Air-conditioning system

Abstract

An air-conditioning system, comprising a compressor (10), a four-way reversing valve (20), an indoor heat exchanger (30), an outdoor heat exchanger (40), a throttling device (50) and a heating device (60), wherein a D end of the four-way reversing valve (20) is connected to an exhaust port of the compressor (10), and a B end of the four-way reversing valve (20) is connected to a suction port of the compressor (10); the indoor heat exchanger (30) is connected to a C end of the four-way reversing valve (20); the outdoor heat exchanger (40) comprises a heat exchange area (41) and an anti-freeze area (42), the anti-freeze area (42) being arranged at the bottom of the heat exchange area (41), and the heat exchange area (41) being connected to an A end of the four-way reversing valve (20); the throttling device (50) is arranged on a connecting pipeline between the heat exchange area (41) and the anti-freeze area (42); and the heating device (60) is arranged on a connecting pipeline between the throttling device (50) and the anti-freeze area (42), and the heating device (60) is configured to heat a refrigerant flowing from the anti-freeze area (42).

Description

air conditioning system

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202411844987.5, filed on December 13, 2024; and to Chinese patent application No. 202423078939.8, filed on December 13, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0003] An air conditioning system includes a compressor, a four-way reversing valve, an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and an expansion valve. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger, and the indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger. To address the issue of ice or frost accumulation in the outdoor heat exchanger due to incomplete defrosting in low-temperature, high-humidity environments, an anti-freeze section is installed at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger. This design ensures that the bottom of the heat exchanger remains frost-free during heating operation. However, the refrigerant experiences a significant temperature drop as it passes through the bottom anti-freeze section. Given the poor miscibility between the refrigerant and oil, under certain oil content and temperature conditions, refrigerant and oil stratification can easily occur. When this stratification occurs before the expansion valve, the valve's small diameter makes it difficult for the stratified oil droplets to pass through, leading to a significant accumulation of lubricating oil before the expansion valve. This oil blockage affects the air conditioning system's performance, potentially causing problems such as poor oil return, abnormal pressure, and abnormal shutdowns, thus impacting the reliability of the air conditioning unit.

[0004] Public content

[0005] This disclosure is intended to improve the problem of refrigerant and oil separation in air conditioning systems, which leads to oil blockage in the throttling device.

[0006] This disclosure provides an air conditioning system in some embodiments, including:

[0007] compressor;

[0008] A four-way reversing valve, wherein the D end of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, and the B end of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the intake port of the compressor.

[0009] The indoor heat exchanger is connected to the C end of the four-way reversing valve;

[0010] An outdoor heat exchanger includes a heat exchange zone and an antifreeze zone. The antifreeze zone is located at the bottom of the heat exchange zone, and the heat exchange zone is connected to end A of the four-way reversing valve.

[0011] A throttling device is installed on the connecting pipe between the heat exchange zone and the antifreeze zone;

[0012] A heating device is provided on the connecting pipe between the throttling device and the antifreeze zone, and the heating device is configured to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone.

[0013] In this disclosure, a heating device is installed on the connecting pipe between the throttling device and the antifreeze zone of the air conditioning system. The heating device is in the off state by default. When there is a risk of stratification before the refrigerant flows into the throttling device, the heating device in the air conditioning system can be turned on before the refrigerant flows into the throttling device by installing a heating device on the connecting pipe between the throttling device and the antifreeze zone. In this way, the refrigerant is heated when it flows through the heating device, and the temperature of the refrigerant rises, thereby reducing or preventing the stratification of refrigerant and oil, reducing or avoiding oil blockage in the throttling device, and ensuring the operational reliability of the air conditioning unit. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 2 is another schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system in heating mode according to some embodiments.

[0017] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system cooling according to some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 5 is another schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 6 is another schematic diagram of an air conditioning system in heating mode according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 7 is another schematic diagram of an air conditioning system cooling according to some embodiments.

