Modular air conditioning unit, and control method and control apparatus therefor

Abstract

A modular air conditioning unit, and a control method and control apparatus therefor. The control method comprises: with regard to modular units, pre-setting at least three high-efficiency frequency bands, so as to provide a compressor frequency range and a fan frequency range, which make the highest operation efficiency of a unit when the modular units start up different numbers of compressors and operate in different frequency regions; on the basis of a load requirement, prioritizing the startup of single compressors in the modular units, and controlling the compressors and fans according to low-frequency high-efficiency frequency bands of single machines; if the single compressors in all the modular units have all been started up but the requirement has not yet been met, additionally starting up the compressors in the modular units on the basis of the load requirement, and controlling the compressors and the fans according to a low-frequency high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to the number of compressors which have been started up in the modular units; and if all the compressors in all the modular units have been started up but the requirement has still not been met, switching, on the basis of the load requirement, the modular units to control the compressors and the fans according to a high-frequency high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to the startup of all the compressors. Therefore, the operation of compressors and fans is controlled in an efficient and energy-saving manner, and thus the operation efficiency of a unit is improved.

Description

Modular air conditioning unit and control method and control device thereof

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on December 15, 2023, with application number 202311724329.8 and invention name “A modular air-conditioning unit, its control method, and control device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in this disclosure. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of air-conditioning units, and in particular to a modular air-conditioning unit and a control method and a control device thereof. Background Art

[0003] When multiple variable-frequency air-conditioning units are operated in a modular combination, the conventional compressor control method is for a single unit to adjust the compressor start and stop and frequency adjustment according to the load. It often happens that the compressor frequency of a single unit reaches the highest while other units have just started or are running at a very low efficiency frequency point, resulting in low energy efficiency and serious energy consumption of the overall system after the modular combination.

[0004] Considering overall control, modular integration could be used to control all compressors to their optimal frequency, ensuring consistent control of both low and high frequencies. However, if a modular unit includes at least two compressors connected in parallel, this control approach still cannot guarantee efficient energy conservation for the entire system.

[0005] With regard to the problem of how to make modular air-conditioning units operate efficiently and energy-saving in related technologies, no effective solution has been proposed so far.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a modular air-conditioning unit and a control method and a control device thereof, so as to at least solve the problem in the related art of how to make the modular air-conditioning unit operate with high efficiency and energy saving.

[0008] To address the above technical issues, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a control method for a modular air conditioning unit. The modular air conditioning unit includes at least one modular unit, each of which includes at least two compressors connected in parallel. At least three high-efficiency frequency bands are pre-set for the modular unit to provide compressor frequency ranges and fan frequency ranges that maximize the unit's operating efficiency when the modular unit has different numbers of compressors turned on and in different frequency regions.

[0009] The method comprises:

[0010] Prioritize turning on individual compressors in the modular unit based on load demand, and control the operation of the compressor and fan in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the individual unit;

[0011] If all the single compressors in the modular units are turned on but the unit output still does not meet the load demand, the compressors in the modular units are increased according to the load demand, and the compressors and fans are controlled to operate in the low-frequency and high-efficiency band corresponding to the number of compressors actually turned on in the modular units;

[0012] If all compressors in all modular machines are turned on but the unit output still does not meet the load demand, the modular machine will be switched to control the operation of the compressor and fan according to the high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to turning on all compressors according to the load demand.

[0013] In some embodiments, a single compressor in a modular machine is preferentially started according to load demand, and the operation of the compressor and fan is controlled according to a low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of a single machine, including:

[0014] First, start a single compressor in a modular unit, and adjust the compressor and the fan in the modular unit to the optimal frequency in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single unit;

[0015] If the unit output still does not meet the load demand, continue to start the single compressor in the next module unit, and adjust the single compressor and the fan in the module unit to the optimal frequency in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single unit;

[0016] This cycle continues until the individual compressors in all modular machines are turned on or until the load demand is met.

[0017] In some embodiments, when the modular machine includes two compressors connected in parallel, additional compressors in the modular machine are activated according to the load demand, and the operation of the compressors and fans is controlled according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to the number of compressors actually activated in the modular machine, including:

[0018] First, add a compressor to one of the modular units and adjust the compressor and fan in the modular unit to the optimal frequency in the dual-unit low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band.

