Multi-connected air conditioning system with redundancy design

By adopting a one-to-one connection between the outdoor unit and the enclosed passage and a redundant backup design in the multi-split air conditioning system, the problems of large refrigerant charge, high engineering cost and low energy efficiency are solved, and the construction is simplified, the cost is reduced and the stability is improved.

CN224065587UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-31GUANGDONG EUROKLIMAT AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-05
Publication Date
2026-03-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing large-scale multi-split air conditioning systems suffer from problems such as large refrigerant charge, high engineering cost, complex piping, difficult construction, and low energy efficiency at low loads. Furthermore, the hot backup method results in insufficient stability and reliability.

Method used

The system employs at least two first outdoor units connected one-to-one with a closed passageway, and is equipped with an independent second outdoor unit as a redundancy backup. Through simple piping design and redundancy backup mechanism, it ensures seamless switching of the system in case of failure, reduces refrigerant charge and engineering costs, and improves energy efficiency.

Benefits of technology

It simplifies construction, reduces refrigerant charge and engineering costs, improves system stability and energy efficiency, ensures flexible adjustment and continuity of cooling and heating under low load conditions, and enhances fault tolerance.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a multi-connected air conditioning system with redundancy design. The multi-connected air conditioning system comprises at least two first outdoor units used for refrigerating / heating, closed channels corresponding to the first outdoor units one by one and at least one second outdoor unit. At least one indoor unit is arranged in each closed channel, each first outdoor unit is connected with the indoor unit in the corresponding closed channel, and each second outdoor unit is independently connected with all the indoor units in the corresponding closed channel. Compared with the prior art, the air conditioning system has the advantages that the equipment cost and the system manufacturing cost are reduced, and the energy efficiency and the stability of the air conditioning system are improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning equipment technology, and in particular to a multi-split air conditioning system with redundant design. Background Technology

[0002] Large-scale multi-split air conditioning systems are an emerging energy-saving technology applied to data centers. The multi-split design allows for the rational planning of the overall layout of the air conditioning system, which can meet the requirements of data center use while minimizing the total cost of the project.

[0003] Currently, the typical layout of multi-unit data center systems is as follows: indoor units and related modules are arranged in enclosed aisles, and the air conditioning system employs an N+1 redundancy backup scheme. Meanwhile, multiple indoor units connected to each outdoor unit are distributed across different enclosed aisles. During operation, all outdoor units are powered on. If one outdoor unit fails and shuts down, the remaining N outdoor units automatically take over until the temperature within the enclosed aisle reaches the set temperature.

[0004] Because each outdoor unit is connected to an indoor unit that is located in a separate, enclosed space, the piping between the indoor and outdoor units becomes excessively complex (and this complexity increases with the number of indoor units), leading to difficult construction, high refrigerant charges, and very expensive project costs. Furthermore, due to the hot backup method, all outdoor units are on during normal operation; therefore, the lower the indoor load, the lower the air conditioning system's energy efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-split air conditioning system with redundant design that has low refrigerant charge, low cost, and high energy efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model discloses a multi-split air conditioning system with redundant design, comprising:

[0007] At least two first outdoor units for cooling / heating, an enclosed passage corresponding to each of the first outdoor units, and at least one second outdoor unit;

[0008] At least one indoor unit is provided in the enclosed passage, and each first outdoor unit is connected to the corresponding indoor unit in the enclosed passage. Each second outdoor unit is independently connected to all the indoor units in each enclosed passage.

[0009] Optionally, a first valve is also provided between each of the first outdoor units and the enclosed passage, the first valve being used to control the connection between each of the first outdoor units and each of the enclosed passages.

[0010] Optionally, a second valve is also provided between each of the second outdoor units and the enclosed passage, the second valve being used to control the connection between the second outdoor unit and each of the enclosed passages.

[0011] Optionally, the indoor unit is a precision air conditioner.

[0012] Optionally, the enclosed passageway is also equipped with a cabinet for protecting and storing the indoor unit cables.

[0013] Optionally, the enclosed passage is further provided with a power distribution unit for providing power to the indoor unit and a control unit for controlling the operating status of the indoor unit.

[0014] Optionally, the first valve and the second valve are electric valves.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the multi-split air conditioning system with redundant design proposed in this utility model simplifies piping connections by having a single outdoor unit supplying cooling / heating to a closed channel. This reduces the length of construction pipes, significantly lowers the difficulty of installation and construction, reduces refrigerant charge, and lowers project costs. Furthermore, the one-to-one configuration can accommodate low indoor loads, reducing energy consumption. The second outdoor unit, acting as a redundancy backup, can take over operation if any of the first outdoor units fails, improving the stability and reliability of the air conditioning system, ensuring continuous heating / cooling service, and enhancing fault tolerance. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-split air conditioning system with redundant design, as shown in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To explain in detail the technical content, structural features, objectives and effects of this utility model, the following description is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0018] This embodiment discloses a multi-split air conditioning system with redundant design to improve the energy efficiency of the air conditioning system while reducing refrigerant charge and engineering costs. (See also...) Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning system of this embodiment includes at least two first outdoor units 1 for cooling / heating, a closed passage 2 corresponding to the first outdoor units 1, and at least one second outdoor unit 3.

[0019] At least one indoor unit 21 is installed in the enclosed passage 2. Each first outdoor unit 1 is connected to the corresponding indoor unit 21 in the enclosed passage 2. Each second outdoor unit 3 is independently connected to all indoor units 21 in each enclosed passage 2.

[0020] The first outdoor unit 1 and the second outdoor unit 3 can be the same type of outdoor unit or different types of outdoor units. Technicians can choose according to specific needs while meeting the requirements of cooling and heating as well as energy saving.

