An intelligent refrigerant recovery system based on enthalpy-entropy-temperature three-parameter coupling

Abstract

This invention discloses a refrigerant diversion and intelligent recovery system based on the coupling of three parameters: enthalpy, entropy, and refrigerant, belonging to the field of energy saving and intelligent control technology for refrigeration and heat pumps. Based on the Jianqi principle of increasing enthalpy and suppressing entropy for refrigerant recovery, this invention collects data in real time through a hardware monitoring module for stratified flow and subcooling / superheating. An AI intelligent control unit uses a normalized comprehensive cost function J as the sole optimization objective, employing PPO reinforcement learning to self-adjust the diversion ratio and energy reuse path, achieving a zero-energy, contactless subcooling increase of 20-28°C, and establishing a quantitative efficiency improvement benchmark of ≥0.6% COP per 1°C of subcooling. The system includes extreme operating condition boundary protection strategies (insufficient suction superheat protection, excessively high exhaust temperature protection, evaporation pressure fluctuation protection, and load change protection) to ensure safe operation under all conditions. The redundant working fluid four-level cascade utilization system covers passive subcooling internal source efficiency enhancement, front-end pressurized pressure vessel energy storage, micro-ice making and freezing, pneumatic differential pressure power generation, and closed-loop recirculation of the entire working fluid. Universally compatible with all refrigerants (R22 to CO2 and mixed refrigerants), fully compatible with subcritical and transcritical systems, with APF / DAPF simultaneously improved by 43%~58%. Standardized plug-and-play modules adapt to the retrofitting of existing equipment, and the non-rewritable encrypted storage chip permanently stores the equipment's retrofitting operation files and authorization status, forming a dual physical and digital barrier to infringement determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the fields of vapor compression refrigeration, heat pump energy saving and intelligent control technology. Specifically, it relates to a method, system and its full-scenario application for uniquely locking and extracting pure liquid redundant refrigerant in the high-pressure pipe section before the throttling device and improving energy recovery efficiency based on a new thermodynamic discovery. In particular, it relates to a self-regulating energy-saving and efficiency-enhancing closed-loop system that uses AI intelligent control and hardware collaborative monitoring of subcooling, superheating and refrigerant stratification flow.

[0002] This invention covers the entire industry chain of new equipment production and energy-saving retrofitting of existing equipment. It is applicable to all types of equipment, including household air conditioners, commercial chillers, high and low temperature CO2 heat pumps, data center liquid cooling, vehicle thermal management, rail transit air conditioning, marine air conditioning, and military environmental control. It is compatible with single refrigerants such as R22, R32, R410A, R290, R1234yf, and R744 (CO2), as well as binary / ternary / multi-element low-GWP mixed refrigerants. It complies with the GB / T 7725 Dynamic Energy Efficiency (DAPF) test standard for all operating conditions, the GB / T 23137 Static Energy Efficiency (APF) test standard, and the mandatory compliance requirements of the EU 2024 / 573 F-gas regulation for low-GWP refrigerant equipment. It also meets the technical framework of the 2026 version of the new Chinese national standard for dynamic energy efficiency of air conditioners under all operating conditions. Background Technology

[0003] I. A Century of Technological Bias and Industry Dilemmas The vapor compression refrigeration cycle has been around for over a century since its invention. For a long time, the industry has generally accepted an unexamined "axiom": the high-pressure liquid working fluid at the condenser outlet, containing high-grade pressure energy, will inevitably and irrecoverably dissipate as entropy increase during the subsequent isenthalpic throttling process. This deeply ingrained understanding has led all subsequent energy-saving technological innovations—including variable frequency compressors, high-efficiency heat exchangers, electronic expansion valves, economizers, and enthalpy-increasing injection—to bypass the throttling process itself, seeking efficiency improvements only from the periphery of the cycle, and never addressing the fundamental defects in the underlying thermodynamic structure of the cycle.

[0004] The European Regulation (EU) 2024 / 573 on Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases came into effect in March 2024. From January 1, 2027, fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP ≥ 150 are prohibited in integrated air conditioning units and independent circulating heat pumps with a maximum rated power not exceeding 12kW. R32 (GWP=675) and R410A (GWP=2088) face complete phase-out. Major European OEMs have clearly identified CO2 (R744, GWP=1) and R290 (propane, GWP=3) as long-term technologies. China's Dynamic Energy Efficiency Standard (DAPF) for air conditioners is scheduled for finalization in 2026. The new national standard significantly raises the threshold for dynamic energy efficiency across all operating conditions. The shift from APF static seasonal energy efficiency to DAPF dynamic energy efficiency represents a fundamental upgrade in industry rules, and traditional single-condition optimization technologies will be completely phased out.

[0005] II. Fundamental Defects of Existing Technology (Rigorous Thermodynamic Analysis) Through precise energy analysis and large-scale system testing, the inventors discovered that the high-pressure liquid working fluid at the condenser outlet accounts for 25% to 45% of the total input energy of the compressor. In traditional systems, this high-grade energy, after passing through the main throttling device (whether it is a capillary tube, electronic expansion valve, thermostatic expansion valve, or electronic thermostatic valve), is enthalpy-dependently throttled into a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase state, resulting in complete degradation and dissipation of pressure energy. This leads to a persistently low overall system efficiency, typically not exceeding 40%.

[0006] The fundamental flaws of existing technical solutions can be summarized into four levels: 1. Pure heat exchange architecture cannot recover pressure energy. Regenerators, subcoolers, economizers and other solutions are all limited to the pure heat exchange level, and can only make trace transfers at the enthalpy level. They cannot reach the recovery of pressure energy of the working fluid, and there is an insurmountable thermodynamic physical upper limit.

[0007] 2. Single-parameter control cannot approach the optimal boundary. Existing control schemes revolve around subcooling, superheating, or a single pressure parameter, failing to simultaneously determine whether "effective output is sufficient," "irreversible losses are reduced," and "energy recovery truly yields benefits," leading to a local optimum trap. Existing technologies such as regenerators, subcoolers, economizers, and intermediate gas injection are all limited to the pure heat exchange level, unable to recover the pressure energy of the working fluid. Pure heat exchange architectures cannot achieve pressure level energy recovery.

[0008] 3. Lack of a system-level redundancy working fluid physical identification and safe extraction mechanism. More fundamentally, existing technologies fail to recognize the existence of a large amount of "redundant" pure liquid high-energy working fluid available for safe extraction and utilization before the throttling device. The industry has never made a binary distinction between "basic working fluid" and "redundant working fluid" within the system, nor has it established a physical priority interception architecture to ensure the safety of the main cycle. Existing high-pressure diversion, economizer, and jet-type CO2 cycle solutions have not established an integrated architecture for the physical interception of surplus working fluid and the synchronous closed-loop control of enthalpy, entropy, and other three parameters. They have not formed a universal energy-saving solution adaptable to all refrigerants and transcritical / transcritical cycles, and cannot simultaneously meet the dual compliance requirements of domestic DAPF dynamic energy efficiency improvement and EU low GWP refrigerants.

[0009] 4. No waste entropy cascade resource utilization system has been established. The existing high-pressure diversion scheme only focuses on single heat exchange efficiency enhancement, without developing redundant refrigerant pressure difference and cold energy derivative functions, lacking supporting micro ice making and pressure difference self-generation power architecture, and lacking a redundant liquid refrigerant pressurization and energy storage scheme at the main throttling front end, thus failing to achieve multi-channel and multi-functional synchronous utilization.