[0019] If the unit output still does not meet the load demand, continue to add a compressor in the next module unit, and adjust the compressor and fan that are already turned on in the module unit to the optimal frequency in the dual-machine low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band;

[0020] This cycle continues until both compressors in all modular machines are turned on or until the load demand is met.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the modular machine includes two compressors connected in parallel, switching the modular machine to control the operation of the compressors and fans according to the high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to turning on all compressors according to the load demand includes:

[0022] First, adjust all compressors and fans in a modular unit to the optimal frequency in the dual-unit high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band;

[0023] If the unit output still fails to meet the load requirement, all compressors and fans in the next module unit will be adjusted to the optimal frequency in the dual-unit high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band;

[0024] This cycle continues until all module machines are operating in the dual-machine high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band or until the load demand is met.

[0025] In some embodiments, when the single compressors in all modular machines are turned on, or when all compressors in all modular machines are turned on, the method further includes:

[0026] If the unit output still does not meet the load demand, the frequency of each turned-on compressor is increased one by one according to a preset rule until the frequency of all turned-on compressors is increased by a first preset value or until the load demand is met;

[0027] If the unit output exceeds the load requirement, the frequency of each turned-on compressor is reduced one by one according to a preset rule until the frequency of all turned-on compressors is reduced by a second preset value or until the load requirement is met.

[0028] In some embodiments, in the process of preferentially starting individual compressors in a modular machine according to load demand, if the unit output exceeds the load demand, the modular machines are shut down one by one in sequence;

[0029] In the process of adding compressors in the modular units according to the load demand, if the unit output exceeds the load demand, the modular units with added compressors are switched one by one in sequence to a single compressor operating in a single-unit low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band;

[0030] In the case where the modular machine includes two compressors connected in parallel, when the modular machine is switched to the high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to turning on all compressors to control the operation of the compressors and fans according to the load demand, if the unit output exceeds the load demand, the modular machines are reduced in frequency one by one in sequence to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the two machines.

[0031] In some embodiments, the above method further comprises:

[0032] Determine the cumulative operating time of each module and each compressor;

[0033] The loading and unloading order of the modular machines and the compressors is determined according to the accumulated running time, wherein the modular machine with the largest accumulated running time is unloaded first, and the modular machine with the smallest accumulated running time is loaded first.

[0034] The present disclosure also provides a control device for a modular air-conditioning unit, the modular air-conditioning unit including at least one modular unit, the modular unit including at least two compressors connected in parallel, at least three high-efficiency frequency bands pre-set for the modular unit to provide compressor frequency ranges and fan frequency ranges that maximize the unit's operating efficiency when the modular unit has different numbers of compressors turned on and in different frequency regions.

[0035] The device comprises:

[0036] The first control module is configured to prioritize starting a single compressor in the modular unit according to load demand, and control the operation of the compressor and fan according to a low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single unit;

[0037] The second control module is configured to, if all single compressors in all modular units are turned on but the unit output still does not meet the load demand, turn on additional compressors in the modular units according to the load demand, and control the operation of the compressors and fans according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to the number of compressors actually turned on in the modular units;

[0038] The third control module is configured to switch the modular machine to a high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to turning on all compressors to control the operation of the compressors and fans according to the load demand if all compressors in all modular machines are turned on but the unit output still does not meet the load demand.

[0039] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a modular air-conditioning unit, comprising: a control device for the modular air-conditioning unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] The embodiment of the present disclosure further provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the embodiment of the present disclosure are implemented.

[0041] By applying the technical solution disclosed in the present invention, at least three high-efficiency frequency bands are pre-set for the modular air-conditioning unit. The modular air-conditioning unit is treated as a whole and is overall regulated step by step according to the preset high-efficiency frequency bands. This can more reasonably control the operating frequencies of the compressors and fans, ensure that all compressors operate in the high-efficiency frequency bands, achieve efficient and energy-saving control of the operation of the compressors and fans, improve the overall operating efficiency and reliability of the unit, save a lot of operating costs, and reduce operating noise without affecting the user's use effect, so that users can get a better experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] FIG1 is a flow chart of a control method for a modular air-conditioning unit provided in a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a dual-machine parallel system provided in a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG3 is a control flow chart of a modular air-conditioning unit provided in the second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG4 is a structural block diagram of a control device for a modular air-conditioning unit provided in a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Description of reference numerals:

[0047] Compressor 1, four-way valve 2, outdoor heat exchanger 3 (fin heat exchanger), heating electronic expansion valve 41, cooling electronic expansion valve 42, first check valve 43, second check valve 44, IPM module 5, indoor heat exchanger 6 (plate heat exchanger), gas-liquid separator 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present disclosure more clear, the present disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is apparent that the embodiments described are only a portion of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of them. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without creative effort are intended to fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0049] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification, claims, and drawings of the present disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the numbers used in this way are interchangeable where appropriate so that the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0050] It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowcharts of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions, and that, although a logical order is shown in the flowcharts, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0051] Optional embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] This embodiment provides a control method for a modular air-conditioning unit. The modular air-conditioning unit includes at least one module, and the module includes at least two compressors connected in parallel.

