Air conditioning system and air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of air conditioners, in particular to an air conditioning system and an air conditioner. The air conditioning system comprises a compressor, an oil separator, an oil storage valve, a liquid storage device, a liquid storage device drainage control valve and a liquid inlet valve. An exhaust port of the compressor is communicated with an oil inlet of the oil separator, an oil discharge port of the oil separator is communicated with an air suction port of the compressor and the first end of the oil storage valve, the second end of the oil storage valve is communicated with a liquid inlet of the liquid storage device, and a liquid discharge port of the liquid storage device is communicated with the first end of the liquid storage device liquid discharge control valve. The second end of the liquid storage device drainage control valve is communicated with an air suction port of the compressor, the first end of the liquid inlet valve is communicated with the liquid storage device, and the second end of the liquid inlet valve is communicated with an exhaust port of the oil separator. By means of refined oil return quantity control, it is better guaranteed that the oil return quantity is matched with the compressor lubricating oil demand quantity, the quantity of oil entering the two devices along with refrigerant circulation is reduced, cooperative control over the oil return quantity and the refrigerant quantity is achieved, and the operation energy efficiency of the unit is better improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of compressor technology, and more particularly to an air conditioning system and an air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In a multi-split air conditioning system, lubricating oil is required to ensure adequate lubrication of the moving parts inside the compressor, maintaining the unit's operational reliability. Besides controlling the total amount of lubricating oil added, regulating the return oil flow is also extremely important. In the industry, an oil separator is typically installed at the compressor discharge port to separate the lubricating oil from the refrigerant. At least one valve is also installed between the oil separator's discharge port and the compressor's suction port. The amount of oil returning from the oil separator to the compressor is regulated by controlling the number of valves opened or adjusting their opening degree.

[0003] However, with a fixed total oil volume, the lower limit of the oil return volume is limited by the number or opening of the valve body. When the oil return volume demand is low, the oil return volume cannot be precisely controlled, resulting in a mismatch between the oil return volume and the compressor's lubricating oil demand. If the oil return volume is too low, the internal moving parts of the compressor will be poorly lubricated, frictional resistance will increase, and more heat may be generated inside the compressor, which will lead to a decrease in compressor operating efficiency. If the oil return volume is too high, too much lubricating oil may accumulate and adhere inside the compressor, leading to an increase in the resistance of the moving parts, which will also affect the compressor's operating efficiency.

[0004] It is evident that the existing technology of controlling the oil return volume by setting a valve body has the problem of low unit operating efficiency because the oil return volume cannot be accurately controlled, resulting in a mismatch between the oil return volume and the compressor's lubricating oil demand. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides an air conditioning system to solve the problem that the above-mentioned method of controlling the oil return volume by setting a valve body results in a mismatch between the oil return volume and the compressor's lubricating oil demand, leading to low unit operating efficiency.

[0006] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, this application provides an air conditioning system comprising a compressor, an oil separator, an oil storage valve, a liquid receiver, a liquid receiver drain control valve, and a liquid inlet valve; the exhaust port of the compressor is connected to the oil inlet of the oil separator, the oil outlet of the oil separator is connected to the suction port of the compressor and a first end of the oil storage valve, the second end of the oil storage valve is connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid receiver, the drain port of the liquid receiver is connected to the first end of the liquid receiver drain control valve, the second end of the liquid receiver drain control valve is connected to the suction port of the compressor, the first end of the liquid inlet valve is connected to the liquid receiver, and the second end of the liquid inlet valve is connected to the exhaust port of the oil separator.

[0007] Optionally, in the oil return volume regulation, the liquid receiver drain control valve serves as an oil drain valve, and in the refrigerant volume regulation, the liquid receiver drain control valve serves as a drain valve.

[0008] Optionally, it also includes an oil return valve, the first end of which is connected to the oil drain port of the oil separator, and the second end of which is connected to the air intake port of the compressor.

[0009] Optionally, it also includes a vapor-liquid separator, the first end of which is connected to the suction port of the compressor, and the second end of which is connected to the second end of the liquid storage tank discharge control valve.

[0010] Optionally, it also includes an oil level monitoring module, which is located inside the compressor and is used to detect the oil level inside the compressor.

[0011] Optionally, the system further includes a controller electrically connected to the oil level detection module, the oil storage valve, the oil drain valve, the liquid inlet valve, and the liquid drain valve. When adjusting the return oil volume, if the oil level in the compressor is below a first height threshold, the controller controls the oil drain valve to open for oil drainage; otherwise, the controller controls the oil drain valve to close. Simultaneously, the controller controls the oil storage valve to open and close based on whether the oil level in the compressor is above a second height threshold, and controls the liquid inlet valve to open and close based on the refrigerant status. When adjusting the refrigerant volume, if the system is in refrigerant discharge mode, the controller controls the liquid drain valve to open for refrigerant discharge; otherwise, the controller controls the liquid drain valve to close. In refrigerant storage mode, the controller controls the liquid inlet valve to open and close, and controls the oil storage valve to open and close based on whether the oil level in the compressor is above a second height threshold.

[0012] Optionally, when the air conditioning system includes the oil return valve and is in the oil return volume adjustment mode, if the oil level in the compressor is higher than the first height threshold and lower than the second height threshold, the air conditioning system controls the oil return valve to open, and the oil in the compressor is discharged to the oil separator through the compressor's exhaust port, so that the separated oil flows back to the compressor through the oil separator's exhaust port, the oil return valve, and the compressor's intake port.