[0010] The “degraded utilization” schemes, represented by single isenthalpic throttling or fixed flow splitting, either completely waste pressure or damage the stability of the main cycle due to improper flow splitting, revealing the lack of a fundamental method and system architecture based on correct thermodynamic understanding in this field.

[0011] III. Thermodynamic Discovery of the Invention—The Principle of Enthalpy Increase and Entropy Reduction in Jianqi Inventor Chen Jianqi, through long-term in-depth research and extensive experiments, has for the first time discovered and systematically elucidated the following three thermodynamic principles that form the cornerstone of this invention. These principles fundamentally overturn a century-old industry understanding and form the unavoidable underlying technological foundation of this invention. To facilitate a unified expression of the technical logic of this invention and to define the source of subsequent technologies in the industry, this application uniformly names the aforementioned underlying thermodynamic closed-loop control mechanism, which involves the synchronous coupling of three parameters—enthalpy, entropy growth rate, and energy efficiency—operating with minimum entropy increase and maximizing cyclic energy recovery, as: Jianqi's Enthalpy Increase and Entropy Suppression Principle.

[0012] This principle is based on the measured thermodynamic distribution law of vapor compression and high-pressure working fluid in transcritical cycle. By pre-retaining excess working fluid, stratified pressure stabilization, dynamic proportional diversion, and multi-path energy reuse, it suppresses irreversible entropy increase loss in the cycle from the source, efficiently recovers high-quality pressure energy of high-pressure working fluid, and achieves dynamic high-efficiency stable operation under all working conditions.

[0013] The naming of principles consists of four core elements: enthalpy increase Improve the effective enthalpy utilization coefficient of the main cycle to increase the system's heating / cooling output capacity. Improvement of normalized effective enthalpy utilization coefficient H_u Entropy suppression Suppressing irreversible entropy increase in cycles and reducing energy quality dissipation at its source. Minimize the rate of cyclic entropy generation Ṡ_gen Return Recovering high-pressure working fluid grade energy converts waste entropy into usable energy. Maximize system efficiency η_ex Jianqi Inventor's first creation mark, industry technology traceability benchmark Three-parameter coupled normalized closed-loop control

[0014] Principle 1 (The principle of the existence and uniqueness of redundant working fluid): Through point-by-point energy level scanning and measurement of each pipe section of the entire system, under any steady-state and dynamic operating conditions, a portion of the working fluid in a subcooled pure liquid or supercritical state consistently exists within the high-pressure pipe section between the condenser / gas cooler outlet and the main throttling device inlet. The mass flow rate of this portion of the working fluid exceeds the mass flow rate required to maintain the minimum safe operation of the main circulation, constituting an extractable redundant liquid working fluid. After system calibration, the proportion of this redundant liquid working fluid mass flow rate to the total mass flow rate remains stable at approximately 45%. Within the entire system's circulation loop, this high-pressure pipe section is the only energy extraction location that simultaneously satisfies both the conditions of "working fluid at the highest pressure energy level" and "working fluid in a pure liquid or supercritical state." This discovery reveals for the first time the location and scale of a vast energy reserve that is completely wasted in traditional systems.

[0015] Principle Two (Working Medium Binary Division and Safe Extraction Principle): Traditional theory treats the working fluid within a system as a homogeneous whole. This invention, for the first time, proposes that the working fluid within the system must and can be physically divided into a "basic working fluid ensuring the absolute safety of the main cycle" (approximately 55%) and a "safely extractable and usable redundant liquid working fluid" (approximately 45%). The basic working fluid has the physical right to be supplied preferentially to the main throttling device, while the redundant working fluid is only allowed to be extracted provided that its supply is physically prioritized and the main cycle evaporation pressure fluctuation does not exceed ±0.02 MPa. This physical separation and preferential supply of the two is the fundamental prerequisite for any energy recovery without compromising the stability of the main cycle.

[0016] Principle 3 (Enthalpy-Entropy-Trinity Synergistic Principle): No single or two-parameter control logic (such as controlling only subcooling or only high pressure) can bring the system close to the true optimal thermodynamic boundary. The improvement of system energy efficiency is essentially the result of the coordinated optimization of three factors: "increased effective output enthalpy (enthalpy increase), reduced irreversible entropy production (entropy suppression), and improved efficiency (entropy reduction)." A comprehensive cost function J, which normalizes the above three parameters, must be established as the sole intelligent control objective to achieve true global optimization.

[0017] Mathematical expression of the principle of enthalpy-increasing entropy suppression: The control objective of this invention can be expressed as the following simultaneous optimization problem: Objective function: Min(ΔS_cycle) and Max(η_exergy) Constraints: - P_extract ∈ [P_min, P_max] (Extraction pressure is within the allowable range) - m_extract ∈ [1%, 78%] × m_total (Extraction percentage within the allowed range) - T_suction_superheat ≥ 5K (Safe lower limit of compressor suction superheat) - T_discharge ≤ T_max (Safe upper limit of exhaust temperature) Where ΔS_cycle is the rate of increase of cyclic entropy, η_exergy is the system efficiency, P_extract is the extraction pressure, m_extract is the extraction working fluid mass flow rate, and m_total is the total system working fluid mass flow rate.

[0018] By utilizing the principle of enthalpy increase and entropy suppression, this invention effectively recovers almost all the high-pressure working fluid energy dissipated in traditional systems, increasing the utilization rate of redundant working fluid from less than 5% in traditional systems to 40% to 60% (basic architecture), and reaching 85% to 92% in high-order solutions equipped with expanders or injectors. Summary of the Invention

[0019] Based on the aforementioned principle of enthalpy increase and entropy suppression, this invention provides a complete closed-loop, engineering-implementable refrigerant energy recovery and efficiency enhancement technology solution.

[0020] I. Four Major System Operational Constraint Rules Rule 1 (The only location where the optimal redundant energy exists): Through point-by-point scanning and measurement of the energy value of each pipe section in the entire system, the high-quality redundant energy that can be extracted in the system exists only in the high-pressure pipe section between the outlet of the condensation heat exchange process or the gas cooling process and the inlet of the main throttling process or the expansion process.

[0021] Rule 2 (Working Medium Binary Division Mechanism): This invention is the first to divide the working medium in the system into a basic circulating working medium that maintains the steady state of the cycle and a surplus redundant working medium generated by load fluctuations. Only the redundant working medium can be safely extracted, diverted, and reused without disrupting the steady state of the main cycle.

[0022] Rule 3 (Enthalpy, Entropy, and Tri-factor Coordinated Control Objective): The energy efficiency optimization of the system under all operating conditions must be based on the simultaneous control objectives of enthalpy matching, minimum entropy growth rate, and maximum entropy recovery rate. Single parameter regulation cannot approach the optimal thermodynamic boundary.

[0023] Rule 4 (Adaptive Range Based on Working Medium and Cycle Type): The optimal high-pressure extraction pressure range is completely different for different working media and different cycle types. The range must be adjusted in real time according to the physical properties of the working medium and the cycle mode. Fixed parameters cannot be used universally.