[0054] For modular machines, at least three high-efficiency frequency bands are pre-set to provide the compressor frequency range and fan frequency range that make the unit operate with the highest efficiency when the modular machine turns on different numbers of compressors and different frequency regions. The frequency region can be low frequency or high frequency, and the specific interval of the frequency region can be divided according to the actual situation of the compressor. The fan in this embodiment refers to an external fan. The above-mentioned high-efficiency frequency bands can be pre-set through experiments. Each high-efficiency frequency band is set with an optimal frequency. For example, the compressor frequency range of a certain high-efficiency frequency band is A~B, and the middle value C of the range is the optimal frequency of the compressor. The same applies to the optimal frequency of the fan.

[0055] Specifically, the high-efficiency frequency band refers to the number of compressors activated in the modular air conditioner, the frequency range, the compressor frequency, and the fan frequency. For example, in a modular air conditioner with two compressors connected in parallel (i.e., a dual-unit parallel modular air conditioner), the high-efficiency frequency bands include: a single-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band, a dual-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band, and a dual-unit high-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band. "Single / dual" refers to the number of compressors activated in the modular air conditioner, while "low / high" refers to the frequency range. Each high-efficiency frequency band encompasses the compressor and fan frequency ranges that maximize the unit's operating efficiency. During modular air conditioning unit operation, the unit's operation is controlled step by step based on load demand, in the order of priority: single-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band, dual-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band, and dual-unit high-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band, to maximize unit efficiency. For example, the unit prioritizes the single-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band for startup. If the single-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band fails to meet the load demand, it switches to the dual-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band. If the dual-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band fails to meet the load demand, it switches to the dual-unit high-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band. When shedding load, the load is reduced step by step in the reverse order of the above priority.

[0056] FIG1 is a flow chart of a control method for a modular air-conditioning unit provided in a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG1 , the method includes the following steps:

[0057] S101: A single compressor in the modular unit is preferentially turned on according to load demand, and the operation of the compressor and fan is controlled according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single unit.

[0058] S102: If all single compressors in the modular machines are turned on but the unit output still does not meet the load demand, additional compressors in the modular machines are turned on according to the load demand, and the operation of the compressors and fans is controlled according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to the number of compressors actually turned on in the modular machines.

[0059] S103: If all compressors in all modular units are turned on but the unit output still does not meet the load demand, the modular units are switched to control the operation of the compressors and fans according to the high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to turning on all compressors according to the load demand.

[0060] In this embodiment, at least three high-efficiency frequency bands are pre-set for the modular air-conditioning unit. The modular air-conditioning unit is treated as a whole and is overall regulated step by step according to the preset high-efficiency frequency bands. This can more reasonably control the operating frequencies of the compressors and fans, ensure that all compressors operate in the high-efficiency frequency bands, achieve efficient and energy-saving control of the operation of the compressors and fans, improve the overall operating efficiency and reliability of the unit, save a lot of operating costs, and reduce operating noise without affecting the user's use effect, so that users can get a better experience.

[0061] In one embodiment, a single compressor in a modular machine is preferentially started according to the load demand, and the operation of the compressor and the fan is controlled according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single machine, including: first starting a single compressor in a modular machine, and adjusting the single compressor and the fan in the modular machine to the optimal frequency in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single machine; if the unit output still does not meet the load demand, then continue to start the single compressor in the next modular machine, and adjust the single compressor and the fan in the modular machine to the optimal frequency in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single machine; repeat this cycle until the single compressors in all modular machines are started or until the load demand is met.

[0062] When this embodiment is first put into operation, a single compressor in each module is preferentially turned on, and the single compressor is operated in a single-machine low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band, which can ensure the highest operating efficiency of the compressor and achieve efficient and energy-saving control of the operation of the compressor and fan.

[0063] In one embodiment, when the modular machine includes two compressors connected in parallel, the compressors in the modular machine are added according to the load demand, and the operation of the compressors and fans is controlled according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to the number of compressors actually turned on in the modular machine, including: first adding a compressor in a modular machine, and adjusting the already turned-on compressor and fan in the modular machine to the optimal frequency in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the two machines; if the unit output still does not meet the load demand, then continue to add a compressor in the next modular machine, and adjust the already turned-on compressor and fan in the modular machine to the optimal frequency in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the two machines; and repeat this cycle until the two compressors in all modular machines are turned on or until the load demand is met.