[0013] Optionally, when adjusting the return oil volume, if the oil level in the compressor is higher than the second height threshold, the air conditioning system opens the oil storage valve, and the oil in the compressor is discharged to the oil separator through the compressor's exhaust port, so that the separated oil passes through the oil separator's drain port, the oil storage valve, and the liquid inlet of the liquid receiver and is stored in the liquid receiver.

[0014] Optionally, when the refrigerant quantity is being adjusted, the air conditioning system is also used to control the liquid inlet valve and the liquid outlet valve to close, obtain multi-dimensional operating parameters of the system, determine the system energy efficiency based on the multi-dimensional operating parameters, and control the system to enter the refrigerant discharge mode or the refrigerant storage mode according to the system energy efficiency.

[0015] Optionally, it also includes an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, a throttle valve, and an indoor heat exchanger;

[0016] The first end of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the first port of the four-way valve, the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger is connected to the second end of the liquid inlet valve, and the second port of the four-way valve is connected to the exhaust port of the oil separator.

[0017] The first end of the throttle valve is connected to the second end of the liquid inlet valve and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger. The second end of the throttle valve is connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger. The second end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the third port of the four-way valve.

[0018] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, this application provides an air conditioner including the air conditioning system described above.

[0019] Compared with related technologies, the technical solutions provided in this application have the following advantages:

[0020] This application connects the compressor's exhaust port to the oil separator's inlet, the oil separator's outlet to the compressor's suction port and the first end of an oil storage valve, the second end of the oil storage valve to the liquid inlet of a receiver, and the receiver's outlet to the first end of a receiver drain control valve, which in turn connects to the compressor's suction port. When the actual oil level in the compressor exceeds the required lubricating oil level, the oil storage valve is opened, allowing the lubricating oil in the compressor to be discharged to the oil separator for separation, with a portion passing through the oil storage valve into the receiver. When the actual oil level in the compressor is lower than the required lubricating oil level, the receiver drain control valve is opened, allowing the lubricating oil in the receiver to be drained. The control valve returns oil to the compressor to replenish the oil level. The entire oil return control process combines the compressor's lubricating oil demand and the actual oil level for precise coordination control, which is more conducive to improving the matching degree between the oil return and the compressor's lubricating oil demand, achieving precise control of the oil return, and improving the unit's operating efficiency. In addition, a liquid receiver is shared in the oil return and refrigerant adjustment processes. When the liquid receiver's drain control valve is opened, the oil return and refrigerant will be discharged simultaneously. Therefore, during the refrigerant or oil return adjustment process, the two can be coordinated and controlled, reducing the mutual influence between the two adjustments, so as to achieve more precise coordinated control of the oil return and refrigerant levels, which is more conducive to improving the unit's operating efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0021] 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.

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or related technologies, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an optional air conditioning system structure according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of oil circulation control when the drain valve and the storage valve are not in operation, according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of oil circulation control when the oil storage valve is opened according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of oil circulation control when the drain valve is opened according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an optional process for coordinated control of oil return volume and refrigerant volume according to an embodiment of this application.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Compressor; 2. Oil separator; 3. Oil storage valve; 4. Liquid receiver; 5. Liquid receiver drain control valve; 6. Liquid inlet valve; 7. Oil return valve; 8. Vapor-liquid separator; 9. Outdoor heat exchanger; 10. Four-way valve; 11. Throttling valve; 12. Indoor heat exchanger; 13. Balancing valve; 14. Unloading valve. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. The principles and structure of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0030] To address the problem that existing technologies, which control oil return volume by setting valves, have issues such as mismatch between the oil return volume and the compressor's lubricating oil requirements, and the inability to limit the amount of oil entering the two heat exchangers with the refrigerant circulation, resulting in low unit operating efficiency.

[0031] Combination Figure 1 As shown, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, according to one aspect of the embodiments of this application, an embodiment of an air conditioning system is provided, and the air conditioning system provided in this embodiment can be a multi-split air conditioning system capable of coordinated adjustment of refrigerant quantity and oil return quantity. An air conditioning system includes a compressor 1, an oil separator 2, an oil storage valve 3, a liquid receiver 4, a liquid receiver drain control valve 5, and an inlet valve 6;

[0032] The exhaust port of compressor 1 is connected to the oil inlet of oil separator 2. The oil outlet of oil separator 2 is connected to the suction port of compressor 1 and the first end of oil storage valve 3. The second end of oil storage valve 3 is connected to the liquid inlet of liquid receiver 4. The liquid outlet of liquid receiver 4 is connected to the first end of liquid receiver drain control valve 5. The second end of liquid receiver drain control valve 5 is connected to the suction port of compressor 1. The first end of liquid inlet valve 6 is connected to liquid receiver 4. The second end of liquid inlet valve 6 is connected to the exhaust port of oil separator 2.

[0033] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 2 As shown, connecting the exhaust port of compressor 1 to the oil inlet of oil separator 2 allows the lubricating oil in compressor 1 to be discharged from the exhaust port into oil separator 2. Connecting the oil outlet of oil separator 2 to the suction port of compressor 1 and the first end of oil storage valve 3, and connecting the second end of oil storage valve 3 to the inlet of liquid receiver 4, forms an oil circulation path if the actual oil quantity in compressor 1 meets the lubricating oil requirement range. That is, after being discharged from the exhaust port of compressor 1 to oil separator 2 for separation, the separated lubricating oil mixes with the gaseous refrigerant and flows back into compressor 1 through the suction port.