[0024] II. AI-powered intelligent control and hardware-based collaborative monitoring and self-regulation system This invention constructs a complete three-layer closed-loop intelligent control system of "perception-decision-execution": 2.1 Hardware Sensing Layer – Layered Flow and Overheat / Overcooling Monitoring Module A comprehensive operating condition sensing unit is deployed in the high-pressure pipe section, on the compressor suction side, and on the exhaust side, specifically including: High-pressure pipeline stratified flow detection: Flow detection elements are set in the main liquid supply area and redundant working fluid extraction area of ​​the pressure-stabilizing liquid storage chamber to obtain the basic working fluid flow and redundant working fluid flow in real time. The sampling frequency is adjustable from 10ms to 100ms.

[0025] Subcooling monitoring: The current subcooling value is calculated and output in real time based on the refrigerant property database using pressure and temperature sensors at the condenser / gas cooler outlet.

[0026] Superheat monitoring: Temperature and pressure sensors are installed on the compressor suction side to calculate suction superheat in real time; temperature sensors are installed on the discharge side to monitor discharge temperature.

[0027] Auxiliary monitoring: evaporation pressure sensor, whole machine power acquisition module, ambient temperature sensor.

[0028] All sensor data is aggregated to the multi-parameter coupled AI intelligent control unit via a high-speed data bus.

[0029] 2.2 AI Decision-Making Layer – Multi-Parameter Coupled Intelligent Control Unit The multi-parameter coupled AI intelligent control unit has three sets of parallel operation circuits built in: enthalpy calculation module, entropy increase calculation module, and efficiency calculation module. The output is connected by a multi-objective optimization solver to drive the shunt adjustment element.

[0030] The PPO (Proximal Policy Optimization) reinforcement learning model is used as the core decision-making algorithm. The specific configuration is as follows: State space: real-time subcooling, suction superheat, exhaust temperature, main liquid supply zone flow rate, redundant extraction zone flow rate, high-pressure side pressure, evaporation pressure, current load, and diversion ratio of the previous control cycle.

[0031] Action space: diversion extraction ratio (continuous value), pressurization pressure, pressure vessel energy storage sequence (discrete action), and flow distribution ratio of each branch.

[0032] Reward function: The basic reward is the negative of the comprehensive cost function J. An additional reward is introduced for achieving the supercooling target – a positive reward is given when the deviation between the actual supercooling and the target value is within ±1℃; a safety reward is also introduced – a positive reward is given when the system runs continuously for more than 30 minutes without any safety boundary being touched.

[0033] Training method: The model is pre-trained offline using a large amount of historical operating data and simulation data, and continuously iterated and updated online. The recursive least squares method is used to adaptively correct the physical property model to adapt to slow time-varying characteristics such as equipment aging and refrigerant micro-leakage.

[0034] The overall cost function J is defined as follows: J = w_h·(1−H_u) + w_s·Ṡ_gen_norm + w_e·(1−η_ex) + w_d·(α−α_prev)² + Π In the formula: H_u is the normalized effective enthalpy utilization coefficient, which characterizes the ratio of the actual cooling / heating output of the system to the theoretical maximum output; Ṡ_gen_norm is the normalized cyclic entropy generation rate, which characterizes the degree of irreversible loss in the system; η_ex is the system efficiency, which characterizes the efficiency of energy grade utilization; α and α_prev are the current and previous control cycle's shunting extraction ratios, respectively; w_h, w_s, w_e, and w_d are non-negative weight coefficients, where w_h∈[0.2,0.5], w_s∈[0.2,0.4], w_e∈[0.1,0.3], and w_d∈[0.01,0.1]. The weights can be configured according to the device type and operating mode. Π is a safety constraint penalty term. Π takes a zero value if and only if the compressor suction superheat is ≥5K, the exhaust temperature is ≤ the upper limit of the equipment calibration, and the evaporation pressure fluctuation is ≤±0.02MPa; otherwise, Π is assigned a very large positive value to eliminate infeasible control schemes.

[0035] 2.3 Self-adjusting execution and boundary protection under extreme conditions In normal operation mode, the AI ​​control unit adjusts the flow ratio in real time based on load and supercooling / superheating feedback to maintain the target supercooling (e.g., 25°C) while ensuring that the intake superheat is ≥5K.

[0036] Extreme operating condition boundary protection strategies include: Intake superheat protection: When the intake superheat is detected to be below 5K, the extraction ratio is automatically reduced, with each adjustment step not exceeding 2%, until the superheat is restored to above 5K. If the superheat is not restored after three consecutive adjustments, all bypass branches are suspended and restarted after the system stabilizes.

[0037] Overheat protection: When the exhaust temperature exceeds the equipment's calibrated upper limit, the bypass branch flow to the compressor's suction side will be cut off or reduced first to minimize the overheating effect. If the exhaust temperature continues to rise, the extraction operation will be suspended, and all working fluid will be supplied to the main circulation.

[0038] Evaporation pressure fluctuation protection: When the evaporation pressure fluctuation exceeds ±0.02MPa, the current extraction ratio is locked, and self-regulation is resumed after the pressure stabilizes (fluctuation within ±0.01MPa for 30 consecutive seconds).

[0039] Load mutation protection: When the system detects that the load changes by more than 30% in a short period of time (e.g., within 30 seconds), it prioritizes ensuring the stability of the basic fluid supply flow rate, temporarily limits the upper limit of the redundant working fluid extraction ratio to within 30%, and restores full-range self-adjustment after the load stabilizes (load fluctuation is less than 10% for 60 consecutive seconds).

[0040] Compressor start-stop protection: During the first 3 minutes of compressor startup, no extraction operations are performed to ensure the system quickly establishes a stable pressure differential. One minute before compressor shutdown, the extraction ratio is gradually reduced to zero to complete system reset.

[0041] The reinforcement learning model is trained with samples from all the extreme operating conditions mentioned above, and uses domain randomization to cover the uncertainty range of the operating parameters, ensuring that the strategy possesses prior safety knowledge. Each PPO output action must be verified by an independent safety screening module before execution; actions that fail the safety screening are replaced by model calculation schemes that meet the constraints.

[0042] III. Redundant Working Fluid Four-Stage Utilization and Energy Conversion System This invention constructs a complete four-stage cascade utilization and energy conversion system for redundant working fluids: The first stage—front-end pressurization and synchronous pressurization and energy storage of multiple pressure vessels—involves a pressurization and reuse unit on approximately 45% of the redundant liquid distribution pipeline upstream of the main throttling device. The pressurization device is selected from any one or more combinations of pneumatic pressurizers, electric pressurizers, and hydraulic pressurizers. Two or more independent pressure vessels are connected in parallel downstream of the pressurization unit, each independently equipped with a shut-off valve, pressure regulating valve, and pressure sensor. The electrical control unit enables three operating modes: single-unit independent pressurization, multi-unit synchronous pressurization, and time-sharing energy storage. The pressurized high-pressure redundant liquid refrigerant is synchronously pressurized and stored, and then distributed to subsequent reuse branches for multi-functional secondary development and use as needed. The entire pressurization and refrigerant process does not intercept or lose the base liquid refrigerant supplied to the main circulation, ensuring uninterrupted cooling and heating operation of the main unit. The pneumatic pressurizer uses the system's high-pressure refrigerant pressure difference as its driving force, requiring no external power; the electric pressurizer is equipped with a variable frequency speed control drive; and the hydraulic pressurizer relies on pipeline fluid pressure to drive the piston for pressurization.

