Multi-connected air conditioning system

Abstract

The utility model provides a multi-connected air conditioning system. The multi-connected air conditioning system comprises at least one host, end equipment under each host, switching equipment under each host and at least one standby host; each host and the standby host of the host are connected to the end equipment through the switching equipment under the host, and the end equipment is connected to the host or the standby host under the control of the switching equipment. According to the scheme, the main machine and the standby main machine share the end equipment, when the main machine is switched to the standby main machine, the refrigerant can be correspondingly transferred to the standby main machine, the occupied area of the end equipment and the refrigerant consumption are reduced, and therefore the cost of the multi-connected air conditioner system is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a multi-split air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] This multi-split air conditioning system is widely used in commercial and large residential buildings. The system connects multiple indoor units to one or more outdoor units, allowing for flexible adjustment of refrigerant flow according to the needs of different rooms, thus achieving personalized temperature control and energy savings. Redundancy is typically required to ensure the system continues to operate normally in the event of a malfunction.

[0003] Current multi-split air conditioning systems are designed with a primary unit and a backup unit for failover. However, the backup unit is a complete and independent backup of the primary unit, with two sets of equipment at the same terminal: one for the primary unit's evaporator and fan, and another for the backup unit's evaporator and fan. This approach increases the footprint of the terminal equipment and also increases the cost of the multi-split air conditioning system. Therefore, the current challenge is to reduce the cost of multi-split air conditioning systems. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides a multi-split air conditioning system to reduce the cost of multi-split air conditioning systems.

[0005] On one hand, this application provides a multi-split air conditioning system, the system comprising: at least one main unit, terminal devices under each main unit, switching devices under each main unit, and at least one standby main unit; a first end of the switching device is connected to the liquid inlet of the terminal device under the main unit, a second end of the switching device is connected to the liquid outlet of the main unit and the liquid outlet of the standby main unit; a third end of the switching device is connected to the air outlet of the terminal device under the main unit, and a fourth end of the switching device is connected to the air inlet of the main unit and the air inlet of the standby main unit; the switching device is used to control the connection of the terminal devices to the main unit or the standby main unit.

[0006] The multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application includes: at least one main unit, terminal devices under each main unit, switching devices under each main unit, and at least one backup main unit. Each main unit and its backup main unit are connected to the terminal devices through the switching devices under that main unit, and the terminal devices are connected to the main unit or the backup main unit through the switching devices. In this solution, the main unit and the backup main unit share the terminal devices. When the main unit switches to the backup main unit, the refrigerant can be transferred to the backup main unit accordingly, reducing the footprint of the terminal devices and the amount of refrigerant used, thereby reducing the cost of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0007] In one possible implementation, the switching device is used to: when the terminal device is connected to its host, establish a connection between the liquid outlets of the first and second host and an air inlet of the third and fourth host; when the terminal device is connected to a standby host, establish a connection between the liquid outlets of the first and second standby hosts and an air inlet of the third and fourth standby hosts.

[0008] The solution proposed in this application achieves flexible switching between the main unit and the backup unit by switching the operation logic of the equipment, which can improve the reliability and stability of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the host includes a refrigeration module and a condenser; the condenser is connected to the switching device via the refrigeration module, the condenser is used to condense the refrigerant, and the refrigeration module is used to compress the refrigerant.

[0010] In this application, the condenser is used to condense the refrigerant, and the refrigeration module is used to compress the refrigerant to achieve refrigerant circulation during refrigeration.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the refrigeration module includes: a compressor and a refrigerant pump; the compressor's inlet is connected to the fourth end of the switching device under the main unit, and the compressor's outlet is connected to the condenser's inlet; the condenser's outlet is connected to the refrigerant pump's inlet, and the refrigerant pump's outlet is connected to the second end of the switching device under the main unit.

[0012] The solution proposed in this application improves the flexibility of multi-split air conditioning systems by simultaneously connecting the compressor and refrigerant pump into the refrigerant circulation and enabling different cooling modes by switching the compressor and refrigerant pump on and off.

[0013] In one possible implementation, the main unit also includes: a liquid storage tank; the liquid outlet of the condenser is connected to the second end of the switching device under the main unit through the liquid storage tank.

[0014] The solution proposed in this application, by connecting a liquid storage tank, can store and regulate the flow of refrigerant, thereby improving the stability of the refrigerant circulation in a multi-split air conditioning system.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the refrigeration module includes: a compressor or a refrigerant pump; the compressor's inlet is connected to the fourth end of the switching device under the main unit, and the compressor's outlet is connected to the condenser's inlet; the condenser's outlet is connected to the refrigerant pump's inlet, and the refrigerant pump's outlet is connected to the second end of the switching device under the main unit.

[0016] The solution in this application may include a compressor or a refrigerant pump, so as to meet different configurations according to different needs in actual application.

