Modular variable shunting heat exchanger and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and discloses a modular variable flow dividing heat exchanger which comprises a first heat exchange module, a second heat exchange module, a third heat exchange module, a fourth heat exchange module, a fifth heat exchange module and a sixth heat exchange module, and the first heat exchange module comprises a first heat exchange pipe set and a first flow path switching assembly communicating with the first heat exchange pipe set; the first flow path switching assembly is used for switching the communication modes of at least part of heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe set in different operation modes. The first heat exchange module comprises a first heat exchange pipe set, the second heat exchange module comprises a second heat exchange pipe set, the second heat exchange module is arranged on the lower portion of the first heat exchange module, the first heat exchange module comprises a first refrigerant inlet and outlet end, and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet end is provided with a first flow adjusting element so that the first heat exchange module can store liquid; and / or the second heat exchange module comprises a second refrigerant inlet and outlet end, and the second refrigerant inlet and outlet end is provided with a second flow adjusting element so that the second heat exchange module can store liquid. The utility model further provides the air conditioner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the air conditioning technical field, for example, relates to a modular variable split heat exchanger and air conditioner. BACKGROUND

[0002] The heat exchanger arranged in the air conditioner outdoor unit or air conditioner indoor unit is an important component of the air conditioning system, and the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger will affect the refrigerating capacity or heating capacity of the air conditioning system.

[0003] The variable split heat exchanger divides the heat exchange pipe group into multiple heat exchange branches, and switches the communication mode of the multiple heat exchange branches through a flow path switching assembly. For example, when the variable split heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the flow path switching assembly makes the multiple heat exchange branches in series communication. When the variable split heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the flow path switching assembly makes the multiple heat exchange branches in parallel communication. In this way, the variable split heat exchanger has good heat exchange capacity in the refrigeration mode and the heating mode.

[0004] In the process of implementing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is found that at least the following problems exist in the related art:

[0005] For a large-capacity multi-split air conditioner, the time when multiple indoor units are started simultaneously is very small, and most of the time is that part of the indoor units are started to run. This leads to an excess of refrigerant in the air conditioner, reducing the energy efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background section is only used to strengthen the understanding of the background of the present application, and therefore can include information that does not constitute prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. INVENTION CONTENTS

[0007] In order to have a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the following is a simple summary. The summary is not a general review, nor is it intended to determine the key / important components or delineate the scope of protection of these embodiments, but as a prelude to the detailed description below.

[0008] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a modular variable split heat exchanger and air conditioner to solve the problem that for a large-capacity multi-split air conditioner, when part of the indoor units are started to run, the refrigerant in the air conditioner is excessive, reducing the energy efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0009] In some embodiments, the modular variable split heat exchanger comprises: a first heat exchange module comprising a first heat exchange tube group and a first flow path switching assembly in communication with the first heat exchange tube group, the first heat exchange tube group comprising a plurality of heat exchange branches, the first flow path switching assembly being configured to switch a communication mode of at least part of the heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group in different operation modes; and a second heat exchange module comprising a second heat exchange tube group, and the second heat exchange module being arranged at a lower portion of the first heat exchange module, wherein the first heat exchange module comprises a first refrigerant inlet and outlet, and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet is provided with a first flow adjusting element to enable the first heat exchange module to store liquid; and / or the second heat exchange module comprises a second refrigerant inlet and outlet, and the second refrigerant inlet and outlet is provided with a second flow adjusting element to enable the second heat exchange module to store liquid.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange module further comprises a third refrigerant inlet and outlet, and the third refrigerant inlet and outlet is provided with a third flow adjusting element; and / or the second heat exchange module further comprises a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet, and the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet is provided with a fourth flow adjusting element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second heat exchange tube group of the second heat exchange module comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches, and the number of heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group is different from the number of heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group.

[0012] In some embodiments, the modular variable split heat exchanger further comprises: a third heat exchange module comprising a third heat exchange tube group, and the third heat exchange module is arranged at a lower portion of the second heat exchange module.

[0013] In some embodiments, the third heat exchange module comprises a fifth refrigerant inlet and outlet, and the fifth refrigerant inlet and outlet is provided with a fifth flow adjusting element to enable the third heat exchange module to store liquid.