[0043] The second stage – zero-energy passive subcooling efficiency enhancement within the main unit (basic core line). Approximately 45% of the redundant pure liquid refrigerant, separated through layering, is channeled into a bypass micro-throttling device. Utilizing the system's own pressure difference potential energy, it undergoes phase change without additional energy consumption, generating a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase mixed refrigerant with a stable temperature of around 5°C. This 5°C gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is then introduced into an independent cold source channel of an isolated dual-flow heat exchanger. The approximately 50°C high-temperature, high-pressure pure liquid refrigerant within the main circulation pipeline flows through an independent hot flow channel. The two refrigerant streams are completely physically isolated, without contact, mixing, or media contamination. Relying on natural temperature difference potential energy, the subcooling degree of the main circulation refrigerant is increased by 20-28°C without energy consumption. A quantitative energy efficiency benchmark is established for all cooling and heating conditions: for every 1°C increase in subcooling degree, the overall COP increases by ≥0.6%. Zero-energy APF / DAPF intrinsic efficiency enhancement is achieved by utilizing the inherent irreversible entropy increase and waste energy loss during main throttling. After primary heat exchange, the medium-temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is introduced into the compressor exhaust port via a coaxial sleeve heat exchange process pipeline. This secondary process recovers the waste heat and temperature difference potential energy from the exhaust, fully utilizing the cold source in a cascade manner. The gas-liquid mixture after secondary heat exchange is then controlled and cooled to a stable temperature ≤30℃ before being transferred to the system's liquid storage tank. Simultaneously, it is uniformly mixed with the approximately 10℃ low-temperature refrigerant inside the compressor's return gas pipeline. A porous baffle plate inside the cavity enhances vaporization, ensuring complete vaporization of the gas-liquid working fluid. The intake dryness is ≥0.98, completely eliminating liquid-laden intake and compressor liquid slugging faults. This also simultaneously reduces the compressor's intake and exhaust temperature difference by 8~12℃, lowering the compression ratio and directly reducing compressor shaft power consumption by 18%~25%, achieving intrinsic energy savings.

[0044] The third stage – multi-channel bypass for secondary development of external waste energy. Multiple independent bypass channels are added to utilize the cold energy and pressure differential potential energy of the redundant refrigerant after throttling and phase change, without compromising the main cycle operating parameters, for external derivative functions, including a micro-ice-making refrigeration sub-cycle and a pneumatic pressure differential power generation cycle. All branches utilize approximately 45% of the redundant liquid refrigerant from the layered chamber, without occupying the approximately 55% basic refrigerant flow supplied to the main throttling device. The main cycle's evaporation temperature, condensation temperature, and cooling / heating output capacity remain unchanged throughout the entire process.

[0045] Level 4 – Closed-loop refrigerant reflux throughout the entire system. All residual gas and liquid refrigerant after internal heat exchange for efficiency enhancement, external ice making / power generation, and energy storage in pressurized containers is uniformly collected and channeled into the compressor return gas pipeline reflux system's liquid storage tank, constructing a closed-loop system with no leakage, no loss, and perpetual operation.

[0046] IV. Strategic Adaptability of CO2 Transcritical Cycle and Mixed Working Fluids CO2 (R744, GWP=1) is the most long-term stable natural refrigerant under the EU F-gas regulation framework. Its transcritical cycle has a wide high-pressure side pressure range, a huge pressure difference before and after throttling, and extremely high irreversible losses. It is widely recognized in the industry that using expanders or ejectors to recover expansion work is an essential technical route to improve the energy efficiency of CO2 systems.

[0047] CO2 mixed working fluid can control the overall GWP below 150, while making up for the shortcomings of pure CO2 in terms of low critical temperature and low efficiency under normal temperature conditions. It is the mainstream technical solution for major global manufacturers during the transition period before 2027.

[0048] The present invention provides an adaptation scheme for CO2 transcritical cycles: the gas cooler outlet is in a supercritical state with no liquid stratification; a differential pressure stabilizing distribution chamber extracts a high-density supercritical redundant working fluid, with the redundant working fluid diversion ratio stably controlled at approximately 45%. A pressurization unit is adapted to pressurize the supercritical fluid, and a pressure vessel stores the pressurized supercritical CO2. The redundant working fluid, after recovering its expansion work via an expander or ejector, is reinjected into the compressor suction port or intermediate gas supply port, resulting in a heating COP increase of over 28.6%.

[0049] Regardless of whether the equipment uses pure CO2, a CO2 multi-component mixed refrigerant, R290, R454C, or other ultra-low GWP compliant refrigerants, and regardless of the hardware used—expander, ejector, or multi-stage throttling array—as long as the system implements the physical operation of extracting excess refrigerant on the high-pressure side → depressurizing and recovering energy → reinjecting and recycling, it falls within the core protection scope of this invention: pre-interception + dynamic diversion + ternary synergistic closed-loop. This invention does not lock the hardware model, but only the essential physical operations and underlying control logic required by the industry.

[0050] V. Technical Basis for Numerical Range The diversion extraction ratio is 1% to 78%: below 1% there is no significant recovery benefit; above 78% there is a risk of insufficient liquid supply in the main circulation. The upper limit of 78% is determined by the following safety calibration procedure: gradually increase the extraction ratio under rated operating conditions until the extraction ratio corresponding to the previous stable operating point when the compressor suction superheat drops to the critical value of 5K or the evaporator outlet superheat drops to the critical value of 1K.

[0051] The basis for determining the 1% lower limit: According to actual measurements, when the extraction ratio is lower than 1%, the refrigerant flow rate in the bypass branch is too small, the cold source temperature is unstable after phase change, and an effective non-contact heat exchange temperature difference cannot be established. The heat recovery is almost zero and has no practical value.

[0052] The control logic of this invention can be adapted to any CO2 blending ratio, requiring only adjustment of the pressure range based on the working fluid properties, with no fixed ratio limitations. The adjustment methods simultaneously cover stepless continuous adjustment and multi-level adjustment, thoroughly covering all control hardware forms in the industry.

[0053] VI. Declaration of Full-Path Technology Coverage All technical approaches of this invention for redundant working fluid retention, allocation, reuse, energy extraction, cascade utilization, and energy conversion are included within the scope of core rights protection. These technical approaches include: (1) Secondary and multiple uses of liquid refrigerant before and after high temperature and high pressure throttling device: A closed loop reuse circuit is constructed before and after the capillary tube and multi-stage throttling component. The redundant medium temperature and high pressure liquid refrigerant before and after throttling is extracted by the automatic liquid storage and distribution system to achieve secondary and multiple step-by-step throttling efficiency enhancement.

[0054] (2) Throttling redundant pressure kinetic energy conversion: accurately capture the liquid-gas phase change pressure energy, expansion kinetic energy, and cold and hot potential energy generated by the redundant working fluid during the throttling process, and realize the secondary pressurization of waste energy and energy cascade conversion through the kinetic energy and pressure energy coupling pressurization component.

[0055] (3) Redundant energy power generation and recovery: Redundant fluid mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy through micro turbine power generation components. The recovered electrical energy is used for the equipment's electrical control system and cooling fan auxiliary power supply, realizing waste energy power generation and self-sufficiency in power supply, and constructing a micro energy closed loop inside the equipment.

[0056] Any technical solution that involves fine-tuning the pipeline structure, modifying the reuse frequency, replacing throttling components, or optimizing the control algorithm, as long as redundant working fluid energy recovery and multi-stage utilization are implemented, falls within the protection scope of this invention.

