is low, the flow path switching component switches to a first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for cold storage; and / or if the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, low load condition, and the indoor unit is working, the flow path switching component switches to a first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for cold storage.

[0012] In some embodiments, "adjusting the connection state of the flow path switching component according to the operating mode of the air conditioning system, current operating conditions, current electricity price and time, and / or the operating state of the indoor unit, so that the energy storage module stores cold or heat" includes: if the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the indoor unit is off, and there is a low electricity price, the flow path switching component switches to a first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for heat storage; and / or if the air conditioning system is in heating mode, low load operating conditions, and the indoor unit is operating, the flow path switching component switches to a first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for heat storage; and / or if the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the indoor unit is operating, and heat recovery operating conditions, the flow path switching component switches to a second connection state to utilize the energy storage module for refrigerant waste heat recovery.

[0013] In some embodiments, "adjusting the operating state of the flow path switching component and / or the indoor heat exchanger according to the operating mode and / or the outdoor temperature" includes: if the air conditioning system is in the cooling mode and the outdoor temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the flow path switching component switches to the second connection state to utilize the energy storage module for cooling; and / or if the air conditioning system is in the defrosting mode, the flow path switching component switches to the first connection state and the branch where the indoor heat exchanger is located is disconnected to utilize the energy storage module for heating to defrost the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0014] In some embodiments, the control method includes: if the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, high load condition and indoor unit is in operation, the flow path switching component switches to a third connection state to shut down the energy storage module; and / or if the air conditioning system is in heating mode, high load condition and indoor unit is in operation, the flow path switching component switches to a third connection state to shut down the energy storage module.

[0015] This application provides an electronic device including a processor and a storage device, the storage device being adapted to store a plurality of program codes, the program codes being adapted to be loaded and run by the processor to perform the control method of the air conditioning system described above.

[0016] With the above technical solution adopted, the air conditioning system provided in this application is equipped with an energy storage module, which includes an energy storage heat exchanger, an energy storage box, and a flow path switching component. The refrigerant-side flow path and the energy storage flow path of the energy storage heat exchanger can exchange heat. When the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the energy storage flow path can absorb heat from the refrigerant-side flow path and store it in the energy storage box. Similarly, since the refrigerant-side flow path and the energy storage flow path can exchange heat, the energy storage flow path can transfer the heat stored in the energy storage box to the refrigerant-side flow path, thereby realizing heat supply from the energy storage module. In this way, by switching the connection state of the flow path switching component, the connection method between the energy storage heat exchanger and the refrigerant circuit can be changed, thereby enabling the energy storage heat exchanger to store some heat. During the defrosting process of the air conditioning system, the energy storage heat exchanger is used for heating instead of absorbing heat from the indoor side, which can reduce the fluctuation of indoor temperature during defrosting and improve the user experience.

[0017] Furthermore, when the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, the energy storage flow path can absorb the cooling capacity from the refrigerant-side flow path and store it in the energy storage box. Similarly, the energy storage flow path can also transfer the cooling capacity stored in the energy storage box to the refrigerant-side flow path, enabling the energy storage module to provide cooling. Thus, by switching the connection state of the flow path switching component, the connection method between the energy storage heat exchanger and the refrigerant circuit can be changed, allowing the energy storage heat exchanger to store some cooling capacity. When the air conditioning system is cooling in a high-temperature environment, the energy storage heat exchanger can be used for cooling, ensuring that the air conditioning system outputs sufficient cooling capacity and guaranteeing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a flow diagram of an air conditioning system provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the steps of a control method provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path of an air conditioning system provided in this application;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path for another air conditioning system provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path for another air conditioning system provided in this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path for another air conditioning system provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path for another air conditioning system provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path for another air conditioning system provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow path for another air conditioning system provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in this application.

[0029] Reference numerals: 100, refrigerant circuit; 101, compressor; 102, four-way valve; 103, indoor heat exchanger; 104, first throttling element; 105, outdoor heat exchanger; 106, first switching valve; 107, second switching valve; 108, indoor throttling element; 109, oil separator; 110, gas-liquid separator; 200, energy storage module; 201, energy storage heat exchanger; 204, first pipe section; 2041, second throttling element; 205, second pipe section; 2051, third switching valve; 206, third pipe section; 2061, fourth switching valve. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Preferred embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] In the description of this application, "module" and "processor" can include hardware, software, or a combination of both. A module can include hardware circuitry, various suitable sensors, communication ports, memory, and may also include software components, such as program code, or a combination of software and hardware. A processor can be a central processing unit, microprocessor, image processor, digital signal processor, or any other suitable processor. The processor has data and / or signal processing capabilities. The processor can be implemented in software, in hardware, or a combination of both. Computer-readable storage media includes any suitable medium capable of storing program code, such as magnetic disks, hard disks, optical disks, flash memory, read-only memory, random access memory, etc. The term "A and / or B" means all possible combinations of A and B, such as only A, only B, or A and B. The terms "at least one A or B" or "at least one of A and B" have a similar meaning to "A and / or B" and can include only A, only B, or A and B. The singular terms "a" or "this" can also include plural forms.