[0034] In other embodiments, combined with Figure 3 As shown, if the amount of lubricating oil in compressor 1 exceeds the required amount of lubricating oil, oil storage is initiated. During the oil storage process, based on the oil circulation of the above-mentioned oil circulation path, oil storage valve 3 is opened, and another part of the lubricating oil is discharged through the oil outlet of oil separator 2 and enters the liquid receiver 4 after passing through oil storage valve 3. The flow path between compressor 1, oil separator 2, oil storage valve 3 and liquid receiver 4 can be called the oil storage flow path, which is used to discharge the lubricating oil in compressor 1 into liquid receiver 4 for storage.

[0035] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 4As shown. By connecting the drain port of the receiver 4 to the first end of the receiver drain control valve 5, and the second end of the receiver drain control valve 5 to the suction port of the compressor 1, when the amount of lubricating oil returning to the compressor 1 is lower than the amount of lubricating oil required by the compressor 1, the receiver drain control valve 5 can be opened to start the oil return process. Since the receiver 4 can store not only lubricating oil but also refrigerant, during the oil return process, based on the oil circulation of the above-mentioned oil circulation path, the lubricating oil stored in the receiver 4 flows through the drain port through the receiver drain control valve 5, passes through the suction port of the compressor 1, and returns to the compressor 1. While replenishing the amount of lubricating oil in the compressor 1, it also delivers the refrigerant in the receiver 4 to the compressor 1. In this case, the receiver 4, the receiver drain control valve 5, and the compressor 1 form not only an oil return path but also a refrigerant return path. Therefore, when the liquid receiver drain control valve 5 is open, it can not only enter the control process of lubricating oil return volume, but also the control process of refrigerant, so as to reduce the mutual influence between the two, realize the coordinated regulation and control of the two, and improve the system energy efficiency.

[0036] In some embodiments, a refrigerant storage flow path is formed by connecting the first end of the inlet valve 6 to the reservoir 4 and the second end of the inlet valve 6 to the vent of the oil separator 2. When refrigerant storage is required, the refrigerant separated in the oil separator 2 is discharged through the vent of the oil separator 2 by opening the inlet valve 6, and then stored in the reservoir 4 after passing through the inlet valve 6, thus realizing refrigerant storage.

[0037] In this embodiment, the exhaust port of compressor 1 is connected to the oil inlet of oil separator 2, the oil outlet of oil separator 2 is connected to the suction port of compressor 1 and the first end of oil storage valve 3, the second end of oil storage valve 3 is connected to the liquid inlet of liquid receiver 4, the drain port of liquid receiver 4 is connected to the first end of liquid receiver drain control valve 5, and the second end of liquid receiver drain control valve 5 is connected to the suction port of compressor 1. When the actual oil quantity in compressor 1 is greater than the required amount of lubricating oil, the lubricating oil in compressor 1 is discharged to the oil separator by controlling the opening of oil storage valve 3. After separation by separator 2, a portion of the oil can enter the receiver 4 through oil storage valve 3. When the actual oil level in compressor 1 is lower than the required lubricating oil level, the receiver drain control valve 5 is opened, and the lubricating oil in receiver 4 flows back to compressor 1 through the receiver drain control valve 5 to replenish the oil level. The entire oil return control process combines the required lubricating oil level and the actual oil level of compressor 1 for precise coordination control, which is more conducive to improving the matching degree between the oil return and the required lubricating oil level of compressor 1, achieving precise control of the oil return, and improving the unit's operating efficiency. In addition, the receiver 4 is used for both oil return and refrigerant regulation. The opening of the receiver drain control valve 5 will allow the oil return and refrigerant to be discharged simultaneously. Therefore, during refrigerant or oil return regulation, the two can be controlled in a coordinated manner, reducing the mutual influence between oil return and refrigerant regulation, and achieving more precise coordinated control of oil return and refrigerant levels, which is more conducive to improving the unit's operating efficiency.

[0038] In some alternative embodiments, in the oil return volume regulation, the liquid receiver drain control valve 5 serves as an oil drain valve, and in the refrigerant volume regulation, the liquid receiver drain control valve 5 serves as a drain valve.

[0039] In this embodiment, to more clearly describe the different roles of the receiver drain control valve 5 in the processes of lubricating oil return volume adjustment and refrigerant volume adjustment, it can be described as an oil drain valve in the oil return volume adjustment and as a drain valve in the refrigerant volume adjustment. The following embodiments will also use this distinction in their descriptions. Specifically, when acting as an oil drain valve, its function is to open the oil return path, ensuring that the lubricating oil in the receiver 4 can smoothly flow back to the compressor 1; when acting as a drain valve, its function is to open the refrigerant return path, ensuring that the refrigerant in the receiver 4 can smoothly flow back to the compressor 1.

[0040] In some alternative embodiments, combined with Figures 3 to 4 As shown, it also includes an oil return valve 7, the first end of which is connected to the oil discharge port of the oil separator 2, and the second end of which is connected to the air intake port of the compressor 1.

[0041] The system may also include an oil return valve 7, with the first end of the oil return valve 7 connected to the oil drain port of the oil separator 2 and the second end of the oil return valve 7 connected to the air intake port of the compressor 1, so as to control the lubricating oil separated in the oil separator 2 to return to the compressor 1 after mixing with the gaseous refrigerant through the oil circulation path.