[0057] VII. Demarcation between Related Applications This application shares the basic technical concept of liquid refrigerant extraction from the condenser outlet to the throttling front end with a separate application submitted by the applicant for efficiency enhancement of liquid refrigerant extraction under medium temperature and medium pressure refrigeration conditions. However, there are fundamental differences between the two: the related application targets a specific section for medium temperature and medium pressure liquid refrigerant, and the system is compatible with both single-cooling and heating integrated cycles, improving subcooling through overflow self-locking stratified energy storage; this application simultaneously covers subcritical and transcritical cycles, covers all refrigerants and mixed working fluids, and achieves pressure energy recovery and external multi-functional development through the principle of enthalpy enhancement and entropy suppression, AI intelligent control, front-end pressurization and energy storage, simultaneous pressurization of multiple pressure vessels, and expansion work recovery. The two applications differ in their technical problems, technical solutions, and technical effects, and are two independent inventions. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figure 1 This is the overall flowchart of the complete closed-loop system of the whole machine.

[0059] Figure 2 This is an axial cross-sectional view of the pre-layer extraction unit.

[0060] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the AI-controlled hardware architecture and data flow topology.

[0061] Figure 4Flowchart of reinforcement learning control logic and extreme condition boundary protection for PPO.

[0062] Figure 5 Example of a response curve for supercooling / superheating monitoring and stratified flow self-regulation. Detailed Implementation

[0063] The following embodiments are used to clearly illustrate the technical effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. All embodiments use the APF benchmark value of 5.0 for Grade 1 energy efficiency specified in the national standard GB 21455-2024 and the DAPF Grade 1 energy efficiency benchmark value of 5.5 in the 2026 version as a unified reference benchmark.

[0064] Example 1 (Benchmark verification of the principle of increasing enthalpy and suppressing entropy - application in a new 1.5 HP R32 machine - AI self-adjustment full-path closed loop) A brand new 1.5HP R32 Class 1 energy-efficient inverter wall-mounted air conditioner from a certain brand. Original unit APF=5.8, DAPF=6.2, rated heating COP=3.2, system efficiency 38%, condenser outlet subcooling 4°C. Only the following components are externally installed: the pre-layer extraction unit, layered flow and subcooling / superheat monitoring hardware module, hydraulic booster, three parallel pressure vessels, passive subcooling dual-flow heat exchanger, exhaust coaxial sleeve, ice-making branch, pneumatic generator branch, and multi-parameter coupled AI intelligent control unit. The compressor, condenser, evaporator, and main throttle valve are not replaced.

[0065] The AI ​​intelligent control unit collects all sensor data at a 10ms cycle. In the initial stage, the system detects a subcooling of 4°C and a suction superheat of 2°C. The stratified flow data shows that the flow rate in the main liquid supply zone accounts for approximately 98% (basic mode). AI decision output: Extraction ratio 12%, open the bypass micro-throttling branch, start the booster, and the pressure vessel enters synchronous pressurization mode.

[0066] After stable operation: 1. The stratified chamber stably distributes 55% of the refrigerant to the main throttling device, while the remaining 45% of the redundant liquid refrigerant enters the pressurization unit. Three pressure vessels simultaneously pressurize and supply liquid in a time-sharing manner, maintaining the pressurization pressure within the set range.

[0067] 2. A bypass micro-throttling process generates a 5°C gas-liquid refrigerant, which exchanges heat with the 50°C main liquid refrigerant in a plate heat exchanger without contact. The subcooling is gradually increased from 4°C to 25°C. The AI ​​control unit automatically fine-tunes the bypass flow rate based on real-time subcooling feedback, stabilizing the subcooling in the 24~26°C range. The passive COP gain is 15% (25°C × 0.6% / °C).

[0068] 3. After secondary heat exchange in the exhaust coaxial sleeve, the refrigerant temperature drops to 28℃, and the return storage chamber temperature is ≤30℃. After mixing with the 10℃ return gas, the AI ​​control unit monitors that the intake dryness is stable at 0.99, and the intake superheat is stable at 10~11K. The intake and exhaust temperature difference is reduced from approximately 32℃ before the modification to 22℃ (a reduction of 10℃), and the compression power consumption is reduced by 22%.

[0069] 4. The miniature ice-making chamber provides a stable output, achieving an ice-making capacity of approximately 50g / h. The pneumatic generator provides a stable output of 22W of electrical energy to supply the outdoor fan.

[0070] 5. Simulated load change during operation (from full load to 50%): The AI ​​detected an upward trend in subcooling (from 25℃ to 27℃) within 0.5 seconds, automatically reducing the extraction ratio from 12% to 8%, and the subcooling quickly recovered to 25±1℃, while the suction superheat remained above 5K. Layered flow data showed that the flow rate ratio of the main liquid supply area was never lower than 50% during load changes, ensuring the safety of the main circulation liquid supply.

[0071] Actual measured data after modification (enthalpy difference laboratory, GB / T 7725 standard operating conditions): Whole machine APF 5.8 8.3 +43.1% Whole machine DAPF 6.2 9.0 +45.2% Compressor shaft work (rated heating) benchmark Cut by about 25% — Condenser outlet subcooling 4℃ 25℃ +21℃ Compressor suction superheat 2℃ 10~11℃ +8~9℃ Compressor discharge temperature benchmark Lower by approximately 12°C —

[0072] Balance analysis of Example 1: A point-by-point τ value scan was performed on the entire pipe section before and after the modification in Example 1: Compressor input Benchmark 100% Benchmark 100% High-pressure working fluid at condenser outlet 42% 42% After throttling, the working fluid 18% (cost-saving loss of 24%) 35% (cost-saving loss is only 7%) Evaporator outlet working fluid 12% 22% System efficiency 38% 58% High-pressure working fluid recovery rate 0% 40.5%

[0073] Before the modification, the throttling process loss accounted for 24% of the compressor input loss. After the modification, the throttling loss was reduced to 7%, and the recovered 17% energy was converted into effective cooling / heating output, directly contributing to an APF increase of 43.1% and a DAPF increase of 45.2%.

[0074] Comparative Example 1 (strict comparison with existing technology)

[0075] On the same initial model, four existing best energy-saving schemes were implemented respectively, and compared with the scheme of Embodiment 1 of the present invention: A: Upgrade to a top-of-the-line inverter compressor +0.35 +0.28 0% 280 yuan B: Electronic expansion valve + subcooler +0.42 +0.35 0% 120 yuan C: External economizer + gas replenishment and enthalpy enhancement +0.45 +0.55 0% 350 yuan <![CDATA[D: CO2 ejector cycle (only adapted for CO2)]]> +0.40 +0.60 15%~25% 500 yuan Embodiment 1 of the present invention +2.5 +2.8 ≥40% Approximately 80 yuan

[0076] This invention surpasses existing technologies by a generation in both effectiveness and principle.

[0077] Example 2 (Extreme Operating Condition Boundary Protection Test) The following three extreme operating condition tests were performed on the system of Example 1: Test 1 (Insufficient Intake Superheat Protection): The compressor return gas temperature sensor reading was manually deflected to simulate an intake superheat dropping to 4K. The AI ​​control unit detected the superheat falling below the 5K threshold within 100ms and automatically reduced the extraction ratio from 12% to 10% within 200ms, restoring the superheat to 5.5K. The system continued to run without triggering any protective shutdown. Layered flow data showed a corresponding increase in flow in the main liquid supply zone, while the main circulation liquid supply remained unaffected.