[0014] In some embodiments, the third heat exchange tube group of the third heat exchange module comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches, and the number of heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange tube group is N1, the number of heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange tube group is N2, and the number of heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange tube group is N3, wherein the sum of N1 and N2 is not equal to N3; or the sum of N1 and N3 is not equal to N2; or the sum of N2 and N3 is not equal to N1.

[0015] In some embodiments, the modular variable split heat exchanger further comprises: a gas collecting header comprising a first gas pipe distribution port, a second gas pipe distribution port and a third gas pipe distribution port, which are respectively connected to the first heat exchange module, the second heat exchange module and the third heat exchange module; wherein a first conduction valve is arranged between the first gas pipe distribution port and the second gas pipe distribution port, and when the second flow adjusting element is closed, the first conduction valve is controlled to be closed to make the second heat exchange module store liquid; a second conduction valve is arranged between the second gas pipe distribution port and the third gas pipe distribution port, and when the fifth flow adjusting element is closed, the second conduction valve is controlled to be closed to make the third heat exchange module store liquid; or when the second flow adjusting element and the fifth flow adjusting element are closed, the first conduction valve and the second conduction valve are controlled to be closed to make the second heat exchange module and the third heat exchange module store liquid.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first heat exchange pipe group comprises a first heat exchange branch, a second heat exchange branch, a third heat exchange branch, and a first gas pipe header and a first liquid pipe header connected to two ends of the three heat exchange branches respectively; wherein one end of the first heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction outflow end of the first gas pipe conduction component of the first gas pipe header, and the other end of the first heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction outflow end of the first liquid pipe conduction component of the first liquid pipe header; one end of the second heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction inflow end of the first gas pipe conduction component of the first gas pipe header, and the other end of the second heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction outflow end of the first liquid pipe conduction component of the first liquid pipe header; one end of the third heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction inflow end of the first gas pipe conduction component of the first gas pipe header, and the other end of the third heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction inflow end of the first liquid pipe conduction component of the first liquid pipe header; the second heat exchange pipe group comprises a fourth heat exchange branch, a fifth heat exchange branch, a sixth heat exchange branch, a seventh heat exchange branch, and a second gas pipe header and a second liquid pipe header connected to two ends of the heat exchange branches respectively; wherein one end of the fourth heat exchange branch and the fifth heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction outflow end of the second gas pipe conduction component of the second gas pipe header, and the other end of the fourth heat exchange branch and the fifth heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction outflow end of the second liquid pipe conduction component of the second liquid pipe header; one end of the sixth heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction inflow end of the second gas pipe conduction component of the second gas pipe header, and the other end of the sixth heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction outflow end of the second liquid pipe conduction component of the second liquid pipe header; one end of the seventh heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction inflow end of the second gas pipe conduction component of the second gas pipe header, and the other end of the seventh heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the conduction inflow end of the second liquid pipe conduction component of the second liquid pipe header.

[0017] In some embodiments, the air conditioner comprises the modular variable split heat exchanger as described above.

[0018] In some embodiments, the air conditioner further comprises a controller configured to, when the operating load of the air conditioner is less than or equal to a target load, close the first flow regulating element to cause the first heat exchange module to store liquid; or close the second flow regulating element to cause the second heat exchange module to store liquid.

[0019] The modular variable flow heat exchanger and the air conditioner provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure can achieve the following technical effects:

[0020] The modular variable flow heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a first heat exchange module and a second heat exchange module. The first heat exchange module comprises a first heat exchange pipe group and a first flow path switching assembly in communication with the first heat exchange pipe group. The first heat exchange pipe group comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches. The first flow path switching assembly is used to switch the communication mode of at least part of the heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe group in different operating modes. The second heat exchange module comprises a second heat exchange pipe group, and the second heat exchange module is arranged at the lower part of the first heat exchange module.

[0021] The first heat exchange module comprises a first refrigerant inlet and outlet, and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet is provided with a first flow regulating element to cause the first heat exchange module to store liquid; and / or the second heat exchange module comprises a second refrigerant inlet and outlet, and the second refrigerant inlet and outlet is provided with a second flow regulating element to cause the second heat exchange module to store liquid.

[0022] In the modular variable flow heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first flow regulating element and / or the second flow regulating element are arranged to cause the first heat exchange module and / or the second heat exchange module of the heat exchanger to store liquid and temporarily store the refrigerant. In this way, when the air conditioner is operated in a low load working condition, the total amount of refrigerant participating in the operation of the air conditioner is reduced, and the operating energy efficiency of the air conditioner is improved.