[0032] In one aspect, this application provides an air conditioning system.

[0033] Combination Figure 1As shown, the air conditioning system provided in this application includes a refrigerant circuit 100 and an energy storage module 200.

[0034] The refrigerant circuit 100 includes a compressor 101, a four-way valve 102, an indoor heat exchanger 103, a first throttling element 104, and an outdoor heat exchanger 105.

[0035] The energy storage module 200 includes an energy storage heat exchanger 201, an energy storage box, and a flow path switching component connecting the refrigerant circuit 100 and the energy storage heat exchanger 201. The energy storage heat exchanger 201 includes a heat-exchangeable refrigerant-side flow path and an energy storage-side flow path.

[0036] The flow path switching component includes a first connection state, a second connection state, and a third connection state. In the first connection state, the refrigerant-side flow path is connected in parallel with the indoor heat exchanger 103. In the second connection state, the refrigerant-side flow path is connected in series with the refrigerant circuit 100 between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and the first throttling element 104. In the third connection state, the refrigerant-side flow path is disconnected. The energy storage-side flow path is connected to the energy storage tank.

[0037] The parallel connection between the refrigerant-side flow path and the indoor heat exchanger 103 means that the inlet of the refrigerant-side flow path is connected to the inlet of the indoor heat exchanger 103, and the outlet of the refrigerant-side flow path is connected to the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 103. It should be noted that the indoor heat exchanger 103 can be in either operating or stopped state at this time.

[0038] With the above technical solution adopted, the air conditioning system provided in this application is equipped with an energy storage module 200. The energy storage module 200 includes an energy storage heat exchanger 201, an energy storage box, and a flow path switching component. The refrigerant-side flow path and the energy storage flow path of the energy storage heat exchanger 201 can exchange heat. When the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the energy storage flow path can absorb heat from the refrigerant-side flow path and store it in the energy storage box. Similarly, since the refrigerant-side flow path and the energy storage flow path can exchange heat, the energy storage flow path can transfer the heat stored in the energy storage box to the refrigerant-side flow path, thereby enabling the energy storage module 200 to provide heat. In this way, by switching the connection state of the flow path switching component, the connection method between the energy storage heat exchanger 201 and the refrigerant circuit 100 can be changed, thereby enabling the energy storage heat exchanger 201 to store some heat. During the defrosting process of the air conditioning system, the energy storage heat exchanger 201 provides heat instead of absorbing heat from the indoor side, which can reduce the fluctuation of indoor temperature during the defrosting process and improve the user experience.

[0039] Furthermore, when the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, the energy storage flow path can absorb the cooling capacity from the refrigerant-side flow path and store it in the energy storage box. Similarly, the energy storage flow path can also be used to transfer the cooling capacity stored in the energy storage box to the refrigerant-side flow path, enabling the energy storage module 200 to provide cooling. Thus, by switching the connection state of the flow path switching component, the connection method between the energy storage heat exchanger 201 and the refrigerant circuit can be changed, allowing the energy storage heat exchanger 201 to store some cooling capacity. When the air conditioning system is cooling in a high-temperature environment, the energy storage heat exchanger 201 can provide cooling, ensuring that the air conditioning system outputs sufficient cooling capacity and guaranteeing the user's experience.

[0040] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 As shown, the refrigerant circuit 100 includes a first switching valve 106 disposed between a four-way valve 102 and an indoor heat exchanger 103, and a second switching valve 107 disposed between the indoor heat exchanger 103 and a first throttling element 104. The flow path switching assembly includes a first pipe section 204, a second pipe section 205, and a third pipe section 206 that can be connected / disconnected. The first end of the refrigerant-side flow path is connected to the refrigerant circuit 100 between the second switching valve 107 and the first throttling element 104 via the first pipe section 204. The second end of the refrigerant-side flow path is connected to the refrigerant circuit 100 between the second switching valve 107 and the indoor heat exchanger 103 via the second pipe section 205. The second end of the refrigerant-side flow path is connected to the refrigerant circuit 100 between the first switching valve 106 and the four-way valve 102 via the third pipe section 206.