[0078] Test 2 (Exhaust Temperature Overheat Protection): A partial shutdown of the outdoor condenser fans caused the condensing pressure to rise and the exhaust temperature to approach its upper limit (105℃). The AI ​​control unit detected that the exhaust temperature exceeded the calibrated upper limit of 105℃ and reduced the flow rate of the bypass branch to the compressor suction side by 50% within 500ms. Simultaneously, the subcooling target value was temporarily lowered from 25℃ to 20℃, and the extraction ratio was reduced accordingly. Approximately 3 minutes later, the exhaust temperature dropped below 100℃, and the system returned to normal self-regulating mode. The high-pressure protection was not triggered throughout the entire process, and the equipment continued to operate.

[0079] Test 3 (Load Sudden Change Protection): Simulated indoor load drops sharply from 100% to 40% within 30 seconds. The AI ​​control unit detects that the load change rate exceeds the 30% threshold and temporarily limits the extraction ratio to below 30% within 1 second, while prioritizing the stability of the main liquid supply area's flow rate. After approximately 2 minutes, the load stabilizes (fluctuation less than 10%), and the system automatically removes the temporary limit, resuming full-range self-adjustment.

[0080] Example 3 (Heating Mode Utilization of High Temperature and High Pressure Liquid Working Fluid - CO2 Transcritical Heat Pump) A certain brand of CO2 transcritical heat pump has a gas cooler outlet pressure of 10.0 MPa and a supercritical working fluid redundancy ratio of over 40%. A differential pressure stabilizing distribution chamber is used to extract the supercritical redundant working fluid, with an extraction ratio of approximately 20%. The extracted supercritical CO2 is depressurized by an ejector and then reinjected into the compressor suction port. The AI ​​intelligent control unit automatically identifies the CO2 transcritical circulation mode, using the gas cooler outlet temperature and high-pressure side pressure as the main monitoring parameters, and automatically matches the supercritical operating condition control parameter set.

[0081] Heating COP 2.8 3.6 +28.6% APF throughout the year 4.2 6.5 +54.8% DAPF 4.5 7.1 +57.8% This embodiment demonstrates that the efficiency enhancement of redundant working fluid extraction also has a significant effect under high temperature and high pressure conditions in heating mode, perfectly realizing the efficient recovery of energy from the high temperature and high pressure working fluid during heating.

[0082] Example 4 (Degraded Implementation – Demonstrating the Lower Limit of the Scope of Protection) This invention is intentionally implemented in a suboptimal manner, potentially even leading to overall energy efficiency degradation. For example, approximately 45% of the redundant working fluid is extracted but only a simple isenthalpic throttling bypass is performed before reinjection into the intake side, without any pressurization, energy storage, or passive subcooling enhancement. While this operation does not achieve optimal energy efficiency improvement (APF increases only slightly by 0.1), and may even cause slight energy efficiency degradation under certain operating conditions due to disrupting system matching, this behavior fully falls within the core physical operation of "uniquely extracting pure liquid redundant working fluid from the high-pressure section before throttling." The claims of this invention explicitly cover all extraction and reuse behaviors, including such degraded implementations, to prevent infringers from evading liability on the grounds of "poor results."

[0083] Example 5 (Modular retrofitting and AI self-adjustment adaptation of existing R22 fixed-frequency air conditioners) A 1.5 HP R22 fixed-frequency air conditioner in operation has an original APF of 3.2 and a subcooling of only 2°C. The standardized plug-and-play retrofit module of this invention is connected in series with the condenser outlet liquid line of the outdoor unit. Upon initial power-on, the module automatically generates a unique ID "ZSKT-R22-000001," and the AI ​​intelligent control unit automatically identifies the refrigerant type as R22 and the circulation mode as subcritical fixed-frequency. The module defaults to basic circulation mode and does not perform any redundant refrigerant extraction operations.

[0084] Zhongsong Company provides authorization keys to users through a cloud platform. After users input the keys via the APP, the AI ​​intelligent control unit verifies their validity and permanently activates the energy-saving and efficiency-enhancing mode. After activation, the system automatically completes the initial calibration: calibrating the flow characteristics of the main throttling device (capillary); calibrating the lower limit of the compressor suction superheat; calibrating the overflow level of the stratified cavity; and loading the PPO model with network weights pre-trained for the physical properties of R22 working fluid.

[0085] After calibration, the system automatically allocates 55% of the refrigerant to the original main circulation circuit and 45% to the redundant refrigerant recovery circuit. Actual measured data after the modification: Whole machine APF 3.2 4.5 +40.6% Condenser outlet subcooling 2℃ 23℃ +21℃ Tiered traffic allocation — 44%~46% — Supercooling improvement value — 21℃ — The AI ​​intelligent control unit stores all the above-mentioned operational data—the increase in subcooling (21°C), the increase in superheat, the stratified flow distribution ratio (44%~46%), and the APF increase data—in an encrypted storage module, generating an unalterable equipment modification operation file. When a subcooling increase of ≥20°C and a stratified flow distribution ratio within the range of 45%±5% are detected, the system automatically records it as an operational characteristic of adopting the technical solution of this invention.

[0086] The module's outer shell has a non-removable modification nameplate, which is laser-engraved with the modification date "2026 / 07 / 22", the service provider's logo "ZSKT", and the unique identification code "ZSKT-R22-000001".

[0087] When the modified equipment is resold, the new user must re-obtain authorization from Zhongsong Company through the authorization management module built into the AI ​​intelligent control unit. If unauthorized use continues, the electronic control unit automatically restricts operation to the basic cycle mode (100% refrigerant supply to the original main cycle), and the energy-saving and efficiency-enhancing functions are completely shut down. The characteristic data detected on this equipment, such as a 21°C increase in subcooling and a stratified flow distribution of 44%~46%, along with the physical bypass extraction structure and the solidified and encrypted authorization status records, constitute irrefutable physical and digital evidence that the equipment has implemented the technical solution of this invention.

[0088] Beneficial effects Based on the principle of enthalpy increase and entropy suppression, and the AI-powered intelligent control and hardware collaborative monitoring system, this invention has achieved the following disruptive advancements: 1. Theoretical Revolution and Leap in Energy Efficiency. For the first time, the high-grade energy of approximately 45% of the pure liquid redundant working fluid before throttling was discovered and utilized, ending the century-old technological prejudice that "throttling losses are unrecoverable." The redundant working fluid utilization rate increased from less than 5% in traditional systems to 40%~60% (basic architecture), and can reach 85%~92% in high-order solutions equipped with expanders or injectors. System efficiency jumped from <40% to 58%, with APF / DAPF simultaneously improving by 43%~58%.

[0089] 2. Pioneering a passive negative entropy efficiency enhancement system. The world's first "zero-energy contactless supercooling" technology was proposed and implemented, establishing a fixed quantitative efficiency enhancement benchmark of ≥0.6% COP per 1℃ of supercooling. Supercooling above 20℃ is obtained with zero energy consumption, with the energy source being the throttling of irreversible waste entropy, without any grid power consumption offset.

[0090] 3. AI-powered intelligent control with full-condition self-adjustment. The PPO reinforcement learning algorithm is deeply integrated with hierarchical flow and supercooling / superheating hardware monitoring, enabling adaptive and self-adjusting operation under all conditions, eliminating the need for manual adjustments. Extreme condition boundary protection strategies (insufficient intake superheat protection, excessive exhaust temperature protection, evaporative pressure fluctuation protection, sudden load change protection, and compressor start / stop protection) ensure safe system operation under any abnormal conditions, with no risk of liquid slugging or high-pressure shutdown.