[0023] The foregoing general description and the following description are only exemplary and explanatory, and are not used to limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by corresponding drawings, which do not constitute limitation on the embodiments, and elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements, the drawings do not constitute proportional limitation, and wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a modular variable flow heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a first heat exchange module provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 3is another schematic view of a first heat exchange module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a second heat exchange module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a third heat exchange module provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic view of refrigerant flow when the first heat exchange module is used as a condenser provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 7 is a schematic view of refrigerant flow when the first heat exchange module is used as an evaporator provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 8 is another schematic view of a modular variable flow heat exchanger provided by an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Reference signs:

[0034] 100: gas collecting header; 11: first gas pipe branch liquid outlet; 12: second gas pipe branch liquid outlet; 13: third gas pipe branch liquid outlet;

[0035] 200: first heat exchange module; 211: first heat exchange branch; 212: second heat exchange branch; 213: third heat exchange branch; 201: first gas pipe header; 202: first liquid pipe header; 2011: first gas pipe conducting component; 2012: third refrigerant inlet / outlet; 2021: first liquid pipe conducting component; 2022: first refrigerant inlet / outlet;

[0036] 300: second heat exchange module; 311: fourth heat exchange branch; 312: fifth heat exchange branch; 313: sixth heat exchange branch; 314: seventh heat exchange branch; 301: second gas pipe header; 302: second liquid pipe header; 3011: second gas pipe conducting component; 3012: fourth refrigerant inlet / outlet; 3021: second liquid pipe conducting component; 3022: second refrigerant inlet / outlet;

[0037] 400: third heat exchange module; 411: eighth heat exchange branch; 412: ninth heat exchange branch; 413: tenth heat exchange branch; 414: eleventh heat exchange branch; 415: twelfth heat exchange branch; 401: third gas pipe header; 402: third liquid pipe header; 4011: third gas pipe conducting component; 4021: third liquid pipe conducting component; 4022: fifth refrigerant inlet / outlet;

[0038] 500: separation element; 510: first separation branch; 511: first flow regulating element; 512: first separation port; 520: second separation branch; 521: second flow regulating element; 522: second separation port; 530: third separation branch; 531: third flow regulating element; 541: fourth flow regulating element; 551: fifth flow regulating element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to enable a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below, and the accompanying drawings are used for reference only and do not limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following technical description, in order to facilitate explanation, through multiple details, a sufficient understanding of the disclosed embodiments is provided. However, one or more embodiments can still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices can be simplified to facilitate the drawings.

[0040] The terms "first", "second", and the like in the specification and claims of the embodiments of the present disclosure and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily have to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data thus used can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented. In addition, the terms "include" and "have" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0041] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "middle", "outer", "front", "back", and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. These terms are mainly used to better describe the embodiments of the present disclosure and its embodiments, and are not used to limit the indicated devices, elements or components must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. And, in addition to indicating the orientation or positional relationship, the above-mentioned terms can also be used to represent other meanings, for example, the term "upper" can also be used to represent a certain attachment relationship or connection relationship in some cases. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of these terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] In addition, the terms "set", "connected", "fixed" should be broadly understood. For example, "connected" can be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally configured; can be mechanically connected, or electrically connected; can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two devices, elements or components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0043] The term "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specified.

[0044] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the character " / " represents an "or" relationship between the preceding and following objects. For example, A / B represents: A or B.

[0045] The term "and / or" is a description of the association relationship between objects, which means that there can be three relationships. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or, A and B, three relationships.

[0046] It should be noted that the embodiments in the embodiments of the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0047] The embodiment of the present disclosure provides a modular variable flow heat exchanger.

[0048] Optionally, the modular variable flow heat exchanger comprises a first heat exchange module 200 and a second heat exchange module 300. The first heat exchange module 200 comprises a first heat exchange pipe group and a first flow path switching assembly connected with the first heat exchange pipe group, the first heat exchange pipe group comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches, and the first flow path switching assembly is used to switch the communication mode of at least part of the heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe group in different operation modes; the second heat exchange module 300 comprises a second heat exchange pipe group, and the second heat exchange module 300 is arranged at the lower part of the first heat exchange module 200.