[0021] Figure 8 is a structural diagram of a regenerative heat exchanger according to some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 9 is a control flowchart of an air conditioning system according to some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 10 is another control flow diagram of an air conditioning system according to some embodiments.

[0024] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the circulation system of an air conditioning system during heating, according to relevant technologies.

[0025] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system during cooling according to related technologies.

[0026] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the circulation system of an air conditioning system in heating mode according to some embodiments.

[0027] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system during cooling according to some embodiments.

[0028] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the circulation system of an air conditioning system according to some other embodiments.

[0029] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the circulation system of an air conditioning system according to some other embodiments.

[0030] Figures 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams of the circulation system of an air conditioning system according to some other embodiments.

[0031] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of the circulation system of an air conditioning system in heating mode according to some other embodiments.

[0032] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system during cooling according to some other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0034] In the description of this disclosure, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0035] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In some embodiments of this disclosure, an air conditioning system is provided that performs a cooling or heating cycle by using a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. It should be understood that the air conditioning system may also be simply referred to as an air conditioner.

[0037] In some embodiments of this disclosure, a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant enters the compressor, which compresses it into a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas and discharges the compressed refrigerant gas. The discharged refrigerant gas flows into the condenser. The condenser condenses the compressed refrigerant into a liquid phase, and heat is released to the surrounding environment through the condensation process.

[0038] In some embodiments of this disclosure, an expansion valve expands the high-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has condensed in the condenser into a low-pressure liquid refrigerant. The evaporator evaporates the expanded refrigerant in the expansion valve and returns the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas to the compressor. The evaporator achieves a cooling effect by utilizing the latent heat of refrigerant evaporation to exchange heat with the material being cooled. Throughout the cycle, the air conditioning system can regulate the temperature of the indoor space.

[0039] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioning system mainly includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. It should be understood that the outdoor unit can also be defined as an outdoor air conditioning unit, and the indoor unit can also be defined as an indoor air conditioning unit. The outdoor unit can be connected to the indoor unit via liquid pipelines and gas pipelines. The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system may include a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger, or the outdoor unit may include an outdoor unit housing and an outdoor fan, an outdoor heat exchanger, and a compressor disposed within the outdoor unit housing. The indoor unit of the air conditioning system may include an indoor heat exchanger, or the indoor unit may include an indoor unit housing and an indoor fan and an indoor heat exchanger disposed within the indoor unit housing.

[0040] It should be understood that an outdoor heat exchanger can also be defined as an outdoor heat exchanger, and an indoor heat exchanger can also be defined as an indoor heat exchanger.

[0041] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the expansion valve may be provided in an indoor unit or an outdoor unit.

[0042] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the indoor and outdoor heat exchangers can be used as condensers or evaporators. When the indoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator, the air conditioning system functions as a heater in heating mode; when the indoor heat exchanger is used as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger is used as a condenser, the air conditioning system functions as a cooler in cooling mode.

[0043] To address the issue of ice or frost accumulation in outdoor heat exchangers due to incomplete defrosting in low-temperature, high-humidity environments, an anti-freeze section is installed at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger. This design ensures that the bottom of the heat exchanger remains frost-free during unit heating operation. However, the refrigerant experiences a significant temperature drop as it passes through the bottom anti-freeze section. Given the poor miscibility between the refrigerant and oil, under certain oil content and temperature conditions, refrigerant and oil stratification can easily occur. When stratification occurs before the expansion valve, the valve's small diameter makes it difficult for the stratified oil droplets to pass through, leading to a significant accumulation of lubricating oil before the expansion valve. This oil blockage affects the air conditioning system's performance, potentially causing poor oil return, abnormal pressure, and abnormal shutdowns, thus impacting the reliability of the air conditioning unit.

[0044] To solve the aforementioned oil blockage problem, the relevant technologies usually adopt the solution of replacing the electronic expansion valve with a larger diameter or a wide-diameter capillary tube. However, if the selection is not appropriate, it may lead to other reliability problems such as persistently low superheat under certain operating conditions, inability to increase unit capacity or slow capacity increase.