[0091] 4. Multifunctional and fully utilizes waste energy. While performing its main function, a single system can stably output derivative functions such as ice making, food preservation, and power generation without the need for an additional compressor, achieving waste energy power generation and self-sufficiency in power supply, thus reducing the standby and operating energy consumption of the entire unit.

[0092] 5. Fundamental Safety and Reliability. The constant-temperature return storage + return gas mixing structure physically eliminates compressor liquid slugging, simultaneously reducing the intake and exhaust temperature difference by 8~12℃, lowering the compression ratio, directly reducing compression power loss by 18%~25%, and extending equipment life. AI real-time monitoring of intake air dryness ≥0.98 completely eliminates the risk of liquid-laden intake.

[0093] 6. Absolute universality. A single underlying logic applies to all cooling / heating modes, to the entire spectrum of refrigerants from R22 to CO2 (all new and old refrigerants, natural refrigerants, and mixed refrigerants), to the entire pressure range from subcritical to transcritical, and to all categories of new and existing equipment from residential to military applications, fully complying with the 2027 EU F-gas ban.

[0094] 7. An impenetrable barrier to infringement. The physical architecture of "high-pressure liquid pipe bypass extraction before throttling + layered flow monitoring + passive subcooling enhancement" and "one-time programmable fuse encryption chip in AI intelligent control unit + non-removable modification nameplate + solidified and tamper-proof equipment modification and operation files + remote authorization non-reversible logic" constitute ironclad evidence of infringement through both physical and digital means. Infringement determination is extremely simple and intuitive, and the reverse engineering protection level is extremely high.

[0095] 8. Pioneering Business Closed Loop. Through "plug-and-play standardized modules + unique equipment identification codes + remote authorization + non-reversible logic + solidified equipment modification and operation records," the one-time engineering service of energy-saving retrofitting is transformed into continuous management of energy-saving benefits throughout the entire equipment lifecycle. Resale, donation, and leasing of the retrofitted equipment all require re-authorization from the patent holder, ensuring the commercial interests of both the inventing company and the service provider across the entire chain. The carbon emission reductions generated by the retrofitted equipment are shared by the retrofitting service provider and the equipment user according to an agreed-upon ratio. The carbon emission reduction calculation is based on the measured energy savings data under the national standard GB / T 7725 operating conditions. The annual energy savings of the retrofitted equipment are insured by a third-party insurance institution.

[0096] 9. Complete technical coverage with no loopholes. Any process based on this application—including the non-destructive extraction of approximately 45% redundant pure liquid refrigerant from a single high-pressure point, front-end pressurization and energy storage, passive and non-contact subcooling enhancement, cascade energy recovery, and closed-loop recirculation of the working fluid—or a substantially equivalent process, regardless of parameter fine-tuning or structural modifications, falls within the exclusive protection scope. The redundant working fluid multi-stage reuse and energy conversion system achieves complete technical coverage throughout the entire process; any technical solution implementing redundant working fluid energy recovery and multi-stage utilization falls within the protection scope of this invention.

[0097] 10. The quantified energy-saving effect is stable and reproducible. APF / DAPF indicators are simultaneously improved by 43%~58%, the physical structure is clearly visible, and the cost of rights protection and evidence collection is extremely low. After the upgrade, it possesses a complete business closed loop with nameplate locking, non-reversible controllers, carbon asset sharing, energy-saving insurance, and resale tracking.

Claims

1. A refrigerant diversion and intelligent recovery system based on the coupling of enthalpy, entropy, and ε, comprising a compressor, a condenser / gas cooler, a main throttling device, an evaporator, and connecting pipelines, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Extract the working fluid in a subcooled liquid or supercritical state only from the high-pressure pipe section between the outlet of the condenser / gas cooler and the inlet of the main throttling device; S2: Based on the real-time operating load of the system, the extracted working fluid mass flow rate is continuously and dynamically allocated in a proportion ranging from 1% to 78% of the total working fluid mass flow rate in the high-pressure pipe section. S3: Guide the extracted working fluid to the inside or outside of the system through at least one bypass path and perform at least one energy reuse operation, wherein the energy reuse operation is selected from at least one of increasing the subcooling of the main working fluid, increasing the superheat of the compressor suction, recovering pressure energy, providing an external cold source or heat source, and converting kinetic energy or pressure difference energy into electrical energy. S4: Real-time acquisition of pressure and temperature of the high-pressure pipe section, compressor suction superheat, exhaust temperature, and stratified flow data through the operating condition sensing unit; The multi-parameter coupled intelligent control unit synchronously calculates the change in working fluid enthalpy, the rate of change in cyclic entropy, and the system efficiency. The normalized comprehensive cost function J is used as the sole optimization objective. A reinforcement learning model is employed to dynamically optimize and execute the diversion ratio in step S2 and the reuse operation in step S3. The comprehensive cost function J consists of three performance indicators and a safety penalty term. The safety penalty term is activated when the intake superheat is below the lower limit, the exhaust temperature exceeds the limit, or the evaporation pressure fluctuation exceeds the limit, in order to eliminate infeasible control schemes.

2. A refrigerant energy recovery and efficiency enhancement system, comprising a main circulation loop consisting of a compression component, a condensation heat exchange component / gas cooling component, a main throttling component, and an evaporation heat exchange component connected in sequence, characterized in that, Also includes: The pre-layer extraction unit is uniquely and fixedly installed on the high-pressure working fluid pipe section between the outlet of the condensation heat exchange component / gas cooling component and the inlet of the main throttling component. It includes a pressure-stabilizing liquid storage chamber, a working fluid physical separation structure, a flow-dividing regulating element, and at least one bypass branch. The working fluid physical separation structure divides the high-pressure working fluid into a basic working fluid that is preferentially supplied to the main circulation and an extractable redundant working fluid. The stratified flow and subcooling / superheat monitoring hardware module includes a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a subcooling detection module installed on the high-pressure pipe section; a superheat detection module installed on the compressor suction side and discharge side; and a flow detection element installed in the main liquid supply area and the redundant working fluid extraction area, for real-time acquisition of stratified flow, real-time subcooling, and real-time superheat. A multi-parameter coupled AI intelligent control unit is connected to the monitoring hardware module and the shunt adjustment element, and has a built-in reinforcement learning algorithm module and an unchangeable encrypted storage module. The algorithm module takes stratified flow rate, real-time subcooling, real-time superheating, and system pressure and temperature data as input, and uses the negative of the comprehensive cost function J as reward to output the diversion ratio and energy reuse path instructions.

3. A refrigeration and / or heating device, characterized in that, The device comprises the system of claim 2, or performs the method of claim 1; the device is an air conditioner, heat pump, chiller, refrigeration equipment, data center cooling equipment, vehicle thermal management equipment, rail transit air conditioning equipment, marine air conditioning equipment, or military environmental control equipment that employs a subcritical vapor compression cycle or a CO2 transcritical cycle.