[0041] This configuration allows the flow path switching component to switch between the first connection state, the second connection state, and the third connection state. Specifically, by connecting the first pipe section 204, the refrigerant-side flow path, and the third pipe section 206, and disconnecting the second pipe section 205, the refrigerant-side flow path can be connected in parallel with the indoor heat exchanger 103, i.e., the first connection state can be achieved. This allows for cold storage, heat storage, or heat release based on the air conditioning system's operating mode, current operating conditions, current electricity price and time, and / or the indoor unit's operating state. By connecting the first pipe section 204, the refrigerant-side flow path, and the second pipe section 205, and disconnecting the third pipe section 206, the refrigerant-side flow path can be connected in series with the indoor unit. The refrigerant circuit 100 between the heat exchanger 103 and the first throttling element 104 achieves the second connection state, thereby enabling the recovery of waste heat or release of refrigerant at the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 103 by combining the operating mode of the air conditioning system, the current operating conditions, the current electricity price and time, and / or the operating status of the indoor unit; by disconnecting the first pipe section 204, the second pipe section 205, and the third pipe section 206, the refrigerant side flow path can be disconnected, i.e., the third connection state, thereby enabling the air conditioning system to achieve the conventional cooling mode or heating mode without storing cold or heat.

[0042] The indoor heat exchanger 103 can be connected to or disconnected from the refrigerant circuit 100 via the first switching valve 106 and the second switching valve 107.

[0043] It is understandable that a three-way valve can be used to connect the second end of the refrigerant-side flow path to both the second pipe section 205 and the third pipe section 206. That is, the first port of the three-way valve is connected to the second end of the refrigerant-side flow path, the second port of the three-way valve is connected to the second pipe section 205, and the third port of the three-way valve is connected to the third pipe section 206.

[0044] Optionally, combined Figure 1 As shown, the first pipe section 204 is equipped with a second throttling element 2041. By setting the second throttling element 2041, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant side path can be adjusted, and it can also play a throttling role.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment, the second throttling element 2041 is not mandatory, and those skilled in the art can flexibly configure it according to actual needs. For example, the second throttling element 2041 may not be provided, and the first throttling element 104 may be used for throttling.

[0046] For example, the second throttling element 2041 is an electronic expansion valve.

[0047] Optionally, combined Figure 1 As shown, the second pipe section 205 is equipped with a third switching valve 2051. The third switching valve 2051 can control the connection / disconnection of the second pipe section 205.

[0048] Optionally, combined Figure 1 As shown, the third pipe section 206 is equipped with a fourth switching valve 2061. The fourth switching valve 2061 can control the connection / disconnection of the third pipe section 206.

[0049] Optionally, an indoor throttling element 108 is provided on the refrigerant circuit between the second switching valve 107 and the indoor heat exchanger 103. By providing the indoor throttling element 108, the refrigerant flow of each indoor heat exchanger 103 can be independently adjusted during the cooling process of the air conditioning system, thereby independently controlling the cooling capacity of each indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment, the indoor throttling element 108 is not necessary, and those skilled in the art can flexibly set it according to actual needs. For example, the indoor throttling element 108 may not be set, and the first throttling element 104 may be used for throttling to uniformly adjust the temperature of each indoor heat exchanger 103.

[0051] Optionally, the indoor throttling element 108 is an electronic expansion valve.

[0052] Optionally, the air conditioning system includes multiple indoor heat exchangers 103 connected in parallel, that is, the air conditioning system is a multi-split air conditioning system, and each indoor heat exchanger 103 is provided with an indoor throttling element 108 on its branch, so that each indoor heat exchanger 103 can be cooled independently.

[0053] In some embodiments, the energy storage side flow path is connected to the energy storage tank via a water circulation loop, and a water pump is installed on the water circulation loop. The water pump drives the water to flow in the water circulation loop. When the circulating water flows through the energy storage side flow path, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant side flow path, causing the water temperature in the energy storage tank to gradually decrease / increase, thereby achieving cold storage, heat storage, cold release, or heat release.

[0054] Optionally, a gas-liquid separator 110 is provided between the suction end of the compressor 101 and the four-way valve 102. An oil separator 109 is provided between the discharge end of the compressor 101 and the four-way valve 102. The oil return port of the oil separator 109 is connected to the suction end of the compressor 101, so that the separated lubricating oil can re-enter the compressor 1 for lubrication.