[0042] Furthermore, by setting a return oil valve 7, the amount of oil directly returned from the oil separator 2 to the compressor 1 can be controlled. This includes: when the amount of oil in the compressor 1 exceeds the maximum demand, the opening of the return oil valve 7 is reduced to ensure that a small amount of lubricating oil returns to the compressor 1 through the oil circulation path, while more lubricating oil enters the reservoir 4 for storage through the oil storage pipe; when the amount of oil in the compressor 1 is lower than the minimum demand, the opening of the return oil valve 7 is increased to ensure that more lubricating oil returns to the compressor 1 through the oil circulation path. In this way, based on the oil quantity adjustment of the oil storage path and the return oil path, the adjustment accuracy of the return oil quantity can be improved by setting a return oil valve 7 to assist in the oil quantity adjustment. Specifically, when one of the oil storage valve 3 and the return oil valve 7 is not working or neither of them is working, the return oil valve 7 is in the open state, including the oil circulation path formed when the oil discharge valve and the oil storage valve 3 are closed, the return oil path when the oil discharge valve is open and the oil storage valve 3 is closed, and the oil storage path when the oil discharge valve is closed and the oil storage valve 3 is open.

[0043] In this embodiment, an oil return valve 7 is installed on the pipeline between the oil outlet of the oil separator 2 and the suction port of the compressor 1. By opening the oil return valve 7, the lubricating oil in the oil separator 2 can be discharged and mixed with the gaseous refrigerant before returning to the compressor 1, regardless of whether it is in the oil circulation path, the oil return path, or the oil storage path. This helps to reduce the amount of oil entering the two devices with the refrigerant circulation. In addition, the oil return valve 7 can be used to assist in the oil quantity adjustment based on the oil quantity adjustment in the oil storage path and the oil return path, thereby improving the adjustment accuracy of the oil return quantity.

[0044] In some alternative embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, it also includes a vapor-liquid separator, the first end of which is connected to the suction port of the compressor 1, and the second end of which is connected to the second end of the liquid storage tank discharge control valve 5.

[0045] With the gas-liquid separator 8 installed, the oil return path is achieved by connecting the liquid receiver 4, the oil drain valve, the gas-liquid separator 8, and the compressor 1. A gas-liquid separator 8 is installed between the compressor 1's suction port and the liquid receiver 4. When the liquid receiver drain control valve 5 is opened as either a drain valve or an oil drain valve, the lubricating oil and refrigerant stored in the liquid receiver 4 will enter the compressor 1 through the gas-liquid separator 8. At this time, the gas-liquid separator 8 effectively prevents liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor 1, thus protecting the compressor 1 from damage. Furthermore, the separation action of the gas-liquid separator 8 ensures that the compressor 1 only draws in pure gaseous refrigerant, such as cold refrigerant, thereby improving compression and refrigeration efficiency.

[0046] In some optional embodiments, an oil level monitoring module is also included, which is located inside the compressor 1 and is used to detect the oil level height inside the compressor 1.

[0047] The methods for detecting the oil level in compressor 1 include, but are not limited to: determining whether compressor 1 is at risk of oil shortage by detecting parameters such as compressor 1 exhaust superheat and oil temperature; determining whether the internal lubrication of compressor 1 is adequate by detecting the internal oil viscosity; or determining whether the internal oil level of compressor 1 meets the requirements for reliable and safe operation by detecting the internal oil level. In this embodiment, the method for detecting the internal oil level in compressor 1 is used.

[0048] Furthermore, an oil level monitoring module is installed inside the compressor 1. This module includes, but is not limited to, instruments capable of detecting oil level height, such as a liquid level sensor. The actual oil level inside the compressor 1 can be obtained through the oil level monitoring module. Based on this oil level, it can be determined whether the required amount of lubricating oil for the compressor 1 is met. According to the relationship between the actual oil level and the required amount of lubricating oil for the compressor 1, the oil storage valve 3 or the oil discharge valve can be controlled to store lubricating oil in the receiver 4 or discharge lubricating oil from the receiver 4. This regulates the amount of oil returned, ensuring that the amount of oil returned to the compressor 1 matches its lubricating oil requirement and reducing the amount of oil entering the two heat exchangers with the refrigerant circulation.

[0049] Furthermore, the relationship between the actual oil level and the lubricating oil requirement of compressor 1 described above can refer to the magnitude relationship between the two. This includes: if the actual oil level exceeds the maximum lubricating oil requirement of compressor 1, then the oil storage valve 3 is opened to store oil; if the actual oil level is lower than the minimum lubricating oil requirement of compressor 1, then the oil drain valve is opened to return oil; if the actual oil level falls within the range of the maximum and minimum lubricating oil requirement of compressor 1, then the oil drain valve and oil storage valve 3 are closed, and the oil circulation path between compressor 1 and oil separator 2 is executed.

[0050] In this embodiment, an oil level monitoring module is installed in the compressor 1 to detect the oil level in the compressor 1. This allows for real-time or timed precise control of the oil discharge valve or oil storage valve 3 based on the relationship between the actual oil volume in the compressor 1 and the lubricating oil demand of the compressor 1. This enables the adjustment of the oil return volume, ensuring that the oil return volume matches the lubricating oil demand of the compressor 1. It also helps to reduce the amount of oil entering the two heat exchangers with the refrigerant circulation.

[0051] In some optional embodiments, a controller is also included, which is electrically connected to the oil level detection module, the oil storage valve 3, the oil drain valve, the liquid inlet valve 6, and the liquid drain valve.