4. A method for energy-saving and efficiency-enhancing retrofitting of existing steam compression equipment, characterized in that, The pre-layer extraction unit, layered flow rate and supercooling / superheating monitoring hardware module, and multi-parameter coupled AI intelligent control unit described in claim 2 are integrated into a standardized plug-and-play module, which is connected to the high-pressure liquid pipeline section of the existing equipment through a pipeline interface, and the following steps are performed: Upon first power-on, the AI ​​intelligent control unit automatically generates a unique identifier code bound to the device's hardware features and stores it in the unchangeable encrypted storage module. The AI ​​intelligent control unit operates by default in a basic loop mode that does not perform any working fluid extraction. Only after receiving and verifying a valid authorization key will the AI ​​intelligent control unit activate the energy-saving and efficiency-enhancing mode. This mode automatically divides the working fluid in the high-pressure pipe section into a basic part for supplying the main throttling component and a redundant part for energy reuse in the bypass branch through a physical distribution structure. By monitoring the stratified flow rate, subcooling and superheat in real time, it automatically adjusts the diversion ratio and activates the energy reuse function to achieve self-regulating operation under all working conditions. The activated state is irreversibly and permanently recorded in the encrypted storage module.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, a pressure-stabilizing liquid storage chamber is provided inside the high-pressure pipe section. The interior of the chamber is divided into a main liquid supply area directly connected to the main throttling device and a redundant working fluid extraction area connected to the bypass branch by a vertical partition. An overflow port is provided at the top of the partition. The redundant working fluid only enters the extraction area when the liquid level in the main liquid supply area is higher than the overflow port. Through the physical structure, the working fluid is divided into a basic working fluid accounting for 55% of the total working fluid mass flow rate of the pipe section and a redundant working fluid accounting for 45%. The stratified flow rate and supercooling / superheating monitoring hardware module detects the flow rate of the main liquid supply area, the flow rate of the redundant extraction area, the real-time supercooling, and the real-time superheating in real time. The AI ​​intelligent control unit dynamically corrects the diversion ratio according to the flow rate and supercooling / superheating deviation.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, In step S3, a portion of the redundant working fluid is introduced into a bypass micro-throttling device, utilizing the system's own pressure difference to perform throttling and phase change, generating a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant at 4°C to 6°C. This refrigerant is then introduced into the cold source channel of an isolated dual-channel heat exchanger, where it undergoes contactless heat exchange with the 48°C to 52°C high-pressure liquid working fluid of the main circulation flowing through an independent hot flow channel. This zero-energy-consumption process increases the subcooling of the main working fluid by 20°C to 28°C, and establishes a quantitative efficiency improvement benchmark of at least 0.6% overall COP gain for every 1°C increase in subcooling. After heat exchange, the refrigerant... The medium undergoes secondary heat recovery through the coaxial sleeve at the compressor exhaust port, with the temperature controlled below 30°C and the pressure stabilized before being stored. It is then uniformly mixed with the low-temperature return gas (9°C to 11°C) in the compressor return gas pipeline to ensure that the intake dryness is not less than 0.98, reducing the compressor intake and exhaust temperature difference by 8°C to 12°C and reducing the compressor shaft power consumption by 18% to 25%. The AI ​​intelligent control unit adjusts the bypass flow rate to maintain the target subcooling based on real-time subcooling feedback, while monitoring the compressor intake superheat to ensure it is not lower than 5K. When the intake superheat is too low, the extraction ratio is automatically reduced.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Step S3 further includes: setting up a pressurization device and at least two pressure vessels in parallel on the redundant working fluid diversion pipeline at the front end of the main throttling device to pressurize and store energy for the redundant working fluid; the pressurization device is selected from at least one of pneumatic pressurizer, electric pressurization pump or hydraulic pressurization cylinder; the AI ​​intelligent control unit realizes three working modes: single unit independent pressurization, multiple units synchronous pressurization, and time-sharing energy storage, and adaptively controls the pressurization pressure and energy storage sequence according to load forecast and pressure vessel energy storage status; the pressurized working fluid is distributed as needed to the passive subcooling branch, micro ice-making refrigeration branch or pneumatic differential pressure power generation branch for energy reuse; the residual gas and liquid refrigerant after all branches have completed energy release is uniformly collected and returned to the compressor return gas pipeline to the system storage tank to form a closed loop.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The working fluid is any single working fluid selected from R22, R32, R410A, R290, R1234yf, and R744 (CO2), or a binary, ternary, or multi-component mixed working fluid containing CO2 and at least one of R32, R1234yf, R134a, and R290. When using a CO2 transcritical cycle, the working fluid in the high-pressure pipe section is in a supercritical state. A differential pressure stabilization distribution chamber is used to extract supercritical redundant working fluid. The extracted working fluid is then reinjected into the compressor suction port or intermediate gas supply port after recovering expansion work through an expander or ejector, resulting in a heating COP increase of over 28.6%. The AI ​​intelligent control unit automatically switches the control parameter set according to the working fluid type and cycle mode: for subcritical cycles, the condenser outlet subcooling is used as the main monitoring quantity; for transcritical cycles, the gas cooler outlet temperature and high-pressure side pressure are used as the main monitoring quantities. The method is adaptable to single-stage compression, two-stage compression, multi-stage compression, single-machine cascade compression, and multi-machine cascade compression systems.

9. The method or system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, After the existing equipment is upgraded, the system's casing is fitted with an irremovable upgrade nameplate, which is etched or laser-engraved with the upgrade date, upgrade service provider's identification, and the unique identification code. The AI ​​intelligent control unit stores the upgrade values ​​of subcooling and superheating before and after the upgrade, the stratified flow distribution ratio, and the energy efficiency improvement data in the encrypted storage module, and generates an unalterable equipment upgrade operation file. When the subcooling upgrade value is detected to be no less than 20°C or the stratified flow distribution ratio is within the range of 45%±5%, it is recorded as an operating characteristic of the technical solution of this invention. When the upgraded equipment exhibits any two of the following technical characteristics in actual measurement: passive subcooling gain of no less than 20°C and external waste energy utilization function, it constitutes evidence that the equipment has implemented the technical solution of this invention. When the equipment is resold, donated, or leased, authorization must be obtained again before the energy-saving and efficiency-enhancing mode can continue to be used.

10. The method according to claim 1 or the system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The AI ​​intelligent control unit executes the following self-adjusting boundary protection strategy under extreme operating conditions: when the compressor suction superheat is detected to be below 5K, the extraction ratio is automatically reduced until the superheat is restored, with each adjustment step not exceeding 2%; when the exhaust temperature exceeds the equipment's calibrated upper limit, the extraction operation is reduced or suspended; when the evaporation pressure fluctuates beyond ±0.02MPa, the current extraction ratio is locked until the pressure stabilizes; when the system detects a load change exceeding 30% in a short period, the upper limit of the redundant working fluid extraction ratio is temporarily limited to within 30%, and full-range self-adjustment is restored after the load stabilizes; the strengthening chemical... The training model includes extreme operating condition samples to ensure safe operation under all conditions. Even if the extraction and reuse operations fail to improve the overall energy efficiency of the system or lead to energy efficiency degradation, as long as the physical operations of extracting subcooled liquid or supercritical working fluid from the high-pressure pipe section before throttling as defined in steps S1 to S3 are performed, it constitutes the use of the method or system of the present invention. Any process or substantially equivalent process that physically extracts pure liquid or supercritical working fluid from the aforementioned high-pressure pipe section and performs passive heat exchange to improve subcooling and closed-loop reflux, regardless of how its specific structural parameters are adjusted, falls within the protection scope of the present invention.

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