[0055] Optionally, the four-way valve 102 includes a fourth port, a fifth port, a sixth port, and a seventh port. The fourth port is connected to the outlet of the oil separator 109, the fifth port is connected to the inlet of the gas-liquid separator 110, the sixth port is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 105, and the seventh port is connected to the first switching valve 106. When the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the fourth port and the seventh port are connected, and the fifth port and the sixth port are connected, so that the high-temperature refrigerant discharged by the compressor 101 directly enters the indoor heat exchanger 103 for heating. When the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, the fourth port and the sixth port are connected, and the fifth port and the seventh port are connected, so that the high-temperature refrigerant discharged by the compressor 101 enters the outdoor heat exchanger 105 to release heat and then enters the indoor unit, and after being throttled by the indoor throttling element 108, it enters the indoor heat exchanger 103 for cooling.

[0056] Secondly, this application provides a control method for an air conditioning system, which is applied to the aforementioned air conditioning system.

[0057] Combination Figure 2 As shown, the control method provided in this application includes:

[0058] S101 adjusts the connection status of the flow path switching component according to the operating mode of the air conditioning system, the current operating conditions, the current electricity price and time, and / or the operating status of the indoor unit, so that the energy storage module can store cold or heat.

[0059] S102, adjusts the operating status of the flow path switching component and / or the indoor heat exchanger according to the operating mode and / or outdoor temperature, so that the energy storage module can provide cooling or heating.

[0060] The operating modes include heating mode, cooling mode and defrosting mode; the current operating conditions include high load, low load and heat recovery conditions; the current electricity price time includes low electricity price time and high electricity price time; and the indoor unit operating status includes indoor unit off status and indoor unit working status.

[0061] By adopting the above technical solution, the connection status of the flow path switching component can be adjusted according to the operating mode and / or outdoor temperature, which can change the connection method between the energy storage heat exchanger 201 and the refrigerant circuit 100. This allows the energy storage heat exchanger 201 to store some heat. During the defrosting process of the air conditioning system, the energy storage heat exchanger 201 is used to supply heat instead of absorbing heat from the indoor side, which can reduce the fluctuation of indoor temperature during the defrosting process and improve the user experience.

[0062] Furthermore, when the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, the energy storage flow path can absorb the cooling capacity from the refrigerant-side flow path and store it in the energy storage box. Similarly, the energy storage flow path can also be used to transfer the cooling capacity stored in the energy storage box to the refrigerant-side flow path, enabling the energy storage module 200 to provide cooling. Thus, by switching the connection state of the flow path switching component, the connection method between the energy storage heat exchanger 201 and the refrigerant circuit can be changed, allowing the energy storage heat exchanger 201 to store some cooling capacity. When the air conditioning system is cooling in a high-temperature environment, the energy storage heat exchanger 201 can provide cooling, ensuring that the air conditioning system outputs sufficient cooling capacity and guaranteeing the user's experience.

[0063] Based on the air conditioning system's operating mode, current operating conditions, current electricity price and time, and / or the indoor unit's operating status, the connection status of the flow path switching component is adjusted to enable the energy storage module to store cold or heat in various possible implementation methods, as detailed below:

[0064] In a first possible implementation, if the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, the indoor unit is off, and there is a low electricity price, the flow path switching component switches to the first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for cold storage. With this configuration, the energy storage module 200 can store cold during off-peak electricity prices when the indoor unit is off, effectively utilizing idle time periods to store cooling capacity and significantly reducing the user's electricity costs.

[0065] Specifically, in combination Figure 3As shown, the fourth switching valve 2061 and the second throttling element 2041 are opened, while the third switching valve 2051 is closed, causing the flow path switching component to switch to the first connection state. The first switching valve 106 and the second switching valve 107 are closed, causing the indoor heat exchanger 103 to be disconnected from the refrigerant circuit, realizing the indoor unit shutdown state. Since the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, the fourth and sixth ports of the four-way valve 102 are connected, and the fifth and seventh ports are connected. At this time, the refrigerant flow path is as follows: the discharge end of the compressor 101, the oil separator 109, the fourth and sixth ports of the four-way valve 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 105, the energy storage heat exchanger 201, the fifth and seventh ports of the four-way valve 102, the gas-liquid separator 110, and the suction end of the compressor 101. Before entering the energy storage heat exchanger 201, the refrigerant is throttled by the second throttling element 2041, resulting in a lower temperature, and the energy storage module stores the cooling capacity.