[0052] When adjusting the oil return volume, if the oil level in compressor 1 is lower than the first height threshold, the controller controls the oil drain valve to open for oil discharge; otherwise, the controller controls the oil drain valve to close. At the same time, the controller controls the oil storage valve 3 to open and close based on whether the oil level in compressor 1 is higher than the second height threshold, and controls the liquid inlet valve 6 to open and close based on the refrigerant status.

[0053] When the refrigerant quantity is being adjusted, if the system is in refrigerant discharge mode, the controller controls the drain valve to open to discharge the refrigerant; otherwise, the controller controls the drain valve to close. When the system is in refrigerant storage mode, the controller controls the inlet valve 6 to open and close, and controls the oil storage valve 3 to open and close based on whether the oil level in the compressor 1 is higher than the second height threshold.

[0054] In some examples, the controller can serve as the control center of the air conditioning system. It can be electrically connected to the oil level detection module, oil storage valve 3, oil drain valve, liquid inlet valve 6, and liquid outlet valve to control each valve. Simultaneously, it receives oil level data detected by the oil level detection module, determines the actual oil quantity based on parameters such as the volume of the lubricating oil tank in compressor 1, and compares this with the lubricating oil requirement of compressor 1 to determine whether oil return adjustment is necessary.

[0055] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 5 As shown, the oil return volume adjustment does not distinguish between cooling and heating modes. Because the liquid receiver drain control valve 5 is open, the oil return volume and refrigerant volume affect each other. Therefore, to achieve coordinated control of the two, when the oil return volume is adjusted, and the refrigerant volume is affected by the oil return volume adjustment, if the actual oil level H inside the compressor 1 is detected to be lower than the first height threshold H1, then... Figure 2In the base oil circulation shown, the controller opens the drain valve, allowing lubricating oil to drain from the receiver 4, enter the vapor-liquid separator, and return to the compressor 1 through the oil return hole at the bottom of the vapor-liquid separator. This process is repeated until the actual oil level inside the compressor 1 rises to the first height threshold H1, at which point the controller closes the drain valve. Simultaneously, after the drain valve closes, the controller continues to determine whether the oil level inside the compressor 1 is higher than the second height threshold H2, and the refrigerant adjustment process continues. Specifically, after transitioning from the oil return adjustment process to the refrigerant adjustment process, it is determined whether refrigerant needs to be stored. If not, the controller closes the inlet valve 6 and continues to determine whether to store or discharge refrigerant. If so, the controller opens the inlet valve 6 and closes it again once the refrigerant level reaches the required standard value.

[0056] In other embodiments, the combination continues. Figure 5 As shown, when the refrigerant quantity is being adjusted, and the control of the oil return quantity is affected by the refrigerant quantity adjustment: If in refrigerant discharge mode, the controller controls the drain valve to open and repeats the judgment until no more refrigerant discharge is needed, then controls the drain valve to close; otherwise, the drain valve remains closed. After the drain valve closes, the process of determining whether to store refrigerant (refrigerant storage mode) and whether the oil level in compressor 1 is higher than the second height threshold H2 is entered simultaneously. Specifically, in determining whether refrigerant needs to be stored, if not, the controller controls the inlet valve 6 to remain closed and proceeds to the next level of judgment; if yes, the inlet valve 6 is opened, and the judgment is repeated until no, then the inlet valve 6 is closed and proceeds to the next level of judgment. After the drain valve closes, the process of determining whether the oil level in compressor 1 is higher than the second height threshold H2 is entered simultaneously. If not, the controller controls the oil storage valve 3 to remain closed and proceeds to the next level of judgment; if yes, the oil storage valve 3 is opened, and the judgment is repeated until no, then the oil storage valve 3 is closed and proceeds to the next level of judgment, i.e., oil level detection.

[0057] In this embodiment, a controller is provided and electrically connected to the oil level detection module, oil storage valve 3, oil drain valve, liquid inlet valve 6, and liquid outlet valve. When the oil level in compressor 1 is lower than the first height threshold H1, it indicates that the oil return volume of compressor 1 is too low, failing to provide the required amount of lubricating oil to the internal operating components of compressor 1. By controlling the opening of the oil drain valve, the lubricating oil in the liquid receiver 4 is drained into compressor 1, thereby providing the required amount of lubricating oil to compressor 1. This avoids the problem of reduced compressor operating efficiency due to poor lubrication of internal moving parts of compressor 1 and increased frictional resistance, and also reduces the amount of oil entering the two heat exchangers with the refrigerant circulation. Furthermore, during the refrigerant quantity adjustment or oil return volume adjustment process, coordinated control of both can be achieved, reducing the mutual influence between oil return volume adjustment and refrigerant quantity adjustment, so as to achieve more precise coordinated control of oil return volume and refrigerant quantity, which is more conducive to improving the unit's operating performance.

[0058] In some alternative embodiments, combined with Figure 5 As shown, when the air conditioning system includes an oil return valve and is in the oil return volume adjustment stage, if the oil level in the compressor is higher than the first height threshold and lower than the second height threshold, the air conditioning system controls the oil return valve to open, and the oil in the compressor is discharged to the oil separator through the compressor's exhaust port, so that the separated oil flows back to the compressor through the oil separator's exhaust port, the oil return valve, and the compressor's suction port.