[0064] This embodiment is aimed at a modular machine with two machines connected in parallel. When a single compressor cannot meet the load demand, the compressor in the modular machine is further increased, and the two compressors that are already turned on in the same modular machine operate in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the two machines. This can ensure the highest operating efficiency of the compressor while meeting the load demand, and realize efficient and energy-saving control of the operation of the compressor and fan.

[0065] In one embodiment, when the modular machine includes two compressors connected in parallel, the modular machine is switched to control the operation of the compressors and fans according to the high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to turning on all compressors according to the load demand, including: first adjusting all the compressors and fans in one modular machine to the optimal frequency in the dual-machine high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band; if the unit output still does not meet the load demand, then continuing to adjust all the compressors and fans in the next modular machine to the optimal frequency in the dual-machine high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band; and repeating this cycle until all modular machines are operating in the dual-machine high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band or until the load demand is met.

[0066] This embodiment is aimed at a modular machine with two machines connected in parallel. When the low frequency of the two machines cannot meet the load demand, the frequency of the compressor is further increased so that the two compressors that have been turned on in the same modular machine can operate in the high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the two machines. This can ensure the highest operating efficiency of the compressor while meeting the load demand, and realize efficient and energy-saving control of the operation of the compressor and fan.

[0067] In one embodiment, when the single compressors in all modular machines are turned on, or when all compressors in all modular machines are turned on, the method further includes:

[0068] If the unit output still does not meet the load demand, the frequency of each turned-on compressor is increased one by one according to a preset rule until the frequency of all turned-on compressors is increased by a first preset value or until the load demand is met;

[0069] If the unit output exceeds the load requirement, the frequency of each turned-on compressor is reduced one by one according to a preset rule until the frequency of all turned-on compressors is reduced by a second preset value or until the load requirement is met.

[0070] Among them, the preset rules include adjustment order and adjustment amplitude. The adjustment order can be determined based on the cumulative running time of the compressor. For example, the compressor with the longest cumulative running time has priority to reduce the frequency, and the compressor with the shortest cumulative running time has priority to increase the frequency. The adjustment amplitude can be set according to the actual situation. The adjustment here is a fine-tuning within the current high-efficiency frequency band, so the adjustment amplitude is generally small, for example, the adjustment amplitude is set to 1Hz. The first preset value is the compressor frequency increase limit, and the second preset value is the compressor frequency reduction limit. The first preset value and the second preset value can prevent the compressor from exceeding the current high-efficiency frequency band due to frequency increase or decrease. For example, the frequency of compressor 1 can be increased first. If the frequency of compressor 1 has been increased by the first preset value, but the unit output still does not meet the load demand, the frequency of compressor 2 is increased, and so on.

[0071] This embodiment can fine-tune the frequency of the compressor within the current high-efficiency frequency band to meet the load demand as much as possible, while ensuring the operating efficiency of the compressor and avoiding waste caused by excessive output capacity of the unit.

[0072] The load reduction process for modular units and compressors is as follows: When prioritizing the activation of individual compressors in a modular unit based on load demand, if the unit output exceeds the load demand, the modular units are sequentially deactivated (i.e., the individual compressors in the modular unit are shut down). When additional compressors are activated based on load demand, if the unit output exceeds the load demand, the modular units with the additional compressors are sequentially switched to operating as a single compressor in a single-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band. For example, the modular unit is switched from a dual-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band to a single-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band. If the modular unit includes two compressors connected in parallel, when the modular unit is switched to controlling the compressor and fan operation according to the high-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to activating all compressors based on load demand, if the unit output exceeds the load demand, the modular units are sequentially de-rated to a dual-unit low-frequency, high-efficiency frequency band. This ensures compressor operating efficiency while also avoiding waste due to excessive unit output capacity.

[0073] In one embodiment, the method may further include determining the cumulative operating time of each modular unit and each compressor; and determining the order in which the modular units and compressors are loaded and unloaded based on the cumulative operating time, with units with the longest cumulative operating time being unloaded first and units with the shortest cumulative operating time being loaded first. This embodiment effectively balances compressor operation based on cumulative operating time, allowing for compressor rotation and improving overall system reliability.

[0074] Example 2

[0075] The control method for the modular air conditioning unit described above is described below with reference to a specific embodiment. However, it should be noted that this specific embodiment is intended only to better illustrate the present disclosure and does not constitute an undue limitation of the present disclosure. Explanations of terms that are identical or corresponding to those in the above embodiment will not be repeated in this embodiment.