[0066] It is understandable that throttling can be performed as long as it occurs after the outdoor heat exchanger 105 and before the refrigerant enters the energy storage heat exchanger 201. For example, the second throttling element 2041 can be used for throttling, while the first throttling element 104, when fully open, has no throttling effect; or, the first throttling element 104 can be used for throttling, while the second throttling element 2041 is fully open.

[0067] In the second possible implementation, combined Figure 4 As shown, if the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, under low load conditions, and the indoor unit is operating, the flow path switching component switches to the first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for cold storage. This configuration, by transferring excess cooling capacity under low load conditions to the energy storage module, avoids frequent compressor starts and stops due to excess capacity, extending compressor life; it also reduces indoor temperature fluctuations, improving comfort; and it reserves idle cooling capacity for later use, optimizing overall system energy efficiency.

[0068] Specifically, in combination Figure 4As shown, the fourth switching valve 2061 and the second throttling element 2041 are opened, while the third switching valve 2051 is closed, causing the flow path switching component to switch to the first connection state. The first switching valve 106 and the second switching valve 107 are opened, allowing the indoor heat exchanger 103 to connect to the refrigerant circuit, realizing the indoor unit's working state. Since the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, the fourth and sixth ports of the four-way valve 102 are connected, and the fifth and seventh ports are connected. At this time, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the discharge end of the compressor 101, the oil separator 109, the fourth and sixth ports of the four-way valve 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 105, and the first throttling element 104. Then, the refrigerant is divided into two streams: one stream flows through the energy storage heat exchanger 201 to the four-way valve 102, and the other stream flows through the indoor heat exchanger 103 to the four-way valve 102. After the two streams merge, they return to the suction end of the compressor 101 through the gas-liquid separator 110. Before entering the energy storage heat exchanger 201, the refrigerant is throttled and its temperature is reduced by the second throttling element 2041, and the energy storage module stores the cooling capacity. Similarly, before entering the indoor heat exchanger 103, the refrigerant is throttled and its temperature is reduced by the indoor throttling element 108, and the low-temperature refrigerant enters the indoor heat exchanger 103 to provide cooling for the room. At this time, the first throttling element 104 is fully open and does not have a throttling effect.

[0069] For example, low-load operating conditions refer to situations where the outdoor unit's output capacity exceeds the actual indoor demand. For instance, when the indoor heat load is extremely low, even if the air conditioning system's compressor has been reduced to its lowest frequency, its output cooling capacity is still greater than the indoor demand.

[0070] In a third possible implementation, if the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the indoor unit is off, and there is a low electricity price period, the flow path switching component switches to the first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for heat storage. With this configuration, the energy storage module 200 can store heat during the off-peak electricity price period when the indoor unit is off, effectively utilizing idle time to complete heat storage and significantly reducing the user's electricity costs.

[0071] Specifically, in combination Figure 5As shown, the fourth switching valve 2061 and the second throttling element 2041 are open, while the third switching valve 2051 is closed, causing the flow path switching assembly to switch to the first connection state. The first switching valve 106 and the second switching valve 107 are closed, causing the indoor heat exchanger 103 to disconnect from the refrigerant circuit, realizing the indoor unit shutdown state. Since the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the fourth and seventh ports of the four-way valve 102 are connected, and the fifth and sixth ports are connected. At this time, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the discharge end of the compressor 101, the oil separator 109, the fourth and seventh ports of the four-way valve 102, the energy storage heat exchanger 201, the first throttling element 104, the outdoor heat exchanger 105, the fifth and sixth ports of the four-way valve 102, the gas-liquid separator 110, and the suction end of the compressor 101. At this time, the first throttling element 104 acts as a flow cutoff, while the second throttling element 2041 is fully open and does not have a throttling effect.

[0072] In a fourth possible implementation, if the air conditioning system is in heating mode, under low load conditions, and the indoor unit is operating, the flow path switching component switches to the first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for heat storage. This configuration, by transferring excess heating capacity under low load conditions to the energy storage module, avoids frequent compressor starts and stops due to excess capacity, extending compressor life; it also reduces indoor temperature fluctuations, improving comfort; and it stores idle heat for later use, optimizing overall system energy efficiency.