[0017] In one possible implementation, each host terminal device is connected to a backup host in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0018] The solution proposed in this application improves the accuracy and reliability of switching control by setting a one-to-one correspondence between the switching devices and the terminal devices under the host.

[0019] In one possible implementation, all end devices under each host are connected to the same switching device.

[0020] The solution in this application allows for a one-to-many relationship between the switching device and the terminal device under the host, meaning that one switching device corresponds to multiple terminal devices, thereby reducing the number of switching devices and improving the modular management of the terminal devices.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the switching device includes a first valve and a second valve; the outlet of the first valve is connected to the liquid inlet of the terminal device under the host, the first inlet of the first valve is connected to the liquid outlet of the host, and the second inlet of the first valve is connected to the liquid outlet of the standby host; the inlet of the second valve is connected to the air outlet of the terminal device under the host, the first outlet of the second valve is connected to the air inlet of the host, and the second outlet of the second valve is connected to the air inlet of the standby host.

[0022] The solution proposed in this application achieves the switching between the main unit and the standby main unit through the first valve and the second valve, which can simplify the design of the switching equipment and reduce costs while achieving the required functionality.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the switching device includes a third valve, a fourth valve, a fifth valve, and a sixth valve; the outlet of the third valve is connected to the liquid inlet of the terminal device under its host, and the inlet of the third valve is connected to the liquid outlet of the host; the outlet of the fourth valve is connected to the liquid inlet of the terminal device under its host, and the inlet of the fourth valve is connected to the liquid outlet of the standby host; the inlet of the fifth valve is connected to the air outlet of the terminal device under its host, and the outlet of the fifth valve is connected to the air inlet of the host; the inlet of the sixth valve is connected to the air outlet of the terminal device under its host, and the outlet of the sixth valve is connected to the air inlet of the standby host.

[0024] The solution proposed in this application uses a third valve, a fourth valve, a fifth valve, and a sixth valve to switch between the main unit and the backup main unit, which can improve the flexibility of the switching equipment.

[0025] The multi-split air conditioning system provided in this application includes: at least one main unit, terminal devices under each main unit, switching devices under each main unit, and at least one backup main unit. Each main unit and its backup main unit are connected to the terminal devices through the switching devices under that main unit, and the terminal devices are connected to the main unit or the backup main unit through the switching devices. In this solution, the main unit and the backup main unit share the terminal devices. When the main unit switches to the backup main unit, the refrigerant can be transferred to the backup main unit accordingly, reducing the footprint of the terminal devices and the amount of refrigerant used, thereby reducing the cost of the multi-split air conditioning system. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0027] Figure 1 The diagram above illustrates the structure of a multi-split air conditioning system.

[0028] Figure 2 The diagram above illustrates the structure of a multi-split air conditioning system.

[0029] Figure 3 The diagram above illustrates the structure of a multi-split air conditioning system.

[0030] Figure 4 The diagram above illustrates the structure of a multi-split air conditioning system.

[0031] Figure 5 The diagram above illustrates the structure of a multi-split air conditioning system.

[0032] Figure 6 The diagram above illustrates a flowchart of a host switching method.

[0033] Figure 7 The diagram above illustrates a flowchart of a host switching method.

[0034] Figure 8 The diagram above illustrates a flowchart of a host switching method.

[0035] Figure 9 The diagram above illustrates the structure of an electronic device.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: Main unit 10, Terminal device 20, Switching device 30, Backup main unit 40, Refrigeration module 11, Condenser 12, Liquid storage tank 13, Compressor 111, Refrigerant pump 112, First valve 31, Second valve 32, Third valve 33, Fourth valve 34, Fifth valve 35, Sixth valve 36.

[0037] The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0039] It should be noted that the brief descriptions of terms in this application are only for the convenience of understanding the embodiments described below, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise stated, these terms should be understood in their ordinary and common meaning. The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to be omnipresent but not exclusive. For example, a product or device that comprises a series of components is not necessarily limited to those components that are explicitly listed, but may include other components that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such products or devices. The term "module" as used in this application refers to any known or subsequently developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and / or software code capable of performing the functions associated with that element.

[0040] Multi-split air conditioning systems have developed rapidly in recent years, becoming one of the key technologies for modern building environmental control. With their high efficiency, energy saving, flexible installation, and intelligent control, these systems are widely used in commercial, residential, and public buildings. With technological advancements, particularly in the application of inverter compressors and environmentally friendly refrigerants, multi-split air conditioning systems have not only improved energy efficiency but also met increasingly stringent environmental standards. These systems connect multiple indoor units to one or more outdoor units, allowing for flexible adjustment of refrigerant flow according to the specific needs of different rooms, thus achieving personalized temperature control and significant energy savings. However, to ensure the system continues to operate normally in the event of a malfunction, redundancy design is usually required.