[0045] Based on this, in some embodiments of this disclosure, an air conditioning system capable of effectively preventing oil blockage is provided. Referring to FIG1, the air conditioning system may include a compressor 10. In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG1, the air conditioning system further includes a four-way reversing valve 20, wherein the four-way reversing valve 20 may also be simply referred to as a four-way valve.

[0046] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the D end of the four-way reversing valve 20 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 10, and the B end of the four-way reversing valve 20 is connected to the intake port of the compressor 10. Referring to FIG1, the air conditioning system further includes an indoor heat exchanger 30, which is connected to the C end of the four-way reversing valve 20; the air conditioning system further includes an outdoor heat exchanger 40, which includes a heat exchange zone 41 and an antifreeze zone 42, the antifreeze zone 42 being disposed at the bottom of the heat exchange zone 41, and the heat exchange zone 41 being connected to the A end of the four-way reversing valve 20; the air conditioning system further includes a throttling device 50, which is disposed on the connecting pipeline between the heat exchange zone 41 and the antifreeze zone 42. For example, the throttling device 50 may be an expansion valve.

[0047] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG1, the air conditioning system further includes a heating device 60. The heating device 60 is disposed on the connecting pipe between the throttling device 50 and the antifreeze zone 42. The heating device 60 is configured to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42.

[0048] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG1, when the air conditioning system is heating, the indoor heat exchanger 30 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 40 acts as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows sequentially through the four-way reversing valve 20, the indoor heat exchanger 30, the antifreeze zone 42, the heating device 60, the throttling device 50, and the heat exchange zone 41, and then returns to the compressor 10 through the four-way reversing valve 20.

[0049] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the heating device 60 is in the off state by default. When there is a risk of stratification before the refrigerant flows into the throttling device 50, the heating device 60 is turned on. The refrigerant is heated when it flows through the heating device 60, and the refrigerant temperature rises, thereby reducing or preventing the stratification of refrigerant and oil. This can reduce or avoid the oil blockage of the throttling device 50 and ensure the operational reliability of the air conditioning unit.

[0050] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the heating device 60 is configured to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42 in a timely manner according to the refrigerant stratification temperature, thereby reducing the risk of oil blockage in the throttling device 50 and also reducing energy consumption.

[0051] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioning system monitors the unit's operating parameters in real time during the heating process, such as the operating frequency, exhaust pressure, exhaust temperature, and refrigerant temperature of the compressor 10.

[0052] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the refrigerant temperature includes a first refrigerant temperature, denoted as T1. The first refrigerant temperature T1 is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the antifreeze zone 42; the refrigerant temperature also includes a second refrigerant temperature, denoted as T2; the second refrigerant temperature T2 is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42; the refrigerant temperature also includes a third refrigerant temperature, denoted as T3, the third refrigerant temperature T3 is the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the throttling device 50.

[0053] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the controller 80 of the air conditioning system calculates the oil discharge rate and refrigerant stratification temperature of the compressor 10. The oil discharge rate is related to the refrigerant quantity, oil quantity, operating frequency, and pressure of the compressor 10, and an oil discharge rate curve can be obtained through actual measurement. The refrigerant stratification temperature is related to the type of refrigerant, refrigerant temperature, and oil type of the compressor 10, and a stratification curve can be obtained through actual measurement. The stratification temperature is related to the ratio of oil to refrigerant, and the oil discharge rate reflects this ratio.

[0054] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioning system can input the oil discharge rate curve and the refrigerant stratification curve into the control program. Based on the real-time detection and calculation of the compressor 10's oil discharge rate and refrigerant temperature, the air conditioning system adjusts the refrigerant temperature entering the throttling device 50 as needed to prevent stratification, resolve oil blockage issues, and ensure the reliability of the air conditioning unit.

[0055] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG1, the air conditioning system further includes a controller 80, which is configured to control the refrigerant stratification temperature of the computer group and to control the heating device 60 to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42 according to the refrigerant stratification temperature.