[0073] Specifically, in combination Figure 6 As shown, the fourth switching valve 2061 and the second throttling element 2041 are opened, while the third switching valve 2051 is closed, causing the flow path switching component to switch to the first connection state. The first switching valve 106 and the second switching valve 107 are opened, allowing the indoor heat exchanger 103 to connect to the refrigerant circuit, realizing the indoor unit's working state. Since the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the fourth port and the seventh port of the four-way valve 102 are connected, and the fifth port and the sixth port are connected. At this time, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the discharge end of the compressor 101, the oil separator 109, the fourth port and the seventh port of the four-way valve 102, and then the refrigerant is divided into two streams. One stream of refrigerant flows through the energy storage heat exchanger 201 to the first throttling element 104, and the other stream flows through the indoor heat exchanger 103 to the first throttling element 104. After the two streams of refrigerant merge, they are throttled by the first throttling element 104 to reduce their temperature, and then enter the outdoor heat exchanger 105 to absorb heat. Finally, they return to the suction end of the compressor 101 through the gas-liquid separator 110. At this time, the first throttling element 104 throttles, while the second throttling element 2041 and the indoor throttling element are fully open and do not have a throttling effect.

[0074] In a fifth possible implementation, if the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the indoor unit is operating, and heat recovery is in operation, the flow path switching component switches to the second connection state to utilize the energy storage module to recover refrigerant waste heat. For example, when the air conditioning system is in heating mode, if the refrigerant temperature at the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 103 is higher than a preset temperature value, it is considered that the refrigerant temperature at the outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 103 is too high, and the air conditioning system enters heat recovery mode. This configuration allows the energy storage module 200 to recover and utilize refrigerant waste heat, which is beneficial for improving system energy efficiency.

[0075] Specifically, in combination Figure 7 As shown, the fourth switching valve 2061 is closed, and the second throttling element 2041 and the third switching valve 2051 are open, causing the flow path switching assembly to switch to the second connection state. The first switching valve 106 is open, and the second switching valve 107 is closed, allowing the indoor heat exchanger 103 to be connected to the refrigerant circuit, realizing the indoor unit's operating state. Since the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the fourth and seventh ports of the four-way valve 102 are connected, and the fifth and sixth ports are connected. At this time, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the discharge end of the compressor 101, the oil separator 109, the fourth and seventh ports of the four-way valve 102, the indoor heat exchanger 103, and the energy storage heat exchanger 201. Then, it is throttled and its temperature is reduced by the first throttling element 104, enters the outdoor heat exchanger 105 to absorb heat, and finally returns to the suction end of the compressor 101 through the gas-liquid separator 110. At this time, the first throttling element 104 throttles, while the second throttling element 2041 and the indoor throttling element are fully open and do not have a throttling effect.

[0076] Depending on the operating mode and / or outdoor temperature, the operating status of the flow path switching component and / or indoor heat exchanger is adjusted to enable the energy storage module to provide cooling or heating. This includes several possible implementation methods, as detailed below:

[0077] In the first possible implementation, combined Figure 8As shown, if the air conditioning system is in cooling mode and the outdoor temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the flow path switching component switches to the second connection state to utilize the energy storage module for cooling. This ensures the air conditioning system's cooling capacity in high-temperature environments, meeting user needs. Specifically, the fourth switching valve 2061 closes, and the second throttling element 2041 and the third switching valve 2051 open, causing the flow path switching component to switch to the second connection state. The first switching valve 106 opens, and the second switching valve 107 closes, connecting the indoor heat exchanger 103 to the refrigerant circuit, thus enabling the indoor unit to operate. At this time, the refrigerant flows sequentially through the discharge end of the compressor 101, the oil separator 109, the fourth and sixth ports of the four-way valve 102, and then enters the outdoor heat exchanger 105 to release heat. After releasing heat, the refrigerant enters the energy storage heat exchanger 201, where it exchanges heat with the energy storage side flow path, carrying the cooling capacity stored in the energy storage box and decreasing in temperature. Then, after being throttled by the indoor throttling element 108, it enters the indoor heat exchanger 103 for cooling, and finally returns to the suction end of the compressor 101 through the gas-liquid separator 110. At this time, the first throttling element 104 and the second throttling element 2041 are fully open and do not have a throttling effect, while the indoor throttling element 108 performs throttling.

[0078] In the second possible implementation, combined Figure 9 As shown, if the air conditioning system is in defrosting mode, the flow path switching component switches to the first connection state, and the branch where the indoor heat exchanger is located is disconnected, so that the energy storage module can be used to supply heat for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger. With this setting, during the defrosting process of the air conditioning system, the energy storage heat exchanger 201 is used to supply heat instead of absorbing heat from the indoor side, which can reduce the fluctuation of indoor temperature during the defrosting process and improve the user experience.