[0041] In existing multi-split air conditioning systems, a primary and backup unit design is typically used to achieve primary / backup switching. However, this design usually requires the backup unit to act as a complete and independent backup of the primary unit. This means that two independent units need to be configured in the same terminal unit: one driven by the primary unit for the evaporator and fan, and the other driven by the backup unit. While this redundancy design improves system reliability, it also brings significant drawbacks. Firstly, it significantly increases the footprint of the terminal units. The need to reserve space for two independent units impacts the building's interior space utilization. Secondly, this redundancy design significantly increases the overall cost of the multi-split air conditioning system. Besides the increased cost of the equipment itself, the complexity of installing and maintaining two independent units also leads to additional expenses. Therefore, the current challenge is how to reduce the cost of multi-split air conditioning systems.

[0042] The technical content provided in this application aims to solve the aforementioned technical problems in related technologies. In the multi-split air conditioning system of this application, the system includes: at least one main unit, terminal devices under each main unit, switching devices under each main unit, and at least one backup main unit; each main unit and its backup main unit are connected to the terminal devices through the switching devices under that main unit, and the terminal devices are connected to the main unit or the backup main unit through the switching devices. In the solution of this application, the main unit and the backup main unit share the terminal devices, and when the main unit switches to the backup main unit, the refrigerant can be transferred accordingly to the backup main unit, reducing the footprint of the terminal devices and the amount of refrigerant used, thereby reducing the cost of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0043] The technical solutions of this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be repeated in some embodiments. In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms should be broadly understood within the art. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] Figure 1 The diagram above illustrates a structural schematic of a multi-split air conditioning system, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the system includes: at least one host 10, end devices 20 under each host 10, switching devices 30 under each host 10, and at least one backup host 40;

[0046] The first end of the switching device 30 is connected to the inlet of the terminal device 20 under the host 10, and the second end of the switching device 30 is connected to the outlet of the host 10 and the outlet of the standby host 40.

[0047] The third end of the switching device 30 is connected to the air outlet of the terminal device 20 under the host 10, and the fourth end of the switching device 30 is connected to the air inlet of the host 10 and the air inlet of the standby host 40.

[0048] Switching device 30 is used to control the connection of end device 20 to host 10 or standby host 40.

[0049] In this example, the main unit 10 can be understood as the outdoor unit of an air conditioner, which includes a condenser and a compressor; the terminal device 20 can be understood as the indoor unit of an air conditioner, which includes an evaporator; the main unit 10 and the terminal device 20 form the basic components of a refrigerant circulation system through refrigerant pipes. Exemplarily, the main unit 10 may also include any of the following components: such as a fan for circulating air around the condenser to aid heat dissipation; such as an expansion valve or electronic expansion valve for controlling the speed and amount of refrigerant flowing into the indoor unit evaporator to regulate the cooling effect; such as sensors and control circuits for regulating the operation of the compressor and fan to achieve the desired temperature and efficiency; such as a refrigerant pump for circulating and delivering the refrigerant in the refrigeration system. Exemplarily, the terminal may also include a fan for promoting airflow, allowing indoor air to exchange heat through the evaporator. In this example, there may be one or more main units 10, each with a terminal device 20. The terminal devices 20 of different main units 10 can be used to cool the same room or different rooms. The number of terminal devices 20 of different main units 10 can be the same or different, and is not limited here. Furthermore, there is also a switching device 30 under the main unit 10.

[0050] As an example, the switching device 30 and the terminal device 20 under the host 10 can be configured to correspond one-to-one to improve the accuracy and reliability of switching control.

[0051] As another example, the switching device 30 and the terminal device 20 under the host 10 can be one-to-many, that is, one switching device 30 corresponds to multiple terminal devices 20 to reduce the number of switching devices 30 and improve the modular management of terminal devices 20.

[0052] For example, each host 10 has at least one backup host 40. When there are multiple hosts 10, the backup hosts 40 of the multiple hosts 10 may overlap.

[0053] For example, the first end of the switching device 30 is connected to the liquid inlet of the terminal device 20 under the host 10, and the second end of the switching device 30 is connected to the liquid outlet of the host 10 and the liquid outlet of the standby host 40. Specifically, a low-temperature, low-pressure mixed-state (liquid and gaseous) refrigerant from the liquid outlet of the host 10 or the liquid outlet of the standby host 40 is delivered to the liquid inlet of the terminal device 20 through the second end and the first end of the switching device 30. On the other hand, the third end of the switching device 30 is connected to the air outlet of the terminal device 20 under the host 10, and the fourth end of the switching device 30 is connected to the air inlet of the host 10 and the air inlet of the standby host 40. Specifically, the low-temperature, low-pressure mixed-state refrigerant absorbs ambient heat through the evaporator at the terminal, causing a slight temperature rise but still maintaining a low temperature level. It then enters the air inlet of the host 10 or the standby host 40 in a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous form through the third end and the fourth end of the switching device 30. It should be noted that the above refrigerant circulation process may vary slightly depending on the location of the components. For example, the expansion valve or compressor may be located in the main unit 10 or in the terminal device 20.