[0076] This embodiment is described by taking a modular machine including two compressors connected in parallel as an example (ie, a modular machine with two compressors connected in parallel).

[0077] Refer to Figure 2, which shows a schematic diagram of a dual-unit parallel system. The system includes: compressor 1, four-way valve 2, outdoor heat exchanger 3 (fin heat exchanger), heating electronic expansion valve 41, cooling electronic expansion valve 42, first check valve 43, second check valve 44, IPM module 5, indoor heat exchanger 6 (plate heat exchanger), and gas-liquid separator 7. The two parallel compressors 1 can operate independently or simultaneously.

[0078] According to the characteristics of the dual-unit parallel modular machine, the single-unit low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band, the dual-unit low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band, and the dual-unit high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band are set to control the operating frequency of the compressor and fan.

[0079] Single machine low frequency and high efficiency frequency band: the frequency range of a single compressor is [a, b], and the frequency range of the fan is [a 风 , b 风 ]. The two compressors in the same module can work in rotation.

[0080] Dual-machine low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band: The frequency range of the two compressors is [a1, b1], and the frequency range of the fan is [a 风 , b 风 ]. a<a1<b1<b. The optimal frequency of the dual-machine low frequency is lower than the optimal frequency of the single-machine low frequency.

[0081] Dual-machine high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band: The frequency range of the two compressors is [c, d], and the frequency range of the fan is [c 风 , d 风 ]. a<b<c<d. a 风 <b 风 <c 风 <d 风 .

[0082] Switching priority of high-efficiency frequency band: Priority is given to starting the single-machine low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band. If the single-machine low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band does not meet the load demand, it switches to the dual-machine low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band. If the dual-machine low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band still does not meet the load demand, it switches to the dual-machine high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band.

[0083] During switching, the frequency can be adjusted slightly to meet the load (e.g., ±1Hz). Furthermore, switching between modules uses a more optimal solution: modules with a longer cumulative runtime are prioritized for frequency reduction or shutdown during system unloading, while modules with a shorter cumulative runtime are prioritized for startup or frequency increase during system loading.

[0084] Referring to FIG3 , there is a control flow chart of a modular air conditioning unit, which includes the following steps:

[0085] S301, start.

[0086] S302: Detect load demand and prioritize starting a single compressor in a modular unit based on the start / stop sequence. Then, start the fan and compressor sequentially to the initial single-unit low-frequency optimal frequency. The start / stop sequence can be determined by the accumulated operating time.

[0087] S303, determine whether the load meets the requirements (i.e., determine whether the unit output meets the load demand). If the unit output exceeds the load demand, enter S304. If the unit output just meets the load demand, enter S305. If the unit output does not meet the load demand, enter S306.

[0088] S304: Shut down the single compressor of a modular machine in sequence, and return to S303 to continue judging.

[0089] S305: Maintain the current state.

[0090] S306, continue to start the single compressor of the next modular machine in sequence.

[0091] S307, determine whether the single compressors of all modular machines have been started and maintained at the initial frequency, if so, proceed to S308, if not, return to S303.

[0092] S308, determine whether the load meets the requirements. If it exceeds the load requirement, enter S309. If it does not meet the load requirement, enter S310. If it just meets the load requirement, maintain the current state.

[0093] S309 , reducing the compressor frequency by 1 Hz each time. When the cumulative frequency reduction of one compressor reaches mHz, the frequency of the next compressor is reduced.

[0094] S310 , increasing the compressor frequency by 1 Hz each time. When the frequency of one compressor is increased by x Hz cumulatively, the frequency of the next compressor is increased.

[0095] S311, determine whether all single compressors have accumulated an increase of x Hz, if not, return to S308, if so, enter S312.

[0096] S312, determine whether the load meets the requirements. If the load requirements are not met, enter S313. If the load requirements are just met, maintain the current state.

[0097] In step S313, one modular unit is switched to dual-unit operation according to the start-stop sequence, and the frequency of each fan and compressor is gradually reduced to the initial dual-unit low-frequency optimal frequency according to the load.

[0098] S314, determine whether the load meets the requirements. If it exceeds the load requirement, enter S315. If it just meets the load requirement, enter S316. If it does not meet the load requirement, enter S317.

[0099] S315: The single compressor of a module unit is shut down in sequence, and the frequency of the other compressor of the module is increased to the initial single unit low frequency optimal frequency.

[0100] S316, maintain the current state.