[0049] The first heat exchange module 200 comprises a first refrigerant inlet and outlet 2022, and the first refrigerant inlet and outlet 2022 is provided with a first flow adjusting element 511 to enable the first heat exchange module 200 to store liquid; and / or the second heat exchange module 300 comprises a second refrigerant inlet and outlet 3022, and the second refrigerant inlet and outlet 3022 is provided with a second flow adjusting element 521 to enable the second heat exchange module 300 to store liquid. As shown in the figure. Figures 1 to 4

[0050] In the modular variable flow heat exchanger provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first refrigerant inlet and outlet 2022 of the first heat exchange module 200 is provided with a first flow adjusting element 511, and / or the second refrigerant inlet and outlet 3022 of the second heat exchange module 300 is provided with a second flow adjusting element 521. When the air conditioner is running in a low load working condition, the first flow adjusting element 511 can be controlled to be closed, so that part of the refrigerant of the air conditioner is temporarily stored in the first heat exchange module 200, or the second flow adjusting element 521 is controlled to be closed, so that part of the refrigerant of the air conditioner is temporarily stored in the second heat exchange module 300.

[0051] In this way, the amount of refrigerant participating in the refrigerant circulation of the air conditioner in the low load operation condition is reduced, and the operation efficiency of the air conditioner is improved.

[0052] ​Optionally, when the modular variable split heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the distribution element 500 distributes refrigerant to the first heat exchange module 200 and the second heat exchange module 300 through the first distribution branch 510 and the second distribution branch 520 respectively.

[0053] The distribution element 500 includes a first distribution port 512 connected to the first distribution branch 510 and a second distribution port 522 connected to the second distribution branch 520. The distance from the first distribution port 512 to the first flow regulating element 511 is a first distance, the distance from the second distribution port 522 to the second flow regulating element 521 is a second distance, and the first distance is less than or equal to the second distance. The refrigerant will have a certain acceleration effect after passing through the throttling element. In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first heat exchange module 200 is arranged at a higher height than the second heat exchange module 300. The distance from the first distribution port 512 to the first flow regulating element 511 is small, which is conducive to the acceleration effect of the first flow regulating element 511 on the refrigerant, thereby improving the distribution effect on the first heat exchange module 200.

[0054] The first liquid pipe header 202 includes a first refrigerant inlet and outlet 2022 connected to the first distribution branch 510, and the second liquid pipe header 302 includes a second refrigerant inlet and outlet 3022 connected to the second distribution branch 520. The distance from the first refrigerant inlet and outlet 2022 to the first flow regulating element 511 is a third distance, and the distance from the second refrigerant inlet and outlet 3022 to the second flow regulating element 521 is a fourth distance, and the third distance is greater than or equal to the fourth distance.

[0055] It can be understood that the first distance, the second distance, the third distance and the fourth distance are the lengths of the refrigerant flow paths.

[0056] The first flow path switching assembly is used to switch the communication mode of at least part of different heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe group in different operating modes, and the first flow path switching assembly can form different communication modes between the heat exchange branches. For example, when the modular variable split heat exchanger is used as a condenser, at least part of the heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe group are in series communication. When the modular variable split heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, at least part of the heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe group are in parallel communication. That is, the first heat exchange module 200 is a variable split heat exchange module. In this way, the first flow path switching assembly enables the first heat exchange module 200 to have an optimal flow path in different operating modes, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the modular variable split heat exchanger.

[0057] Optionally, the first flow path switching assembly can be a conducting component with one-way conducting function, or a combination of a valve component with one-way conducting function and a pipe component. For example, the first flow path switching assembly can be a combination of a header and a valve component, or a combination of a bypass pipe and a valve component, etc. Optionally, the conducting component with one-way conducting function includes a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, and a slider, a baffle, etc. with one-way conducting function.

[0058] Optionally, the second heat exchange module 300 further comprises a second flow path switching assembly connected with the second heat exchange pipe group. The second heat exchange pipe group comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches, and the second flow path switching assembly is configured to switch the connection mode of at least part of the heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange pipe group in different operation modes.

[0059] Similarly, the second flow path switching assembly is configured to switch the connection mode of at least part of the different heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange pipe group in different operation modes, and the second flow path switching assembly can form different connection modes between the heat exchange branches. For example, when the modular variable split heat exchanger is used as a condenser, at least part of the heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange pipe group are connected in series. When the modular variable split heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, at least part of the heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange pipe group are connected in parallel. That is, the second heat exchange module 300 is a variable split heat exchange module. In this way, the second flow path switching assembly enables the second heat exchange module 300 to have an optimal flow path in different operation modes, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the modular variable split heat exchanger.