[0059] Specifically, when the oil return volume is being adjusted, and the control of the refrigerant volume is affected by the oil return volume adjustment, it also includes: when the oil level monitoring module detects that the actual oil level H inside the compressor 1 is between the first height threshold H1 and the second height threshold H2, there is no need to perform the oil return volume adjustment action, and it is in a state of neither storing nor discharging oil, and the oil circulation path is as follows: Figure 2 As shown. The controller controls both the oil drain valve and the oil storage valve 3 to be closed, and the lubricating oil is discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1. When it is discharged, it is mixed with refrigerant. After the lubricating oil and refrigerant are separated by the oil separator 2, the separated lubricating oil is discharged through the oil drain port of the oil separator 2, and returns to the suction port on the suction side of the compressor 1 through the oil return valve 7. After mixing with the gaseous refrigerant, it returns to the inside of the compressor 1.

[0060] In this embodiment, under the condition of neither storing nor discharging oil, it is indicated that the actual oil level of compressor 1 matches the lubricating oil demand well, the oil return of compressor 1 meets the lubricating oil demand, and the compressor is in a high operating efficiency state. By controlling the opening of the oil return valve 7, oil circulation can be achieved based on compressor 1, oil separator 2 and oil return valve 7.

[0061] In some alternative embodiments, combined with Figure 5As shown, when the oil return volume is adjusted, if the oil level in the compressor is higher than the second height threshold, the air conditioning system opens the oil storage valve, and the oil in the compressor is discharged to the oil separator through the compressor's exhaust port, so that the separated oil passes through the oil separator's drain port, the oil storage valve, and the liquid inlet of the liquid receiver and is stored in the liquid receiver.

[0062] Specifically, when the actual oil level H inside compressor 1 is detected to be higher than the second height threshold H2, it indicates that the amount of oil inside compressor 1 is excessive, exceeding the maximum lubricant requirement. Therefore, in Figure 2 In the base oil circulation, the controller opens the oil storage valve 3. After the lubricating oil is separated from the oil separator 2, a portion of it passes through the oil storage valve 3 into the liquid receiver 4. This process is repeated until the actual oil level H inside the compressor 1 drops to H1. At this point, the oil storage valve 3 is closed, indicating that the current actual oil level H meets the lubricating oil requirement. Wherein, H≤H1≤H2.

[0063] In this embodiment, when the amount of oil in the compressor 1 is excessive, exceeding the maximum lubricating oil demand (second height threshold), the oil storage valve 3 is opened, so that the compressor 1, the oil separator 2, the oil storage valve 3, and the liquid receiver 4 form an oil storage channel, storing the excess lubricating oil in the compressor 1 into the liquid receiver. This reduces the possibility that excessive oil return will cause too much lubricating oil to accumulate and adhere inside the compressor, leading to increased resistance of moving parts and affecting the operating efficiency of the compressor.

[0064] In some alternative embodiments, the combination continues. Figure 5 As shown, when the refrigerant quantity is adjusted, the air conditioning system is also used to control the liquid inlet valve 6 and the liquid outlet valve to close, obtain the multi-dimensional operating parameters of the system, determine the system energy efficiency based on the multi-dimensional operating parameters, and control the system to enter the refrigerant discharge mode or the refrigerant storage mode according to the system energy efficiency.

[0065] Specifically, when adjusting the refrigerant, the air conditioning system first needs to determine whether to discharge or store refrigerant if it is uncertain. To do this, the system first closes the inlet valve 6 and the drain valve, ensuring neither refrigerant is discharged nor stored. Further, various sensors within the air conditioning system collect multi-dimensional operating parameters, including temperature, pressure, and flow rate. The received data is analyzed using a pre-set algorithm to determine the system's operating capacity (cooling capacity) and input power. For example, by acquiring the refrigerant temperature and pressure at the evaporator inlet and outlet, and the condenser inlet and outlet, the cooling capacity is calculated using the enthalpy difference method. Similarly, by acquiring the compressor's operating current, voltage, and power factor, the input power is calculated using the algorithm: Input Power = √3 × Operating Current × Voltage × Power Factor.

[0066] Furthermore, after determining the cooling capacity and input power of the air conditioning system, the system energy efficiency can be calculated using the energy efficiency ratio formula (energy efficiency ratio = cooling capacity / input power). The calculation result is compared with the preset energy efficiency standard or threshold. Based on the energy efficiency comparison result, it can be determined whether refrigerant needs to be discharged or stored. For example, if the system energy efficiency is lower than the preset standard or threshold, the system refrigerant quantity decreases, and the controller will issue a command to control the drain valve to open and discharge the refrigerant. The drain valve will perform the corresponding operation according to the controller's command to adjust the amount of refrigerant in the system.

[0067] In this embodiment, the air conditioning system first closes the inlet valve 6 and the outlet valve to stop the refrigerant flow. Under stable conditions, the accuracy of calculating the system energy efficiency by collecting multi-dimensional operating parameters is higher. Through real-time monitoring and adjustment, the system determines whether to enter the refrigerant discharge mode or the refrigerant storage mode based on the system energy efficiency, ensuring that the refrigerant quantity always matches the operating requirements, which helps to avoid energy efficiency degradation.

[0068] In some alternative embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, it also includes an outdoor heat exchanger 9, a four-way valve 10, a throttle valve 11, and an indoor heat exchanger 12.

[0069] The first end of the outdoor heat exchanger 9 is connected to the first port of the four-way valve 10, the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger 9 is connected to the second end of the liquid inlet valve 6, and the second port of the four-way valve 10 is connected to the exhaust port of the oil separator 2.