[0056] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG1, the air conditioning system further includes a controller 80, which is configured to store and configure the oil discharge rate and refrigerant stratification temperature of the computer group. The heating device 60 is configured to heat the refrigerant flowing from the antifreeze zone 42 in a timely manner based on the oil discharge rate and refrigerant stratification temperature. The controller 80 stores and configures the oil discharge performance of the computer group, and participates in the control of oil blockage prevention based on the real-time compressor 10 frequency computer group's oil discharge rate and refrigerant stratification temperature.

[0057] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG1, the air conditioning system further includes a first temperature sensor 71, which is disposed on the connecting pipe between the antifreeze zone 42 and the indoor heat exchanger 30. The first temperature sensor 71 is configured to detect a first temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the antifreeze zone 42. The air conditioning system also includes a third temperature sensor 73, which is disposed on the pipe between the heating device 60 and the throttling device 50. The third temperature sensor 73 is configured to detect a third temperature T3 of the refrigerant flowing into the throttling device 50.

[0058] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the heating device 60 is off by default. The controller 80 collects the unit's operating parameters, calculates the current oil discharge rate and the refrigerant stratification temperature, and records it as the first stratification temperature a.

[0059] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the first refrigerant temperature T1 < the first stratification temperature a or the third refrigerant temperature T3 < the first stratification temperature a, the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42 is at risk of stratification and the throttling device 50 is at risk of oil blockage. The heating device 60 is turned on to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42, thereby increasing the refrigerant temperature and preventing the refrigerant and oil from stratifying, thus reducing or avoiding oil blockage in the throttling device 50.

[0060] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the controller 80 is configured to control the heating device 60 to turn on when the first refrigerant temperature T1 is less than the first stratification temperature a or the third refrigerant temperature T3 is less than the first stratification temperature a.

[0061] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the first refrigerant temperature T1 ≥ the first stratification temperature a or the third refrigerant temperature T3 ≥ the first stratification temperature a, there is no risk of stratification of the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42. In this case, the heating device 60 remains off, which can reduce energy consumption. Under these circumstances, the controller 80 can continue to collect unit operating parameters and calculate the current oil discharge rate and the stratification temperature of the refrigerant.

[0062] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioning system further includes a second temperature sensor 72 disposed on the pipeline between the antifreeze zone 42 and the heating device 60. The second temperature sensor 72 is configured to detect a second temperature T2 of the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42.

[0063] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the air conditioning system is in heating mode, if the second refrigerant temperature T2 is greater than the second stratification temperature b and this condition persists for a first time T, it indicates that there is no risk of stratification of the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42 and there is no risk of oil blockage in the throttling device 50. At this time, the heating device 60 is turned off and no longer heats the refrigerant to reduce energy consumption.

[0064] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the controller 80 is configured to control the heating device 60 to shut down when the second refrigerant temperature is greater than the second stratification temperature and this continues for a first time.

[0065] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the second refrigerant temperature T2 ≤ the second stratification temperature b, it indicates that the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42 has a risk of stratification. The heating device 60 continues to heat the refrigerant, and the controller 80 continues to collect unit operating parameters and calculate the current oil discharge rate and the stratification temperature of the refrigerant.

[0066] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first stratification temperature a and the second stratification temperature b are not absolutely related in magnitude; the two temperatures are stratification temperatures corresponding to different refrigerant temperatures.

[0067] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG2, the heating device 60 includes an electric heater 61, which is configured to heat the connecting pipe between the throttling device 50 and the antifreeze zone 42. For example, the electric heater 61 is sleeved or tied to the refrigerant pipe to be heated. Using electric heating to heat the refrigerant is simple in structure and facilitates temperature control.