[0054] In this example, the switching device 30 is a fluid control device, such as a four-way directional valve, an electric valve manifold, a solenoid valve, or an intelligent control system consisting of multiple valves or directional devices that combines sensors and control algorithms.

[0055] In the multi-split air conditioning system of this application, the system includes: at least one main unit, terminal devices under each main unit, switching devices under each main unit, and at least one standby main unit; each main unit and its standby main unit are connected to the terminal devices through the switching devices under that main unit, and the terminal devices are connected to the main unit or the standby main unit through the switching devices. In this solution, the main unit and the standby main unit share the terminal devices, and when the main unit switches to the standby main unit, the refrigerant can be transferred accordingly to the standby main unit, reducing the footprint of the terminal devices and the amount of refrigerant used, thereby reducing the cost of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0056] As yet another example, based on any of the examples, device 30 is switched for:

[0057] When the terminal device 20 is connected to its host 10, it establishes the connection between the liquid outlet of the first end and the second end of the host 10, and establishes the connection between the air inlet of the third end and the fourth end of the host 10.

[0058] When the terminal device 20 is connected to the backup host 40, it establishes the connection between the liquid outlets of the first and second backup host 40, and the connection between the air inlets of the third and fourth backup host 40.

[0059] In this example, when the terminal device 20 is connected to its host 10, the host 10, the liquid outlet of the host 10, the second end of the switching device 30, the switching device 30, the first end of the switching device 30, the liquid inlet of the terminal device 20, and the terminal device 20 together form the liquid circuit in the refrigerant circulation; correspondingly, the terminal device 20, the air outlet of the terminal device 20, the third end of the switching device 30, the switching device 30, the fourth end of the switching device 30, the air inlet of the host 10, and the host 10 together form the gas circuit in the refrigerant circulation. On the other hand, when terminal device 20 is connected to standby main unit 40, standby main unit 40, its liquid outlet, the second end of switching device 30, switching device 30, the first end of switching device 30, the liquid inlet of terminal device 20, and terminal device 20 together form the liquid circuit in the refrigerant cycle; correspondingly, terminal device 20, its air outlet, the third end of switching device 30, switching device 30, the fourth end of switching device 30, the air inlet of standby main unit 40, and standby main unit 40 together form the gas circuit in the refrigerant cycle. This example solution, through the operating logic of switching device 30, achieves flexible switching between main unit 10 and standby main unit 40, which can improve the reliability and stability of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0060] As yet another example, Figure 2 The diagram above illustrates a structural schematic of a multi-split air conditioning system, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the main unit 10 includes: a refrigeration module 11 and a condenser 12;

[0061] The condenser 12 is connected to the switching device 30 via the refrigeration module 11. The condenser 12 is used to condense the refrigerant, and the refrigeration module 11 is used to compress the refrigerant.

[0062] In one example, the refrigeration module 11 may include a compressor or a refrigerant pump to meet different configurations according to different needs in actual applications.

[0063] The optional refrigeration module 11 can also be a compressor and a refrigerant pump. When the refrigeration module 11 includes a compressor, the compressor needs to be connected to the gas circuit of the refrigerant circulation; when the refrigeration module 11 includes a refrigerant pump, the refrigerant pump needs to be connected to the liquid circuit of the refrigerant circulation. Optionally, the compressor can be an oil-free compressor to avoid compressor failure due to lack of oil caused by shared piping, or a compressor with an oil separator. Optionally, the compressor can also be a non-electrically driven compressor, such as a natural gas or waste heat driven compressor. Optionally, the refrigerant pump can achieve the natural cooling mode of the air conditioner, i.e., a low-power energy-saving mode, by compressing the liquid refrigerant. For example, when the refrigeration module 11 includes both a compressor and a refrigerant pump, the compressor is used for the high-power cooling mode, and the refrigerant pump is used for the natural cooling mode; the two cannot be used simultaneously, but the cooling mode of the main unit 10 can be switched by switching the two devices. For example, the condenser 12 can take various forms, such as an air-cooled condenser 12, an evaporative condenser 12, a shell-and-tube condenser 12, etc. In this example, the condenser 12 is used to condense the refrigerant, and the refrigeration module 11 is used to compress the refrigerant to achieve refrigerant circulation during refrigeration.

[0064] It should be noted that the examples of host 10 in this embodiment can be used in the backup host 40, or the embodiments of the backup host 40 can be combined or modified by combining some examples.