[0070] The first end of the throttle valve 11 is connected to the second end of the liquid inlet valve 6 and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger 9. The second end of the throttle valve 11 is connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 12. The second end of the indoor heat exchanger 12 is connected to the third port of the four-way valve 10.

[0071] The main function of the outdoor heat exchanger 9 is heat exchange. In cooling mode, hot indoor air is drawn in through the indoor heat exchanger 12, absorbs heat through the refrigerant, and then releases the heat to the outside through the outdoor heat exchanger 9, thereby lowering the indoor temperature and achieving a cooling effect. Similarly, in heating mode, the outdoor heat exchanger 9 absorbs heat from the outside and transfers it to the inside, thereby raising the indoor temperature.

[0072] The four-way valve 10 primarily functions to change the refrigerant flow direction, enabling the air conditioner to switch between cooling and heating modes. The four-way valve 10 has four ports: a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port. By connecting the first end of the outdoor heat exchanger 9 to the first port of the four-way valve 10, the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger 9 to the second end of the liquid inlet valve 6, and the second port of the four-way valve 10 to the exhaust port of the oil separator 2, the flow between the various devices can be controlled through the four-way valve 10. When the first and second ports of the four-way valve 10 are connected, the gas discharged from the oil separator 2 can be transferred to the outdoor heat exchanger 9 for discharge through the first and second ports of the four-way valve 10.

[0073] In this embodiment, the outdoor heat exchanger 9 enables heat exchange between the air conditioner's interior and exterior, which helps maintain a stable temperature environment inside the air conditioner and improves operating efficiency. The four-way valve 10 can control whether the oil separator 2 is connected to or disconnected from the outdoor heat exchanger 9, which is beneficial for temperature control in the pipeline.

[0074] By connecting the first end of the throttle valve 11 to the second end of the inlet valve 6 and the second end of the outdoor heat exchanger 9, and connecting the second end of the throttle valve 11 to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 12, the throttle valve 11, through its internal orifice or throttling channel, obstructs the flow of refrigerant, thus achieving a throttling effect. Furthermore, the throttle valve 11, working in conjunction with the compressor 1, enables the air conditioning refrigeration system to generate high and low pressure zones, which is fundamental for the refrigeration cycle. In addition, the throttle valve 11 can change the refrigerant flow rate by adjusting its opening degree according to actual needs. Moreover, the throttle valve 11 can automatically adjust the refrigerant flow rate based on the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature, achieving air exchange between the indoor heat exchanger 12 and the outdoor heat exchanger 9, thereby achieving precise control of the indoor temperature. When the indoor temperature is higher than the set temperature, the throttle valve 11 increases the refrigerant flow rate to accelerate the cooling speed; conversely, when the indoor temperature is lower than the set temperature, the throttle valve 11 reduces the refrigerant flow rate to slow down the cooling speed.

[0075] The second end of the indoor heat exchanger 12 is connected to the third port of the four-way valve 10. The flow direction of the refrigerant can be changed in cooling or heating mode through the four-way valve 10 to ensure that the refrigerant flows between the devices, maintain the normal operation of the system, and ensure the efficient operation of the air conditioning system and the stability of the indoor temperature.

[0076] In some alternative embodiments, combined with Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a balancing valve 13 and an unloading valve 14;

[0077] The first end of the balance valve 13 is connected to the inlet of the liquid reservoir 4, and the second end of the balance valve 13 is connected to the second end of the liquid reservoir drain control valve 5, the second end of the gas-liquid separator 8, and the fourth port of the four-way valve 10.

[0078] The first end of the unloading valve 14 is connected to the inlet of the liquid reservoir 4, and the second end of the unloading valve 14 is connected to the second end of the liquid reservoir drain control valve 5, the second end of the gas-liquid separator 8, the fourth port of the four-way valve 10, and the second end of the balance valve 13.

[0079] A balancing valve 13 is installed on the receiver 4 side to precisely regulate the refrigerant flow through the receiver 4, ensuring that all parts of the system receive an appropriate amount of refrigerant. It also solves the hydraulic imbalance problem caused by the complexity of the piping network or differences in equipment resistance, thereby maintaining system stability and efficiency. The precise flow regulation capability of the balancing valve 13 helps reduce system energy consumption by adjusting the refrigerant flow, allowing the system to operate in an optimal state and thus reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, the balancing valve 13 makes the air conditioning system more adaptable and flexible. Under different operating conditions and demands, the flow and pressure distribution of the refrigerant can be changed by adjusting the balancing valve 13 to meet the actual needs of the system.

[0080] The unloading valve 14 automatically opens when the internal pressure of the system is too high, releasing the excessive pressure into the gas-liquid separator 8, thus preventing damage to the system due to overpressure. Furthermore, the unloading valve 14 helps maintain the system at a stable pressure, ensuring the normal operation of the air conditioning system and improving its stability and reliability. In addition, when the internal pressure of the system is too high, the compressor 1 needs to consume more energy to maintain operation. The timely release of pressure by the unloading valve 14 reduces the load on the compressor 1, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving the system's energy efficiency ratio. Moreover, the air conditioning system may encounter various changes in operating conditions during actual operation, such as changes in outdoor temperature and load demand. The unloading valve 14 allows the system to better adapt to these changes, maintaining system stability and efficiency by regulating pressure.