[0068] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG2, a first temperature sensor 71 is disposed on the connecting pipe between the antifreeze zone 42 and the indoor heat exchanger 30, and is configured to detect a first temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the antifreeze zone 42. A second temperature sensor 72 is disposed on the refrigerant pipe between the antifreeze zone 42 and the electric heater 61, and is configured to detect a second temperature T2 of the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42. A third temperature sensor 73 is disposed on the refrigerant pipe between the electric heater 61 and the throttling device 50, and is configured to detect a third temperature T3 of the refrigerant flowing into the throttling device 50.

[0069] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the air conditioning system is heating, referring to FIG3, the indoor heat exchanger 30 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 40 acts as an evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows sequentially through the D and C ends of the four-way reversing valve 20, the indoor heat exchanger 30, the antifreeze zone 42, the electric heater 61, the throttling device 50, and the heat exchange zone 41, and then returns to the compressor 10 sequentially through the A and B ends of the four-way reversing valve 20. When the air conditioning system is cooling, referring to FIG4, the indoor heat exchanger 30 acts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger 40 acts as a condenser. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows sequentially through the D and A ends of the four-way reversing valve 20, the heat exchange zone 41, the throttling device 50, the electric heater 61, the antifreeze zone 42, and the indoor heat exchanger 30, and then returns to the compressor 10 sequentially through the C and B ends of the four-way reversing valve 20.

[0070] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG9, the oil blockage prevention control process of the air conditioning system using an electric heater 61 may include:

[0071] S11, the unit's heating operation is started, and the electric heating is off by default;

[0072] S12, Real-time detection of the unit's operating parameters, detection of the compressor 10's operating frequency, the controller 80 calculates the oil discharge rate and the first stratification temperature a at the current frequency based on the operating frequency, and then proceeds to S13;

[0073] S13, determine whether the first temperature of refrigerant T1 is less than the first stratification temperature a or the third temperature of refrigerant T3 is less than the first stratification temperature a. If so, it is determined that the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42 has a risk of stratification and the throttling device 50 has a risk of oil blockage. At this time, proceed to S14; otherwise, return to S12.

[0074] S14, the electric heater 61 is turned on, using electric energy to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42, so that the refrigerant temperature rises, preventing the oil and refrigerant from separating, and reducing or avoiding oil blockage in the throttling device 50.

[0075] S15, after the regenerative control, continuously collect the unit's operating status and calculate the compressor 10 oil discharge rate and the second stratification temperature b in real time, then proceed to S16;

[0076] S16, determine whether the second temperature of the refrigerant T2 is greater than the second stratification temperature b and the duration is T. If so, it is determined that the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42 has no risk of stratification and the throttling device 50 has no risk of oil blockage. Proceed to S17. Otherwise, return to S15.

[0077] S17, electric heater 61 is turned off, stopping the heating of the refrigerant.

[0078] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the heating device 60 may use a refrigerant regeneration method to heat the refrigerant in order to reduce energy consumption.

[0079] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG5, the heating device 60 includes a regenerative heat exchanger 62. Referring to FIG8, the regenerative heat exchanger 62 includes a first refrigerant line 621. Referring to FIG5, the inlet of the first refrigerant line 621 is connected via a pipe to the refrigerant line between the indoor heat exchanger 30 and the C end of the four-way reversing valve 20, and the outlet of the first refrigerant line 621 is connected via a pipe to the refrigerant line between the suction port of the compressor 10 and the B end of the four-way reversing valve 20.

[0080] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG8, the regenerative heat exchanger 62 further includes a second refrigerant line 622. Referring to FIG5, the inlet of the second refrigerant line 622 is connected to the antifreeze zone 42 via a pipe, and the outlet of the second refrigerant line 622 is connected to the throttling device 50 via a pipe. During heating, the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42 flows into the throttling device 50 through the second refrigerant line 622.

[0081] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG5, the heating device 60 further includes an on / off device 63. The on / off device 63 is configured to control the on / off state of the first refrigerant line 621. For example, the on / off device 63 is disposed on the refrigerant inlet line of the first refrigerant line 621.