[0060] Optionally, the second flow path switching assembly can be a conducting component with one-way conducting function, or a combination of a valve component with one-way conducting function and a pipe component. For example, the second flow path switching assembly can be a combination of a header and a valve component, or a combination of a bypass pipe and a valve component, etc. Optionally, the conducting component with one-way conducting function includes a one-way valve, a solenoid valve, and a slider, a baffle, etc. with one-way conducting function.

[0061] Optionally, the first flow regulating element 511 is a solenoid valve, and the second flow regulating element 521 is a solenoid valve.

[0062] Optionally, the first heat exchange module 200 further comprises a third refrigerant inlet and outlet end 2012, wherein the third refrigerant inlet and outlet end 2012 is provided with a third flow regulating element 531. For example, as shown in Figure 3

[0063] ​In this way, by arranging the first flow regulating element 511 and the third flow regulating element 531 at two ends of the first heat exchange module 200 respectively, the liquid storage stability of the first heat exchange module 200 is improved. For example, when the first heat exchange module 200 needs to store liquid, the first flow regulating element 511 and the third flow regulating element 531 are controlled to be closed at the same time. Alternatively, the amount of refrigerant stored in the first heat exchange module 200 can be adjusted by controlling the opening time of the first flow regulating element 511 or the third flow regulating element 531. Optionally, the third flow regulating element 531 is a solenoid valve.

[0064] Optionally, the second heat exchange module 300 further comprises a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet 3012, wherein the fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet 3012 is provided with a fourth flow regulating element 541. As shown in Figure 4

[0065] In this way, by arranging the second flow regulating element 521 and the fourth flow regulating element 541 at two ends of the second heat exchange module 300 respectively, the liquid storage stability of the second heat exchange module 300 is improved. For example, when the second heat exchange module 300 needs to store liquid, the second flow regulating element 521 and the fourth flow regulating element 541 are controlled to be closed at the same time. Alternatively, the amount of refrigerant stored in the second heat exchange module 300 can be adjusted by controlling the opening time of the second flow regulating element 521 or the fourth flow regulating element 541. Optionally, the fourth flow regulating element 541 is a solenoid valve.

[0066] Optionally, the second heat exchange pipe group of the second heat exchange module 300 comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches, wherein the number of heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe group is different from the number of heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange pipe group.

[0067] The amount of refrigerant required by the air conditioner to run can be used to select the first heat exchange module 200 or the second heat exchange module 300 to store liquid. For example, when the air conditioner needs to store a large amount of refrigerant, the second heat exchange module 300 with a larger number of heat exchange branches can be used to store liquid; when the air conditioner needs to store a small amount of refrigerant, the first heat exchange module 200 with a smaller number of heat exchange branches can be used to store liquid. In this way, the different liquid storage requirements of the air conditioner are met.

[0068] Optionally, the modular variable split heat exchanger further comprises a third heat exchange module 400, the third heat exchange module 400 comprising a third heat exchange pipe group, wherein the third heat exchange module 400 is arranged at the lower part of the second heat exchange module 300.

[0069] ​The modular variable flow heat exchanger provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure further comprises a third heat exchange module arranged below the second heat exchange module. Similarly, the third heat exchange module 400 is also a variable flow heat exchange module. The liquid distribution element 500 further comprises a third liquid distribution branch 530, which is in communication with the third heat exchange module 400.

[0070] Optionally, the third heat exchange module 400 comprises a fifth refrigerant inlet and outlet end 4022, wherein the fifth refrigerant inlet and outlet end 4022 is provided with a fifth flow adjusting element 551, so that the third heat exchange module 400 stores liquid.

[0071] The third heat exchange module 400 is further provided with a fifth flow adjusting element 551, so that the third heat exchange module 400 stores liquid by closing the fifth flow adjusting element 551. Optionally, the fifth flow adjusting element 551 is an electromagnetic valve.

[0072] Optionally, the third heat exchange pipe group of the third heat exchange module 400 comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches, and the number of heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe group is N1, the number of heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange pipe group is N2, and the number of heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange pipe group is N3, wherein the sum of N1 and N2 is not equal to N3; or the sum of N1 and N3 is not equal to N2; or the sum of N2 and N3 is not equal to N1.