[0081] As one possible implementation, the aforementioned oil storage valve 3, liquid reservoir 4, liquid reservoir drain control valve 5, inlet valve 6, return valve 7, four-way valve 10, throttle valve 11, balancing valve 13, and unloading valve can be controlled by a controller or automatically. When controlled by a controller, the controller can be an electronic, pneumatic, or hydraulic controller; when automatically controlled, control can be achieved based on changes in physical parameters such as pressure, temperature, and liquid level within the air conditioning system.

[0082] According to another aspect of the embodiments of this application, an embodiment of an air conditioning system is provided, an air conditioner including the air conditioning system in any of the above embodiments.

[0083] Since the processing and functions implemented by the air conditioner provided in this embodiment are basically the same as the embodiments, principles and examples of the air conditioning system in the foregoing embodiments, any details not covered in the description of this embodiment can be found in the relevant descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0084] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "include," "comprise," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that an article or apparatus comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a…" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or apparatus that includes that element.

[0085] It should be understood that the same or similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings of this embodiment correspond to the same or similar components; in the description of this application, if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms describing positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In the embodiments, the components in the circuit can be electrically connected.

[0086] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0087] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, characterized by, The air conditioning system comprises: a compressor, an oil separator, an oil storage valve, a liquid accumulator, a liquid accumulator discharge control valve and a liquid inlet valve; an exhaust port of the compressor is communicated with an oil inlet port of the oil separator, an oil outlet port of the oil separator is communicated with a suction port of the compressor and a first end of the oil storage valve, a second end of the oil storage valve is communicated with a liquid inlet port of the liquid accumulator, a liquid outlet port of the liquid accumulator is communicated with a first end of the liquid accumulator discharge control valve, a second end of the liquid accumulator discharge control valve is communicated with the suction port of the compressor, a first end of the liquid inlet valve is communicated with the liquid accumulator, and a second end of the liquid inlet valve is communicated with the exhaust port of the oil separator.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein, In the oil amount adjustment, the liquid accumulator discharge control valve serves as an oil discharge valve, and in the refrigerant amount adjustment, the liquid accumulator discharge control valve serves as a liquid discharge valve.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 2, wherein, Further comprising an oil return valve, a first end of the oil return valve is communicated with the oil outlet port of the oil separator, and a second end of the oil return valve is communicated with the suction port of the compressor.

4. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a gas-liquid separator, a first end of the gas-liquid separator is communicated with the suction port of the compressor, and a second end of the gas-liquid separator is communicated with the second end of the liquid accumulator discharge control valve.

5. The air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein, Further comprising an oil level detection module, the oil level detection module is arranged in the compressor and is used to detect the oil level in the compressor.

6. The air conditioning system of claim 5, wherein, Further comprising a controller, the controller is electrically connected with the oil level detection module, the oil storage valve, the oil discharge valve, the liquid inlet valve and the liquid discharge valve. When in the oil amount adjustment, if the oil level in the compressor is lower than a first height threshold, the controller controls the oil discharge valve to open for oil discharge, otherwise, the controller controls the oil discharge valve to close, and controls the opening and closing of the oil storage valve according to whether the oil level in the compressor is higher than a second height threshold and controls the opening and closing of the liquid inlet valve according to the refrigerant state. When in the refrigerant amount adjustment, if the system is in the refrigerant discharge mode, the controller controls the liquid discharge valve to open for refrigerant discharge, otherwise, the controller controls the liquid discharge valve to close, and controls the opening and closing of the liquid inlet valve when the system is in the refrigerant storage mode and controls the opening and closing of the oil storage valve according to whether the oil level in the compressor is higher than the second height threshold.

7. The air conditioning system of claim 6, wherein When the air conditioning system comprises the oil return valve and is in the oil amount adjustment, if the oil level in the compressor is higher than the first height threshold and lower than the second height threshold, the air conditioning system is used to control the oil return valve to open, the oil in the compressor is discharged to the oil separator through the exhaust port of the compressor, and the separated oil is returned to the compressor through the oil outlet port of the oil separator, the oil return valve and the suction port of the compressor.

8. The air conditioning system of claim 6, wherein, When in the oil amount adjustment, if the oil level in the compressor is higher than the second height threshold, the air conditioning system is used to open the oil storage valve, and the oil in the compressor is discharged to the oil separator through the exhaust port of the compressor, so that the separated oil is stored in the liquid accumulator after passing through the oil outlet port of the oil separator, the oil storage valve and the liquid inlet port of the liquid accumulator.

9. The air conditioning system of claim 6, wherein, When in refrigerant amount adjustment, the air conditioning system is further configured to control the liquid inlet valve and the liquid outlet valve to be closed, acquire multi-dimensional operating parameters of the system, determine system energy efficiency based on the multi-dimensional operating parameters, and control the system to enter a refrigerant discharge mode or a refrigerant storage mode according to the system energy efficiency.

10. The air conditioning system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, Further comprising an outdoor side heat exchanger, a four-way valve, a throttling valve, and an indoor side heat exchanger; A first end of the outdoor side heat exchanger is in communication with a first interface of the four-way valve, a second end of the outdoor side heat exchanger is in communication with a second end of the liquid inlet valve, and a second interface of the four-way valve is in communication with an exhaust port of the oil separator; A first end of the throttling valve is in communication with the second end of the liquid inlet valve and the second end of the outdoor side heat exchanger, a second end of the throttling valve is in communication with a first end of the indoor side heat exchanger, and a second end of the indoor side heat exchanger is in communication with a third interface of the four-way valve.

11. An air conditioner characterized by comprising: An air conditioning system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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