[0082] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the heating device 60 is off by default, the on / off device 63 is closed, and no refrigerant flows into the first refrigerant line 621. When there is a risk of refrigerant stratification, the heating device 60 is turned on, and the on / off device 63 is opened. A portion of the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows into the regenerative heat exchanger 62 through the first refrigerant line 621, where it exchanges heat with the low-temperature refrigerant flowing from the antifreeze zone 42 into the second refrigerant line 622. Then, the refrigerant in the first refrigerant line 621 returns to the compressor 10. After the heat exchange, the temperature of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant line 622 increases, thereby preventing stratification and reducing or avoiding oil blockage in the throttling device 50.

[0083] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG5, a first temperature sensor 71 is disposed on the refrigerant line between the antifreeze zone 42 and the indoor heat exchanger 30, and is configured to detect a first temperature T1 of the refrigerant flowing into the antifreeze zone 42. A second temperature sensor 72 is disposed on the refrigerant line between the antifreeze zone 42 and the second refrigerant line 622, and is configured to detect a second temperature T2 of the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42. A third temperature sensor 73 is disposed on the refrigerant line between the second refrigerant line 622 and the throttling device 50, and is configured to detect a third temperature T3 of the refrigerant flowing into the throttling device 50. When the air conditioning system is in heating mode, as shown in Figure 6, the indoor heat exchanger 30 acts as the condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 40 acts as the evaporator. The refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows sequentially through the D and C ends of the four-way reversing valve 20, the indoor heat exchanger 30, the antifreeze zone 42, the second refrigerant pipeline 622, the throttling device 50, and the heat exchange zone 41, and then returns to the compressor 10 sequentially through the A and B ends of the four-way reversing valve 20.

[0084] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the on / off device 63 is closed by default, and no refrigerant flows through the first refrigerant line 621. When there is a risk of refrigerant stratification, the on / off device 63 opens, and a portion of the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows through the first refrigerant line 621 into the regenerative heat exchanger 62, where it exchanges heat with the low-temperature refrigerant flowing from the antifreeze zone 42 into the second refrigerant line 622. Then, the refrigerant in the first refrigerant line 621 returns to the compressor 10. After the heat exchange, the temperature of the refrigerant in the second refrigerant line 622 increases, thereby preventing stratification and reducing or avoiding oil blockage in the throttling device 50.

[0085] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the air conditioning system is cooling, as shown in FIG7, the indoor heat exchanger 30 serves as the evaporator, the outdoor heat exchanger 40 serves as the condenser, the on / off device 63 is closed, and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 flows sequentially through the D end and A end of the four-way reversing valve 20, the heat exchange zone 41, the throttling device 50, the second refrigerant pipeline 622, the antifreeze zone 42, and the indoor heat exchanger 30, and then returns to the compressor 10 sequentially through the C end and B end of the four-way reversing valve 20.

[0086] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG10, the oil blockage prevention control process of an air conditioning system employing refrigerant regeneration includes:

[0087] S21, the unit starts heating operation, and the refrigerant circulation regeneration system is in the off state by default, that is, the on / off device 63 is closed;

[0088] S22, Real-time detection of the unit's operating parameters, detection of the compressor 10's operating frequency, controller 80 calculates the oil discharge rate and the first stratification temperature a at the current frequency based on the operating frequency, and enters S23;

[0089] S23, determine whether the first refrigerant temperature T1 < the first stratification temperature a or the third refrigerant temperature T3 < the first stratification temperature a. If so, it is determined that the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42 has a risk of stratification and the throttling device 50 has a risk of oil blockage. At this time, proceed to S24; otherwise, return to S22.

[0090] S24, Refrigerant circulation and reheat control process, the on / off device 63 is opened, allowing the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 10 to enter the reheat heat exchanger 62, and exchange heat with the low-temperature refrigerant flowing out from the antifreeze zone 42, heating the low-temperature refrigerant, raising the refrigerant temperature, preventing oil and refrigerant from separating, and reducing or avoiding oil blockage in the throttling device 50.