[0079] Specifically, the fourth switching valve 2061 and the second throttling element 2041 open, while the third switching valve 2051 closes, causing the flow path switching assembly to switch to the first connection state. The first switching valve 106 and the second switching valve 107 close, disconnecting the indoor heat exchanger 103 from the refrigerant circuit and achieving the indoor unit shutdown state. The refrigerant flows sequentially through the discharge end of the compressor 101, the oil separator 109, the fourth and sixth ports of the four-way valve 102, the outdoor heat exchanger 105, the energy storage heat exchanger 201, the fifth and seventh ports of the four-way valve 102, the gas-liquid separator 110, and the suction end of the compressor 101. Before entering the energy storage heat exchanger 201, the refrigerant is throttled by the second throttling element 2041, resulting in a lower temperature. The refrigerant absorbs heat within the energy storage module 200, rather than from the indoor side, which reduces indoor temperature fluctuations during defrosting. The first throttling element 104 is fully open and does not have a throttling effect.

[0080] In addition, the air conditioning system provided in this application can be switched to conventional heating and cooling modes, as detailed below:

[0081] Optionally, if the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, under high load, and the indoor unit is operating, the flow path switching component switches to the third connection state to shut down the energy storage module. At this time, the air conditioning system is under high load, shutting down the energy storage module and switching to normal cooling mode to reduce interference with cooling and ensure the cooling efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0082] Optionally, if the air conditioning system is in heating mode, under high load conditions, and the indoor unit is operating, the flow path switching component switches to the third connection state to shut down the energy storage module. At this time, the air conditioning system is under high load conditions, shutting down the energy storage module and switching to the normal heating mode to reduce interference with heating and ensure the heating efficiency of the air conditioning system.

[0083] Furthermore, this application also provides an electronic device. Combined with Figure 10 As shown, the electronic device in this embodiment mainly includes a processor 1001 and a storage device 1002. The storage device 1002 can be configured to store a program for executing the control method of the air conditioning system in the above-described method embodiments. The processor 1001 can be configured to execute the program in the storage device 1002, which includes, but is not limited to, a program for executing the control method of the air conditioning system in the above-described method embodiments. For ease of explanation, only the parts related to the embodiments of this application are shown. For specific technical details not disclosed, please refer to the method section of the embodiments of this application.

[0084] In some possible embodiments of this application, the electronic device may include multiple processors 1001 and multiple storage devices 1002. The program executing the program initiation method of the above method embodiments may be divided into multiple subroutines, each of which can be loaded and run by a processor 1001 to execute different steps of the program initiation method of the above method embodiments. Specifically, each subroutine may be stored in different storage devices 1002, and each processor 1001 may be configured to execute programs in one or more storage devices 1002 to jointly implement the air conditioning system control method of the above method embodiments; that is, each processor 1001 executes different steps of the program initiation method of the above method embodiments to jointly implement the air conditioning system control method of the above method embodiments.

[0085] The aforementioned multiple processors 1001 can be processors deployed on the same device. For example, the aforementioned electronic device can be a high-performance device composed of multiple processors, and the aforementioned multiple processors 1001 can be processors configured on that high-performance device. Alternatively, the aforementioned multiple processors 1001 can also be processors deployed on different devices. For example, the aforementioned electronic device can be a server cluster, and the aforementioned multiple processors 1001 can be processors on different servers within the server cluster.

[0086] Furthermore, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium. In one embodiment of the computer-readable storage medium according to this application, the computer-readable storage medium can be configured to store a program for executing the control method of the air conditioning system described in the above-described method embodiments. This program can be loaded and run by a processor to implement the control method of the air conditioning system described above. For ease of explanation, only the parts related to the embodiments of this application are shown; for specific technical details not disclosed, please refer to the method section of the embodiments of this application. The computer-readable storage medium can be a storage device device comprising various electronic devices. Optionally, in the embodiments of this application, the computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0087] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments of this application can also be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed by a processor, it can implement the steps of the various method embodiments described above. The computer program includes computer program code, which can be in the form of source code, object code, executable file, or some intermediate form. The computer-readable storage medium can include any entity or device capable of carrying the computer program code, a medium, a USB flash drive, a portable hard drive, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a computer memory, a read-only memory, a random access memory, an electrical carrier signal, a telecommunication signal, and a software distribution medium, etc.