[0073] For example, the number of heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe group is 3, the number of heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange pipe group is 4, and the number of heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange pipe group is 5. In this way, according to different liquid storage requirements of the air conditioner, two or one of the three heat exchange modules can be selectively used for liquid storage, so that the heat exchanger realizes a plurality of liquid storage modes with different liquid storage amounts, and the amount of refrigerant participating in circulation in the system of the air conditioner is more consistent with the current operating load.

[0074] Optionally, the modular variable flow heat exchanger further comprises a gas collecting main pipe 100, which comprises a first gas pipe distribution port 11, a second gas pipe distribution port 12 and a third gas pipe distribution port 13 in communication with the first heat exchange module 200, the second heat exchange module 300 and the third heat exchange module 400 respectively, wherein a first conduction valve is arranged between the first gas pipe distribution port 11 and the second gas pipe distribution port 12, and when the second flow adjusting element 521 is closed, the first conduction valve is controlled to be closed to make the second heat exchange module 300 store liquid; a second conduction valve is arranged between the second gas pipe distribution port 12 and the third gas pipe distribution port 13, and when the fifth flow adjusting element 551 is closed, the second conduction valve is controlled to be closed to make the third heat exchange module 400 store liquid; or when the second flow adjusting element 521 and the fifth flow adjusting element 551 are closed, the first conduction valve and the second conduction valve are controlled to be closed to make the second heat exchange module 300 and the third heat exchange module 400 store liquid.

[0075] By setting the first and second on-off valves in the gas collecting main 100, the distribution of the refrigerant in the gas collecting main 100 is more stable. Optionally, the first and second on-off valves are solenoid valves.

[0076] Optionally, the first heat exchange pipe group comprises a first heat exchange branch 211, a second heat exchange branch 212, a third heat exchange branch 213, and a first gas pipe header 201 and a first liquid pipe header 202 respectively connected to two ends of the three heat exchange branches, wherein one end of the first heat exchange branch 211 is connected to the side of the on-off outflow end of the first gas pipe on-off component 2011 of the first gas pipe header 201, and the other end of the first heat exchange branch 211 is connected to the side of the on-off outflow end of the first liquid pipe on-off component 2021 of the first liquid pipe header 202; one end of the second heat exchange branch 212 is connected to the side of the on-off inflow end of the first gas pipe on-off component 2011 of the first gas pipe header 201, and the other end of the second heat exchange branch 212 is connected to the side of the on-off outflow end of the first liquid pipe on-off component 2021 of the first liquid pipe header 202; one end of the third heat exchange branch 213 is connected to the side of the on-off inflow end of the first gas pipe on-off component 2011 of the first gas pipe header 201, and the other end of the third heat exchange branch 213 is connected to the side of the on-off inflow end of the first liquid pipe on-off component 2021 of the first liquid pipe header 202.

[0077] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the first heat exchange branch 211, the second heat exchange branch 212 and the third heat exchange branch 213 constitute a variable shunt type first heat exchange module 200. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the first gas pipe on-off component 2011 and the first liquid pipe on-off component 2021 are opened, and the first heat exchange branch 211, the second heat exchange branch 212 and the third heat exchange branch 213 are connected in parallel, as shown in Figure 7 When the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the first gas pipe on-off component 2011 and the first liquid pipe on-off component 2021 are closed, and the first heat exchange branch 211, the second heat exchange branch 212 and the third heat exchange branch 213 are connected in series, as shown in Figure 6 .

[0078] Optionally, the second heat exchange pipe group comprises a fourth heat exchange branch 311, a fifth heat exchange branch 312, a sixth heat exchange branch 313, a seventh heat exchange branch 314, and a second gas pipe header 301 and a second liquid pipe header 302 respectively connected to both ends of the heat exchange branch, wherein one end of the fourth heat exchange branch 311 and the fifth heat exchange branch 312 is connected to the second gas pipe guide-through part 3011 of the second gas pipe header 301 on the side of the guide-through outflow end, the other end of the fourth heat exchange branch 311 and the fifth heat exchange branch 312 is connected to the second liquid pipe guide-through part 3021 of the second liquid pipe header 302 on the side of the guide-through outflow end; one end of the sixth heat exchange branch 313 is connected to the second gas pipe guide-through part 3011 of the second gas pipe header 301 on the side of the guide-through inflow end, the other end of the sixth heat exchange branch 313 is connected to the second liquid pipe guide-through part 3021 of the second liquid pipe header 302 on the side of the guide-through outflow end; one end of the seventh heat exchange branch 314 is connected to the second gas pipe guide-through part 3011 of the second gas pipe header 301 on the side of the guide-through inflow end, the other end of the seventh heat exchange branch 314 is connected to the second liquid pipe guide-through part 3021 of the second liquid pipe header 302 on the side of the guide-through inflow end.