[0101] S317, continue to start the next module in sequence to switch to dual-machine operation, and gradually reduce the frequency of each fan and compressor to the initial dual-machine low-frequency optimal frequency according to the load.

[0102] S318, determine whether all modules have entered dual-machine operation and maintained the initial frequency. If so, go to S319; if not, return to S314.

[0103] S319, determine whether the load meets the requirements. If it exceeds the load requirement, enter S320. If it does not meet the load requirement, enter S321. If it just meets the load requirement, maintain the current state.

[0104] S320 , reducing the compressor frequency by 1 Hz each time. When the cumulative frequency reduction of one compressor reaches mHz, the frequency of the next compressor is reduced.

[0105] S321, increase the compressor frequency by 1 Hz each time. When the frequency of one compressor is increased by x Hz cumulatively, increase the frequency of the next compressor.

[0106] S322, determine whether all compressors have accumulated an increase of x Hz. If so, proceed to S323, if not, return to S319.

[0107] S323, determine whether the load meets the requirements. If it exceeds the load requirement, enter S324. If it does not meet the load requirement, enter S326. If it just meets the load requirement, enter S325.

[0108] In step S324, the module with the longest cumulative operating time is given priority for frequency reduction. The frequency of each fan and compressor is gradually reduced according to the load to the initial dual-machine low-frequency optimal frequency.

[0109] S325, maintain the current state.

[0110] In step S326, the module with the shortest cumulative operating time is given priority for frequency increase. The frequency of each fan and compressor is gradually increased according to the load to the initial dual-machine high-frequency optimal frequency.

[0111] S327, end.

[0112] For example, a modular air conditioning unit includes 16 modules connected in parallel. First, the single compressor of one module is turned on and operated in the single-unit low-frequency and high-efficiency band. If the load demand is not met, the single compressor of the next module is turned on and operated in the single-unit low-frequency and high-efficiency band. This is repeated until all 16 modules have turned on their single compressors. If the load demand is still not met, one module is selected, both of its compressors are turned on, and the frequency is switched to the dual-unit low-frequency and high-efficiency band (at this point, one module is operating in dual mode, while the remaining 15 modules are still operating in single mode). If the load demand is still not met, the next module is switched to the dual-unit low-frequency and high-efficiency band, and so on, until all 16 modules are operating in the dual-unit low-frequency and high-efficiency band. If the load demand is still not met, one module is selected and switched to the dual-unit high-frequency and high-efficiency band, and so on, until the load demand is met.

[0113] The high-efficiency and energy-saving control method for modular air conditioning units provided in this embodiment pre-sets at least three high-efficiency frequency bands. The modular air conditioning unit is treated as a whole and is controlled step by step according to the pre-set high-efficiency frequency bands. This method more rationally controls the operating frequencies of the compressors and fans, ensuring that all compressors operate within the high-efficiency frequency bands. This achieves efficient and energy-saving control of compressor and fan operation, improves the overall operating efficiency and reliability of the unit, saves significant operating costs, and reduces operating noise without affecting user experience, providing a better user experience. Furthermore, the method effectively balances compressor operation based on accumulated operating time, improving overall system reliability.

[0114] Example 3

[0115] Based on the same inventive concept, this embodiment provides a control device for a modular air conditioning unit, which can be used to implement the control method for a modular air conditioning unit described in the above embodiments. The control device for the modular air conditioning unit can be implemented via software and / or hardware. The modular air conditioning unit includes at least one modular unit, each of which includes at least two compressors connected in parallel. At least three high-efficiency frequency bands are pre-set for each modular unit to provide the compressor frequency range and fan frequency range that maximize the unit's operating efficiency when the modular unit has different numbers of compressors activated and in different frequency regions.

[0116] FIG4 is a structural block diagram of a control device for a modular air-conditioning unit provided in a third embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG4 , the control device for the modular air-conditioning unit includes:

[0117] The first control module 410 is configured to prioritize starting a single compressor in the modular machine according to load demand, and control the operation of the compressor and fan according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single machine;

[0118] The second control module 420 is configured to, if all compressors in the modular units are turned on but the unit output still does not meet the load demand, turn on additional compressors in the modular units according to the load demand, and control the operation of the compressors and fans according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to the number of compressors actually turned on in the modular units;

[0119] The third control module 430 is configured to switch the modular machine to a high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to turning on all compressors to control the operation of the compressors and fans according to the load demand if all compressors in all modular machines are turned on but the unit output still does not meet the load demand.