[0021] Compared with existing technologies, the multi-split air conditioning system with redundant design proposed in this embodiment provides cooling or heating services to a specific enclosed channel 2 independently through a first outdoor unit 1. This simplifies pipe connections and reduces the length of pipes required for construction. This change not only reduces the complexity and challenge of installation and construction, but also significantly reduces refrigerant charging requirements compared to existing designs where each outdoor unit is connected to multiple indoor units 21 distributed across different enclosed channels 2. This effectively controls and reduces overall project costs. More importantly, this one-to-one matching design between the outdoor unit and the enclosed channel 2 allows the air conditioning system to more flexibly handle low indoor loads, optimizing energy use through precise output adjustment and effectively reducing unnecessary energy consumption.

[0022] Meanwhile, the air conditioning system in this embodiment is also equipped with a second outdoor unit 3 that acts as a redundant backup. This ensures that when any of the primary outdoor units 1 fails or requires maintenance, the second outdoor unit 3 can quickly and seamlessly take over its operation, continuing to provide stable cooling or heating services to the enclosed passage 2. This redundancy backup mechanism improves the stability and reliability of the entire air conditioning system, ensuring uninterrupted heating or cooling services and providing users with a more reassuring and comfortable experience. At the same time, this design also significantly enhances the system's fault tolerance, enabling the air conditioning system to maintain efficient and stable operation in the face of unexpected situations.

[0023] Specifically, see Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, a first valve 4 is also provided between each first outdoor unit 1 and the enclosed channel 2. The first valve 4 is used to control the connection between each first outdoor unit 1 and each enclosed channel 2.

[0024] Specifically, a second valve 5 is also provided between each second outdoor unit 3 and the enclosed passage 2. The second valve 5 is used to control the connection between the second outdoor unit 3 and each enclosed passage 2.

[0025] Specifically, indoor unit 21 is a precision air conditioner. Precision air conditioners can achieve variable frequency control and intelligent adjustment, and can automatically adjust the cooling and heating functions according to actual needs, thereby significantly reducing energy consumption while ensuring environmental stability.

[0026] Specifically, the enclosed passage 2 is also equipped with a cabinet 22 for protecting and storing the cables of the indoor unit 21.

[0027] Specifically, the enclosed passage 2 is also equipped with a power distribution unit 6 for providing power to the indoor unit 21 and a control unit 7 for controlling the operating status of the indoor unit 21.

[0028] Specifically, the first valve 4 and the second valve 5 are electric valves.

[0029] In this embodiment, refer to Figure 1 As shown, taking an air conditioning system with three first outdoor units 1, three enclosed channels 2, and one second outdoor unit 3 as an example, the principle of redundancy backup switching is explained in detail as follows:

[0030] When all outdoor units 1 are operating normally, the first valve 4 is open and the second valve 5 is closed, allowing outdoor units 1 to start working, while outdoor unit 3 enters standby mode as a backup. At this time, the air conditioning system automatically adjusts the load according to the actual cooling or heating demand of the enclosed passage 2. When a fault or abnormality is detected in a particular outdoor unit 1, that outdoor unit 1 is controlled to enter a fault shutdown state. Simultaneously, the first valve 4 between the corresponding outdoor unit 1 and the enclosed passage 2 is closed, and the second valve 5 between the second outdoor unit 3 and the enclosed passage 2 is opened, allowing the second outdoor unit 3 to take over the operation of the faulty outdoor unit 1. After the fault associated with the faulty outdoor unit 1 is reset, the second outdoor unit 3 is shut down, the second valve 5 is closed, and the first valve 4 is opened, allowing outdoor units 1 to resume operation.

[0031] In addition, when both outdoor unit 1 and outdoor unit 3 are operating normally, a cycle time can be set so that when the cumulative running time of outdoor unit 1 or outdoor unit 3 is too long, the switching described above will be performed to balance the running time of each outdoor unit and extend the life of the air conditioning system unit.

[0032] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0033] Meanwhile, the above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any equivalent changes made in accordance with the scope of the present utility model patent application shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-connected air conditioning system having a redundant design, characterized by, The system comprises at least two first outdoor units for refrigeration / heating, a closed channel corresponding to each of the first outdoor units, and at least one second outdoor unit; At least one indoor unit is arranged in each of the closed channels, each of the first outdoor units is connected to the indoor unit in the corresponding closed channel, and the second outdoor unit is independently connected to all the indoor units in each of the closed channels. 2.The multi-connected air conditioning system with a redundant design of claim 1, wherein, A first valve is arranged between each of the first outdoor units and the closed channel, and is used to control the connection between each of the first outdoor units and the closed channel. 3.The multi-split air conditioning system with a redundant design of claim 1, wherein, A second valve is arranged between each of the second outdoor units and the closed channel, and is used to control the connection between each of the second outdoor units and the closed channel. 4.The multi-split air conditioning system with a redundant design of claim 1, wherein, The indoor unit is a precision air conditioner. 5.The multi-split air conditioning system with a redundant design of claim 1, wherein, A cabinet is arranged in each of the closed channels, and is used to protect and store the cable of the indoor unit. 6.The multi-split air conditioning system with a redundant design of claim 1, wherein, A power distribution unit is arranged in each of the closed channels, and is used to provide power distribution for the indoor unit; and a control unit is arranged in each of the closed channels, and is used to control the operation state of the indoor unit. 7.The multi-connected air conditioning system with a redundant design of claim 2, wherein, The first valve is an electric valve. 8.The multi-split air conditioning system with a redundant design of claim 3, wherein, The second valve is an electric valve.