[0079] In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the fourth heat exchange branch 311, the fifth heat exchange branch 312, the sixth heat exchange branch 313 and the seventh heat exchange branch 314 constitute a second heat exchange module 300 of variable shunt type. When the heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the second gas pipe guide-through part 3011 and the second liquid pipe guide-through part 3021 are opened, and the fourth heat exchange branch 311, the fifth heat exchange branch 312, the sixth heat exchange branch 313 and the seventh heat exchange branch 314 are connected in parallel; when the heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the second gas pipe guide-through part 3011 and the second liquid pipe guide-through part 3021 are closed, and the fourth heat exchange branch 311 is connected in parallel with the fifth heat exchange branch 312, and then connected in series with the sixth heat exchange branch 313 and the seventh heat exchange branch 314, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 4 .

[0080] Optionally, the third heat exchange pipe group comprises an eighth heat exchange branch 411, a ninth heat exchange branch 412, a tenth heat exchange branch 413, an eleventh heat exchange branch 414, a twelfth heat exchange branch 415, and a third gas pipe header 401 and a third liquid pipe header 402 respectively connected to both ends of the heat exchange branch. The third gas pipe header 401 is provided with a third gas pipe guide-through part 4011, and the third liquid pipe header 402 is provided with a third liquid pipe guide-through part 4021.

[0081] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the eighth heat exchange branch 411, the ninth heat exchange branch 412, the tenth heat exchange branch 413, the eleventh heat exchange branch 414 and the twelfth heat exchange branch 415 constitute a third heat exchange module 400 in a variable shunt mode. When the heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the third gas pipe conducting component 4011 and the fourth liquid pipe conducting component are opened, and the eighth heat exchange branch 411, the ninth heat exchange branch 412, the tenth heat exchange branch 413, the eleventh heat exchange branch 414 and the twelfth heat exchange branch 415 are in parallel connection; when the heat exchanger functions as a condenser, the third gas pipe conducting component 4011 and the third liquid pipe conducting component 4021 are closed, and the eighth heat exchange branch 411, the ninth heat exchange branch 412 and the tenth heat exchange branch 413 are in parallel connection, and the eleventh heat exchange branch 414 and the twelfth heat exchange branch 415 are in series connection, as shown in FIG. 6. Figure 5

[0082] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an air conditioner comprising the modular variable shunt heat exchanger.

[0083] The air conditioner provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure has the same effects as the above-mentioned modular variable shunt heat exchanger, and details are not repeated here.

[0084] Optionally, the air conditioner further comprises a controller configured to close the first flow regulating element to make the first heat exchange module store liquid when the operating load of the air conditioner is less than or equal to the target load; or close the second flow regulating element to make the second heat exchange module store liquid.

[0085] It can be understood that when the operating load of the air conditioner is less than the target load, it can be considered that the air conditioner is in a low-load operating mode. At this time, the first flow regulating element is closed to make the first heat exchange module store liquid, or the second flow regulating element is closed to make the second heat exchange module store liquid. The amount of circulating refrigerant of the air conditioner is consistent with the current operating load, and the energy efficiency of the air conditioner is improved.

[0086] The above description and drawings sufficiently show the embodiments of the present disclosure to enable one skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments can include structural and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operations can be changed. Parts and features of some embodiments can be included or replaced by parts and features of other embodiments. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the structures described above and shown in the drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.​

Claims

1. A modular variable split heat exchanger, characterized in that, Comprise: A first heat exchange module comprising a first heat exchange pipe group and a first flow path switching assembly connected with the first heat exchange pipe group, the first heat exchange pipe group comprising a plurality of heat exchange branches, and the first flow path switching assembly being used for switching the connection mode of at least part of the heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe group in different operation modes; and A second heat exchange module comprising a second heat exchange pipe group, and the second heat exchange module being arranged at the lower part of the first heat exchange module, Wherein, the first heat exchange module comprises a first refrigerant inlet and outlet provided with a first flow adjusting element to enable the first heat exchange module to store liquid; and / or the second heat exchange module comprises a second refrigerant inlet and outlet provided with a second flow adjusting element to enable the second heat exchange module to store liquid.