[0120] In some implementations, the first control module 410 is specifically configured to:

[0121] First, start a single compressor in a modular unit, and adjust the compressor and the fan in the modular unit to the optimal frequency in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single unit;

[0122] If the unit output still does not meet the load demand, continue to start the single compressor in the next module unit, and adjust the single compressor and the fan in the module unit to the optimal frequency in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single unit;

[0123] This cycle continues until the individual compressors in all modular machines are turned on or until the load demand is met.

[0124] In some embodiments, when the modular machine includes two compressors connected in parallel, the second control module 420 is specifically configured to:

[0125] First, add a compressor to one of the modular units and adjust the compressor and fan in the modular unit to the optimal frequency in the dual-unit low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band.

[0126] If the unit output still does not meet the load demand, continue to add a compressor in the next module unit, and adjust the compressor and fan that are already turned on in the module unit to the optimal frequency in the dual-machine low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band;

[0127] This cycle continues until both compressors in all modular machines are turned on or until the load demand is met.

[0128] In some embodiments, when the modular machine includes two compressors connected in parallel, the third control module 430 is specifically configured to:

[0129] First, adjust all compressors and fans in a modular unit to the optimal frequency in the dual-unit high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band;

[0130] If the unit output still fails to meet the load requirement, all compressors and fans in the next module unit will be adjusted to the optimal frequency in the dual-unit high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band;

[0131] This cycle continues until all module machines are operating in the dual-machine high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band or until the load demand is met.

[0132] In some embodiments, the control device of the modular air conditioning unit further includes:

[0133] The frequency increasing module is configured to, when all compressors in all modular units are turned on, or when all compressors in all modular units are turned on, if the unit output still fails to meet the load requirement, increase the frequency of each compressor that is turned on one by one according to a preset rule until the frequency of all compressors that are turned on has increased to a first preset value or until the load requirement is met;

[0134] The frequency reduction module is configured to turn on a single compressor in all modular machines, or turn on all compressors in all modular machines. If the unit output exceeds the load requirement, the frequency of each turned-on compressor is reduced one by one according to a preset rule until the frequency of all turned-on compressors has been reduced by a second preset value or until the load requirement is met.

[0135] In some embodiments, the control device of the modular air conditioning unit further includes:

[0136] a fourth control module configured to, in a process of preferentially starting a single compressor in a modular unit according to a load demand, shut down the modular units one by one in sequence if the unit output exceeds the load demand;

[0137] a fifth control module configured to, in the process of adding compressors in the modular units according to the load demand, sequentially switch the modular units with the added compressors to operate in a single compressor at a low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band if the unit output exceeds the load demand;

[0138] The sixth control module is configured to, when the modular machine includes two compressors connected in parallel, switch the modular machine to the high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to turning on all compressors to control the operation of the compressor and the fan according to the load demand. If the unit output exceeds the load demand, the modular machine will be reduced in frequency one by one in sequence to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the two machines.

[0139] In some embodiments, the control device of the modular air conditioning unit further includes:

[0140] A first determining module is configured to determine the cumulative operating time of each module and each compressor;

[0141] The second determining module is configured to determine the loading order and unloading order of the module machine and the compressor according to the accumulated running time, wherein the module with the largest accumulated running time is unloaded first, and the module with the smallest accumulated running time is loaded first.

[0142] The control device for the modular air conditioning unit described above can execute the control method for the modular air conditioning unit provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects of the execution method. For technical details not fully described in this embodiment, please refer to the control method for the modular air conditioning unit provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0143] Example 4

[0144] This embodiment provides a modular air-conditioning unit, including: a control device for the modular air-conditioning unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0145] Example 5

[0146] This embodiment provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method described in the embodiment of the present disclosure are implemented.

[0147] Example 6

[0148] This embodiment provides a computer device, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor implements the steps of the method described in the embodiment of the present disclosure when executing the computer program.

[0149] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules may be selected based on actual needs to achieve the objectives of this embodiment.

[0150] Through the description of the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus a necessary general hardware platform, or of course, by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solution, in essence, or the part that contributes to the relevant technology, can be embodied in the form of a software product. The computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, etc., and includes a number of instructions for enabling a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) to execute the methods described in each embodiment or certain parts of the embodiments.