[0065] As yet another example, Figure 3 The diagram above illustrates a structural schematic of a multi-split air conditioning system, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the refrigeration module 11 includes: a compressor 111 and a refrigerant pump 112;

[0066] The air inlet of compressor 111 is connected to the fourth end of switching device 30 under main unit 10, and the air outlet of compressor 111 is connected to the air inlet of condenser 12; the liquid outlet of condenser 12 is connected to the liquid inlet of refrigerant pump 112, and the liquid outlet of refrigerant pump 112 is connected to the second end of switching device 30 under main unit 10.

[0067] In this example, condenser 12, the liquid outlet of condenser 12, the liquid inlet of refrigerant pump 112, refrigerant pump 112, the liquid outlet of refrigerant pump 112, the second end of switching device 30, switching device 30, the first end of switching device 30, the liquid inlet of terminal device 20, and terminal device 20 constitute the liquid circuit in the refrigerant cycle. Correspondingly, terminal device 20, the gas outlet of terminal device 20, the third end of switching device 30, switching device 30, the fourth end of switching device 30, the gas inlet of compressor 111, compressor 111, the gas outlet of compressor 111, the gas inlet of condenser 12, and condenser 12 constitute the gas circuit in the refrigerant cycle. This example scheme, by simultaneously connecting compressor 111 and refrigerant pump 112 to the refrigerant cycle, allows for different cooling modes to be achieved by switching compressor 111 and refrigerant pump 112 on and off, thereby improving the flexibility of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0068] As yet another example, host 10 also includes: liquid storage tank 13;

[0069] The liquid outlet of the condenser 12 is connected to the second end of the switching device 30 under the main unit 10 through the liquid storage tank 13.

[0070] In this example, the liquid outlet of the condenser 12 is connected to the second end of the switching device 30 under the main unit 10 via the liquid receiver 13. This can be understood as the liquid receiver 13 being connected to the refrigerant circulation liquid path. In practical applications, when the main unit 10 includes a refrigerant pump 112, the connection relationship of this liquid path can be: condenser 12, liquid receiver 13, refrigerant pump 112, switching device 30, or: condenser 12, refrigerant pump 112, liquid receiver 13, switching device 30. In this example, by connecting the liquid receiver 13, the flow rate of refrigerant can be stored and regulated to improve the stability of the refrigerant circulation in the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0071] As yet another example, Figure 4 The diagram above illustrates a structural schematic of a multi-split air conditioning system, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the switching device 30 includes a first valve 31 and a second valve 32;

[0072] The outlet of the first valve 31 is connected to the inlet of the terminal device 20 under the main unit 10, the first inlet of the first valve 31 is connected to the outlet of the main unit 10, and the second inlet of the first valve 31 is connected to the outlet of the standby main unit 40.

[0073] The inlet of the second valve 32 is connected to the outlet of the terminal device 20 under the main unit 10, the first outlet of the second valve 32 is connected to the inlet of the main unit 10, and the second outlet of the second valve 32 is connected to the inlet of the standby main unit 40.

[0074] In this example, the first valve 31 and the second valve 32 can be a three-way valve, a solenoid valve combination, or a distributor. For example, when the terminal device 20 is connected to its host 10, the connection between the outlet and the first inlet of the first valve 31 is established, and the connection between the inlet and the first outlet of the second valve 32 is established; when the terminal device 20 is connected to the standby host 40, the connection between the outlet and the second inlet of the first valve 31 is established, and the connection between the inlet and the second outlet of the second valve 32 is established. This example solution, by using the first valve 31 and the second valve 32 to switch between the host 10 and the standby host 40, simplifies the design of the switching device 30 and reduces costs while still achieving the required functionality.

[0075] As yet another example, Figure 5 The diagram above illustrates a structural schematic of a multi-split air conditioning system, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the switching device 30 includes a third valve 33, a fourth valve 34, a fifth valve 35, and a sixth valve 36;

[0076] The outlet of the third valve 33 is connected to the inlet of the terminal device 20 under the main unit 10, and the inlet of the third valve 33 is connected to the outlet of the main unit 10; the outlet of the fourth valve 34 is connected to the inlet of the terminal device 20 under the main unit 10, and the inlet of the fourth valve 34 is connected to the outlet of the standby main unit 40.

[0077] The inlet of the fifth valve 35 is connected to the outlet of the terminal device 20 under the main unit 10, and the outlet of the fifth valve 35 is connected to the inlet of the main unit 10; the inlet of the sixth valve 36 is connected to the outlet of the terminal device 20 under the main unit 10, and the outlet of the sixth valve 36 is connected to the inlet of the standby main unit 40.