2. The modular variable split heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The first heat exchange module further comprises a third refrigerant inlet and outlet provided with a third flow adjusting element; and / or The second heat exchange module further comprises a fourth refrigerant inlet and outlet provided with a fourth flow adjusting element.

3. The modular variable split heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein The second heat exchange pipe group of the second heat exchange module comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches, Wherein, the number of heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe group is different from the number of heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange pipe group.

4. The modular variable split heat exchanger of claim 3, wherein, Further comprise: A third heat exchange module comprising a third heat exchange pipe group, Wherein, the third heat exchange module is arranged at the lower part of the second heat exchange module.

5. The modular variable split heat exchanger according to claim 4, wherein The third heat exchange module comprises a fifth refrigerant inlet and outlet, Wherein, the fifth refrigerant inlet and outlet is provided with a fifth flow adjusting element to enable the third heat exchange module to store liquid.

6. The modular variable split heat exchanger according to claim 5, wherein The third heat exchange pipe group of the third heat exchange module comprises a plurality of heat exchange branches, and the number of heat exchange branches in the first heat exchange pipe group is N1, the number of heat exchange branches in the second heat exchange pipe group is N2, and the number of heat exchange branches in the third heat exchange pipe group is N3, wherein The sum of N1 and N2 is not equal to N3; or The sum of N1 and N3 is not equal to N2; or The sum of N2 and N3 is not equal to N1.

7. The modular variable split heat exchanger of claim 6, wherein, Further comprise: A gas collecting main pipe comprising a first gas pipe distribution outlet, a second gas pipe distribution outlet and a third gas pipe distribution outlet connected with the first heat exchange module, the second heat exchange module and the third heat exchange module respectively, wherein A first conduction valve is arranged between the first gas pipe distribution outlet and the second gas pipe distribution outlet, and when the second flow adjusting element is closed, the first conduction valve is controlled to be closed to enable the second heat exchange module to store liquid; or A second conduction valve is arranged between the second gas pipe distribution outlet and the third gas pipe distribution outlet, and when the fifth flow adjusting element is closed, the second conduction valve is controlled to be closed to enable the third heat exchange module to store liquid.

8. The modular variable split heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The first heat exchange pipe group comprises a first heat exchange branch, a second heat exchange branch, a third heat exchange branch, and a first gas pipe header and a first liquid pipe header respectively connected to two ends of the three heat exchange branches, The first heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the flow-out end of the first gas pipe guide-through component of the first gas pipe header at one end, and connected to one side of the flow-out end of the first liquid pipe guide-through component of the first liquid pipe header at the other end; the second heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the flow-in end of the first gas pipe guide-through component of the first gas pipe header at one end, and connected to one side of the flow-out end of the first liquid pipe guide-through component of the first liquid pipe header at the other end; the third heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the flow-in end of the first gas pipe guide-through component of the first gas pipe header at one end, and connected to one side of the flow-in end of the first liquid pipe guide-through component of the first liquid pipe header at the other end; The second heat exchange pipe group comprises a fourth heat exchange branch, a fifth heat exchange branch, a sixth heat exchange branch, a seventh heat exchange branch, and a second gas pipe header and a second liquid pipe header respectively connected to two ends of the heat exchange branches, The fourth heat exchange branch and the fifth heat exchange branch are connected to one side of the flow-out end of the second gas pipe guide-through component of the second gas pipe header at one end, and connected to one side of the flow-out end of the second liquid pipe guide-through component of the second liquid pipe header at the other end; the sixth heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the flow-in end of the second gas pipe guide-through component of the second gas pipe header at one end, and connected to one side of the flow-out end of the second liquid pipe guide-through component of the second liquid pipe header at the other end; the seventh heat exchange branch is connected to one side of the flow-in end of the second gas pipe guide-through component of the second gas pipe header at one end, and connected to one side of the flow-in end of the second liquid pipe guide-through component of the second liquid pipe header at the other end.

9. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: The modular variable flow heat exchanger comprises the modular variable flow heat exchanger as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The air conditioner of claim 9, wherein Further comprising: The controller is configured to close the first flow regulating component when the operating load of the air conditioner is less than or equal to the target load, so that the first heat exchange module stores liquid; Or, the second flow regulating component is closed, so that the second heat exchange module stores liquid.

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