[0151] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure, rather than to limit them. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A control method for a modular air-conditioning unit, wherein the modular air-conditioning unit comprises at least one modular unit, wherein the modular unit comprises at least two compressors connected in parallel, and at least three high-efficiency frequency bands are pre-set for the modular unit to provide a compressor frequency range and a fan frequency range that enable the unit to operate with the highest efficiency when the modular unit turns on different numbers of compressors and different frequency regions; The method comprises: Prioritize turning on a single compressor in the module unit according to load demand, and control the operation of the compressor and fan according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single unit; If all the single compressors in the modular machines are turned on but the unit output still does not meet the load demand, the compressors in the modular machines are increased according to the load demand, and the operation of the compressors and fans is controlled according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to the number of compressors actually turned on in the modular machines; If all compressors in all modular machines are turned on but the unit output still does not meet the load demand, the modular machines are switched to control the operation of the compressors and fans according to the high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to turning on all compressors according to the load demand.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The single compressor in the module is started first according to the load demand, and the operation of the compressor and fan is controlled according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single machine, including: First, start a single compressor in a modular machine, and adjust the single compressor and the fan in the modular machine to the optimal frequency in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single machine; If the unit output still fails to meet the load demand, continue to start a single compressor in the next module unit, and adjust the single compressor and the fan in the module unit to the optimal frequency in the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single unit; This cycle continues until the individual compressors in all module machines are turned on or until the load demand is met.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: In the case where the modular machine includes two compressors connected in parallel, additional compressors in the modular machine are turned on according to the load demand, and the operation of the compressors and fans is controlled in a low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to the number of compressors actually turned on in the modular machine, including: First, add a compressor in a module machine, and adjust the compressor and fan in the module machine to the optimal frequency in the dual-machine low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band; If the unit output still fails to meet the load demand, a compressor in the next module unit is added, and the compressor and fan in the module unit are adjusted to the optimal frequency in the dual-machine low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band; This cycle continues until both compressors in all modular machines are turned on or until the load demand is met.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: In the case where the modular machine includes two compressors connected in parallel, switching the modular machine to control the operation of the compressor and the fan according to the high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to turning on all the compressors according to the load demand includes: First, adjust all compressors and fans in one module unit to the optimal frequency in the dual-unit high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band; If the unit output still fails to meet the load requirement, all compressors and fans in the next module unit are adjusted to the optimal frequency in the dual-unit high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band; This cycle continues until all module machines are operating in the dual-machine high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band or until the load demand is met.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: When a single compressor in all modular machines is turned on, or when all compressors in all modular machines are turned on, it also includes: If the unit output still does not meet the load requirement, the frequency of each compressor that has been turned on is increased one by one according to the preset rule until the frequency of all compressors that have been turned on has increased by the first preset value or until the load requirement is met; If the unit output exceeds the load requirement, the frequency of each turned-on compressor is reduced one by one according to a preset rule until the frequency of all turned-on compressors has been reduced by a second preset value or until the load requirement is met.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: In the process of preferentially starting a single compressor in a modular machine according to load demand, if the unit output exceeds the load demand, the modular machines are shut down one by one in sequence; In the process of adding compressors in the modular machines according to the load demand, if the unit output exceeds the load demand, the modular machines with added compressors are switched one by one in sequence to a single compressor running in a single machine low frequency and high efficiency frequency band; In the case where the module machine includes two compressors connected in parallel, the module machine is switched to the high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band control corresponding to turning on all compressors according to the load demand. During the operation of the compressor and the fan, if the unit output exceeds the load demand, the module units will be down-converted one by one in sequence to the dual-unit low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: Also includes: Determine the cumulative operating time of each module and each compressor; The loading and unloading order of the module machines and the compressors is determined according to the accumulated running time, wherein the module with the largest accumulated running time is unloaded first, and the module with the smallest accumulated running time is loaded first.

8. A control device for a modular air-conditioning unit, the modular air-conditioning unit comprising at least one modular unit, the modular unit comprising at least two compressors connected in parallel, at least three high-efficiency frequency bands are pre-set for the modular unit, so as to provide a compressor frequency range and a fan frequency range that enable the unit to operate with the highest efficiency when the modular unit starts different numbers of compressors and different frequency regions; The device comprises: The first control module is configured to preferentially start a single compressor in the module machine according to load demand, and control the operation of the compressor and the fan according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band of the single machine; The second control module is configured to, if the single compressors in all the modular machines are turned on but the unit output still does not meet the load demand, then increase the compressors in the modular machines according to the load demand, and control the operation of the compressors and fans according to the low-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to the number of compressors actually turned on in the modular machines; The third control module is configured to switch the module machine to control the operation of the compressor and the fan according to the high-frequency and high-efficiency frequency band corresponding to turning on all the compressors if all the compressors in all the module machines are turned on but the unit output still fails to meet the load demand.

9. A modular air conditioning unit, comprising: The control device of the modular air conditioning unit as claimed in claim 8.

10. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 when executed by a processor.

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