[0078] In this example, the third valve 33, fourth valve 34, fifth valve 35, and sixth valve 36 can be general-purpose solenoid valves or other manually, pneumatically, or electrically controlled valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves, and gate valves. For example, when the terminal device 20 is connected to its host 10, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the third valve 33 is open, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the fourth valve 34 is closed, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the fifth valve 35 is open, and the connection between the outlet and inlet of the sixth valve 36 is closed; when the terminal device 20 is connected to the standby host 40, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the third valve 33 is closed, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the fourth valve 34 is open, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the fifth valve 35 is closed, and the connection between the outlet and inlet of the sixth valve 36 is open. This example solution, by using the third valve 33, fourth valve 34, fifth valve 35, and sixth valve 36 to switch between the host 10 and the standby host 40, can improve the flexibility of the switching device 30.

[0079] In the multi-split air conditioning system of this application, the system includes: at least one main unit, terminal devices under each main unit, switching devices under each main unit, and at least one standby main unit; each main unit and its standby main unit are connected to the terminal devices through the switching devices under that main unit, and the terminal devices are connected to the main unit or the standby main unit through the switching devices. In this solution, the main unit and the standby main unit share the terminal devices, and when the main unit switches to the standby main unit, the refrigerant can be transferred accordingly to the standby main unit, reducing the footprint of the terminal devices and the amount of refrigerant used, thereby reducing the cost of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0080] Example 2

[0081] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of a host switching method. The execution entity in this example can be a host switching device, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the method includes:

[0082] Step 101: If a host switching command is detected, control the switching device under the host to be switched to connect the liquid outlet of the first end and the second end of the standby host, and connect the air inlet of the third end and the fourth end of the standby host, so as to switch to the standby host.

[0083] In practical applications, the execution subject of this method can be a host switching device, which can be implemented in various ways. For example, it can be implemented through a computer program, such as application software; or it can be implemented as a medium storing relevant computer programs, such as a USB flash drive or cloud drive; or it can be implemented through a physical device that integrates or installs relevant computer programs, such as a chip.

[0084] The switching command in this example can originate from a fault detection system, which generates a switching command when the host malfunctions or experiences performance degradation (such as excessively high temperature, abnormal pressure, insufficient flow, etc.) to automatically switch to the standby unit and ensure continuous system operation; or it can originate from an automated control system, in which the control system may automatically generate switching commands based on real-time monitoring data and preset logical conditions to optimize system performance and energy efficiency; or it can originate from manual triggering by the operator, in which case the operator can manually trigger the switching command through the control panel or remote control system to respond to specific operational needs or emergency situations.

[0085] In this example, when the terminal device is connected to its host unit, the host unit, its liquid outlet, the second end of the switching device, the switching device, the first end of the switching device, the liquid inlet of the terminal device, and the terminal device constitute the liquid circuit in the refrigerant cycle. Correspondingly, the terminal device, its gas outlet, the third end of the switching device, the switching device, the fourth end of the switching device, the gas inlet of the host unit, and the host unit constitute the gas circuit in the refrigerant cycle. On the other hand, when the terminal device is connected to the standby host unit, the standby host, its liquid outlet, the second end of the switching device, the switching device, the first end of the switching device, the liquid inlet of the terminal device, and the terminal device constitute the liquid circuit in the refrigerant cycle. Correspondingly, the terminal device, its gas outlet, the third end of the switching device, the switching device, the fourth end of the switching device, the gas inlet of the standby host unit, and the standby host unit constitute the gas circuit in the refrigerant cycle.

[0086] The host switching method of this application utilizes a system comprising: at least one host, terminal devices under each host, switching devices under each host, and at least one standby host; each host and its standby host are connected to the terminal devices through the switching devices under that host, and the switching devices control the connection of the terminal devices to the host or the standby host. In this solution, the host and standby host share the terminal devices, and when the host switches to the standby host, the refrigerant can be transferred accordingly to the standby host, reducing the footprint of the terminal devices and the amount of refrigerant used, thereby reducing the cost of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0087] As yet another example, the method also includes:

[0088] When switching to the standby host, the outlet and second inlet of the first valve are connected, and the inlet and second outlet of the second valve are connected.

[0089] This example method is applicable to multi-split air conditioning systems where the switching equipment includes a first valve and a second valve. In this example, the first and second valves can be three-way valves, solenoid valve combinations, or distributors. For example, when a terminal device is connected to its host unit, the connection between the outlet and the first inlet of the first valve is established, and the connection between the inlet and the first outlet of the second valve is established; when the terminal device is connected to a standby host unit, the connection between the outlet and the second inlet of the first valve is established, and the connection between the inlet and the second outlet of the second valve is established. This example solution, by using the first and second valves to switch between the host and standby host units, simplifies the design of the switching equipment and reduces costs while still achieving the required functionality.

[0090] As yet another example, the method also includes:

[0091] When switching to the standby host, control the third valve to disconnect and the fourth valve to open, and control the fifth valve to disconnect and the sixth valve to open.