[0088] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, The air conditioning system includes: The refrigerant circuit (100) includes a compressor (101), a four-way valve (102), an indoor heat exchanger (103), a first throttling element (104), and an outdoor heat exchanger (105). An energy storage module (200) includes an energy storage heat exchanger (201), an energy storage box, and a flow path switching assembly connecting the refrigerant circuit (100) and the energy storage heat exchanger (201), wherein the energy storage heat exchanger (201) includes a heat-exchangeable refrigerant-side flow path and an energy storage-side flow path. The flow path switching component includes a first connection state, a second connection state, and a third connection state. In the first connection state, the refrigerant-side flow path is connected in parallel with the indoor heat exchanger (103). In the second connection state, the refrigerant-side flow path is connected in series with the refrigerant circuit (100) between the indoor heat exchanger (103) and the first throttling element (104). In the third connection state, the refrigerant-side flow path is disconnected, and the energy storage-side flow path is connected to the energy storage box.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigerant circuit (100) includes a first switching valve (106) disposed between the four-way valve (102) and the indoor heat exchanger (103), and a second switching valve (107) disposed between the indoor heat exchanger (103) and the first throttling element (104); wherein the flow path switching assembly includes a first pipe section (204), a second pipe section (205), and a third pipe section (206) that can be connected / disconnected. The first end of the refrigerant-side flow path is connected to the refrigerant circuit (100) between the second switching valve (107) and the first throttling element (104) via the first pipe section (204); the second end of the refrigerant-side flow path is connected to the refrigerant circuit (100) between the second switching valve (107) and the indoor heat exchanger (103) via the second pipe section (205); the second end of the refrigerant-side flow path is connected to the refrigerant circuit (100) between the first switching valve (106) and the four-way valve (102) via the third pipe section (206).

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first pipe section (204) is provided with a second throttling element (2041); the second pipe section (205) is provided with a third switching valve (2051); the third pipe section (206) is provided with a fourth switching valve (2061); and an indoor throttling element (108) is provided on the refrigerant circuit (100) between the second switching valve (107) and the indoor heat exchanger (103).

4. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The energy storage side flow path is connected to the energy storage tank through a water circulation loop, and a water pump is installed on the water circulation loop.

5. A control method for an air conditioning system, applied to the air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The control method includes: According to the operating mode of the air conditioning system, the current operating conditions, the current electricity price and time, and / or the operating status of the indoor unit, adjust the connection status of the flow path switching component so that the energy storage module can store cold or heat. According to the operating mode and / or outdoor temperature, adjust the operating state of the flow path switching component and / or the indoor heat exchanger so that the energy storage module can provide cooling or heating. The operating modes include heating mode, cooling mode and defrosting mode; the current operating conditions include high load condition, low load condition and heat recovery condition; the current electricity price time includes low electricity price time and high electricity price time; and the indoor unit operating status includes indoor unit off state and indoor unit working state.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, "Adjusting the connection state of the flow path switching component according to the operating mode, current operating conditions, current electricity price and time, and / or the operating status of the indoor unit of the air conditioning system, so that the energy storage module stores cold or heat" includes: If the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, the indoor unit is off, and electricity prices are low, the flow path switching component switches to the first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for cold storage; and / or If the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, low load condition and indoor unit is working, the flow path switching component switches to the first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for cold storage.

7. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, "Adjusting the connection state of the flow path switching component according to the operating mode, current operating conditions, current electricity price and time, and / or the operating status of the indoor unit of the air conditioning system, so that the energy storage module stores cold or heat" includes: If the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the indoor unit is off, and electricity prices are low, the flow path switching component switches to the first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for heat storage; and / or If the air conditioning system is in heating mode, low load condition, and the indoor unit is operating, the flow path switching component switches to the first connection state to utilize the energy storage module for heat storage; and / or If the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the indoor unit is in operation and heat recovery mode, the flow path switching component switches to the second connection state to recover the waste heat of the refrigerant using the energy storage module.

8. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, "Adjusting the operating status of the flow path switching component and / or the indoor heat exchanger according to the operating mode and / or outdoor temperature" includes: If the air conditioning system is in the cooling mode and the outdoor temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the flow path switching component switches to the second connection state to utilize the energy storage module for cooling; and / or If the air conditioning system is in the defrosting mode, the flow path switching component switches to the first connection state, and the branch where the indoor heat exchanger is located is disconnected, so as to use the energy storage module to provide heat for defrosting the outdoor heat exchanger.

9. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control method includes: If the air conditioning system is in cooling mode, high load condition, and the indoor unit is operating, the flow path switching component switches to the third connection state to shut down the energy storage module; and / or If the air conditioning system is in heating mode, high load condition and indoor unit is working, the flow path switching component switches to the third connection state to shut down the energy storage module.

10. An electronic device comprising a processor and a storage device, the storage device being adapted to store a plurality of program codes, characterized in that, The program code is adapted to be loaded and run by the processor to perform the control method of the air conditioning system according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

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