[0092] This example method is applicable to multi-split air conditioning systems where the switching equipment includes a third, fourth, fifth, and sixth valve. The third, fourth, fifth, and sixth valves in this example can be general-purpose solenoid valves or other manually, pneumatically, or electrically controlled valves such as ball valves, butterfly valves, and gate valves. For example, when a terminal device is connected to its host unit, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the third valve is open, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the fourth valve is closed, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the fifth valve is open, and the connection between the outlet and inlet of the sixth valve is closed; when a terminal device is connected to a standby host unit, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the third valve is closed, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the fourth valve is open, the connection between the outlet and inlet of the fifth valve is closed, and the connection between the outlet and inlet of the sixth valve is open. This example solution, by using the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth valves to switch between the host and standby host units, can improve the flexibility of the switching equipment.

[0093] As yet another example, Figure 7 The diagram above illustrates a flowchart of a host switching method, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the host switching method also includes:

[0094] Step 201: Obtain the return air temperature and outdoor ambient temperature of the terminal devices under the host to be switched, and detect the number of first terminal devices whose return air temperature and outdoor ambient temperature difference is higher than the threshold.

[0095] Step 202: If this number is less than the number of backup host units that have their energy-saving mode activated, maintain the status quo;

[0096] Step 203: If the number is not less than the number of energy-saving modes activated by the standby host, control the switching device corresponding to the first terminal device to switch to the standby host, and control the refrigerant pump of the standby host to work.

[0097] It should be noted that the initial cooling mode of the unit to be switched in this example is compressor mode. In this example, return air refers to the air returning from the space cooled by the terminal equipment to the air conditioning unit, and return air temperature refers to the air temperature inside the return air duct of the air conditioning system. In practical applications, this can be measured by a temperature sensor inside the duct. On the other hand, in practical applications, the outdoor ambient temperature can be measured by a temperature sensor installed outside the building or obtained from a relevant meteorological website and used for temperature control of the air conditioning system.

[0098] After obtaining the return air temperature and outdoor ambient temperature for each terminal device, the difference between the return air temperature and the outdoor ambient temperature is checked to see if it exceeds a threshold. If it exceeds the threshold, it is designated as a first terminal device, indicating that the first terminal device can execute the refrigerant pump mode, i.e., the natural cooling mode. In practical applications, this threshold may depend on the system design and configuration. For example, different air conditioning systems may be designed with different thresholds, depending on the system efficiency, building heat load, and other design parameters; or on external environmental conditions. For example, the applicable threshold may differ under different climatic conditions; in colder climates, the threshold may be set lower to utilize natural cooling more frequently; or it may be based on user needs or energy-saving goals. Furthermore, the number of first terminal devices and the number of backup main unit energy-saving modes activated need to be compared. If the number is less than the number of backup main unit energy-saving modes activated, the first terminal devices still use the main unit's compressor mode; if the number is not less than the number of backup main unit energy-saving modes activated, the first devices use the backup main unit's refrigerant pump mode. In practical applications, the number of backup main unit energy-saving modes activated depends on the minimum flow rate of the backup main unit's refrigerant pump. The solution in this example can identify which terminal devices can utilize the natural cooling conditions of the external environment by detecting the difference between the return air temperature and the outdoor ambient temperature. When the number of devices that meet the conditions reaches a certain threshold, the system automatically switches to the energy-saving mode of the backup host, thereby reducing the system's power consumption, improving system lifespan and cooling efficiency.

[0099] As yet another example, building upon any of the previous examples... Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of a host switching method. Figure 8 As shown, the host switching method also includes:

[0100] Step 301: If the number of first terminal devices is not less than the number of energy-saving modes activated by the main unit, control the refrigerant pump of the main unit to work; wherein, the number of energy-saving modes activated by the main unit is greater than the number of energy-saving modes activated by the standby main unit.

[0101] Step 302: Determine the relationship between the number of second terminal devices (excluding the first terminal devices) and the number of energy-saving modes activated by the standby host. If the number of second terminal devices is less than the number of compressor modes activated by the standby host, then no action is taken on the second terminal devices. Otherwise, control the switching device corresponding to the second terminal device to switch to the standby host and control the compressor of the standby host to work.

[0102] In this example, when the number of first-terminal devices is large, the cooling mode of the main unit can be directly switched from compressor mode to refrigerant pump mode. Furthermore, if the number of second-terminal devices (excluding the first-terminal devices) does not meet the minimum number of terminals required for the standby main unit to operate in compressor mode, the second-terminal devices will follow the first-terminal devices and operate in refrigerant pump mode. If the number of second-terminal devices meets the minimum number of terminals required for the standby main unit to operate in compressor mode, the second-terminal devices will be connected to the standby main unit, and the standby main unit's compressor will be controlled to operate. This example solution, based on the operating conditions of the terminal devices, flexibly adjusts the connection between the terminal devices and the main and standby main units, as well as the cooling mode of the terminal devices. This can improve system energy efficiency, reduce system power consumption, increase system lifespan, and improve cooling efficiency while ensuring the normal operation of both the main and standby main units.

[0103] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the utility models disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0104] The host switching method of this application utilizes a system comprising: at least one host, terminal devices under each host, switching devices under each host, and at least one standby host; each host and its standby host are connected to the terminal devices through the switching devices under that host, and the switching devices control the connection of the terminal devices to the host or the standby host. In this solution, the host and standby host share the terminal devices, and when the host switches to the standby host, the refrigerant can be transferred accordingly to the standby host, reducing the footprint of the terminal devices and the amount of refrigerant used, thereby reducing the cost of the multi-split air conditioning system.

[0105] Example 3

[0106] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of this application. The electronic device includes:

[0107] The electronic device includes a processor 291 and a memory 292; it may also include a communication interface 293 and a bus 294. The processor 291, memory 292, and communication interface 293 can communicate with each other via the bus 294. The communication interface 293 can be used for information transmission. The processor 291 can invoke logical instructions stored in the memory 292 to execute the methods described in the example above.

[0108] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 292 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0109] The memory 292, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs and computer-executable programs, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this application. The processor 291 executes functional applications and data processing by running the software programs, instructions, and modules stored in the memory 292, that is, it implements the methods in the above method examples.

[0110] The memory 292 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and application programs required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 292 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0111] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the method in any of the embodiments.

[0112] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the method in any of the embodiments.

[0113] Following the disclosure of the utility model herein, other embodiments of this application will readily conceive. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0114] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-split air conditioning system, characterized in that, The system includes: at least one host, terminal devices under each host, switching devices under each host, and at least one backup host; The first end of the switching device is connected to the liquid inlet of the terminal device under the host, and the second end of the switching device is connected to the liquid outlet of the host and the liquid outlet of the standby host. The third end of the switching device is connected to the air outlet of the terminal device under the host, and the fourth end of the switching device is connected to the air inlet of the host and the air inlet of the standby host. The switching device is used to control the connection of the end device to the host or standby host.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching device is used for: When the terminal device is connected to its host, the connection between the liquid outlet of the host to which the first end and the second end belong, and the connection between the air inlet of the host to which the third end and the fourth end belong, are established. When the terminal device is connected to the backup host, the connection between the liquid outlet of the backup host at the first end and the second end is established, and the connection between the air inlet of the backup host at the third end and the fourth end is established.

3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host unit includes: a refrigeration module and a condenser; The condenser is connected to the switching device via the refrigeration module. The condenser is used to condense the refrigerant, and the refrigeration module is used to compress the refrigerant.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigeration module includes: a compressor and a refrigerant pump; The compressor's air inlet is connected to the fourth end of the switching device under the main unit, and the compressor's air outlet is connected to the condenser's air inlet; the condenser's liquid outlet is connected to the refrigerant pump's liquid inlet, and the refrigerant pump's liquid outlet is connected to the second end of the switching device under the main unit.

5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The host also includes: a liquid storage tank; The liquid outlet of the condenser is connected to the second end of the switching device under the main unit through the liquid storage tank.

6. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The refrigeration module includes: a compressor or a refrigerant pump; The compressor's air inlet is connected to the fourth end of the switching device under the main unit, and the compressor's air outlet is connected to the condenser's air inlet; the condenser's liquid outlet is connected to the refrigerant pump's liquid inlet, and the refrigerant pump's liquid outlet is connected to the second end of the switching device under the main unit.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each host's terminal device is connected to a backup host in a one-to-one correspondence.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, All end devices under each host are connected to the same switching device.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The switching device includes a first valve and a second valve; The outlet of the first valve is connected to the inlet of the terminal device under the host, the first inlet of the first valve is connected to the outlet of the host, and the second inlet of the first valve is connected to the outlet of the standby host. The inlet of the second valve is connected to the outlet of the terminal device under the host, the first outlet of the second valve is connected to the inlet of the host, and the second outlet of the second valve is connected to the inlet of the standby host.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The switching device includes a third valve, a fourth valve, a fifth valve, and a sixth valve; The outlet of the third valve is connected to the inlet of the terminal device under the main unit, and the inlet of the third valve is connected to the outlet of the main unit; the outlet of the fourth valve is connected to the inlet of the terminal device under the main unit, and the inlet of the fourth valve is connected to the outlet of the standby main unit. The inlet of the fifth valve is connected to the outlet of the terminal device under the main unit, and the outlet of the fifth valve is connected to the inlet of the main unit; the inlet of the sixth valve is connected to the outlet of the terminal device under the main unit, and the outlet of the sixth valve is connected to the inlet of the standby main unit.

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