[0091] S25, after the refrigerant circulation reheat control, continuously collect the unit's operating status and calculate the compressor 10 oil discharge rate and the second stratification temperature b in real time, then proceed to S26;

[0092] S26, determine whether the second refrigerant temperature T2 is greater than the second stratification temperature b. If so, it is determined that the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone 42 has no risk of stratification and the throttling device 50 has no risk of oil blockage. At this time, proceed to S27; otherwise, return to S25.

[0093] S27, Refrigerant circulation and reheat control ends, shut off on / off device 63.

[0094] When ambient temperature and humidity reach certain conditions, frost will form on the air side of the outdoor heat exchanger. However, due to uneven airflow distribution on the surface of the outdoor heat exchanger, during frosting conditions, the lower part of the outdoor heat exchanger experiences lower airflow velocity and poorer heat exchange efficiency, resulting in frost forming first and in greater quantity at the bottom. Furthermore, defrost water from the upper part of the outdoor heat exchanger tends to accumulate at the bottom, rapidly frosting or even freezing at the start of the next heating cycle. This leads to reduced heat exchange capacity of the outdoor heat exchanger and problems such as compressor liquid slugging.

[0095] In related technologies, electric heating can be used to achieve the antifreeze effect at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger. Alternatively, an antifreeze section can be set at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger. By allowing the refrigerant with a higher temperature flowing out of the room to pass through the antifreeze section at the bottom of the heat exchanger, the effect of preventing frost from forming at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger can be achieved when heating.

[0096] However, this design is only applicable to air conditioning systems with throttling devices on the indoor side. For air conditioning systems without throttling devices on the indoor side, the refrigerant entering the antifreeze section during cooling is a two-phase refrigerant after throttling. Under the external ambient temperature conditions during cooling operation, it will undergo intense heat exchange, resulting in a loss of the unit's cooling capacity and a reduction in the unit's cooling efficiency.

[0097] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to Figures 11 and 12, the air conditioning system may include a compressor 200. The compressor 200 has an intake port and an exhaust port, and the refrigerant in the air conditioning system enters the compressor 200 from the intake port and is discharged from the exhaust port to the indoor heat exchanger 100 or the outdoor heat exchanger.

[0098] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to Figures 11 and 12, the air conditioning system further includes a four-way reversing valve 400, which may be simply referred to as a four-way valve. The four-way reversing valve 400 has four ports, and when switching between air conditioning heating and cooling modes, the positions of its two connected sets of ports are switched to reverse the flow of refrigerant.

[0099] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the air conditioning system further includes an outdoor heat exchanger. Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the outdoor heat exchanger has a heat exchange zone 300 configured to exchange heat with outdoor air. The heat exchange zone 300 includes a gas collecting end 310 and a liquid collecting end 320, with the gas collecting end 310 of the heat exchange zone 300 connected to a four-way reversing valve 400.

[0100] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to Figures 11 and 12, the outdoor heat exchanger further includes an antifreeze zone 500. The antifreeze zone 500 is connected to the bottom of the heat exchange zone 300. The two ends of the antifreeze zone 500 are a first end and a second end, respectively, with the second end connected to the indoor heat exchanger 100. The first end of the antifreeze zone 500 is connected to the liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300.

[0101] It should be understood that the outdoor heat exchanger can also be called the outdoor heat exchanger assembly; the heat exchange zone 300 can also be called the heat exchange tube assembly; and the antifreeze zone 500 can also be called the antifreeze section.

[0102] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to Figures 11 and 12, the air conditioning system may further include a throttling device 610. The throttling device 610 is configured to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant, throttling the high-pressure refrigerant flowing through it into low-pressure refrigerant.

[0103] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the throttling device 610 can be a throttling capillary tube or an electronic expansion valve. The throttling device 610, designed as a capillary tube, limits the speed at which the refrigerant flows through the pipe, thereby regulating the refrigerant pressure and throttling the high-pressure refrigerant to a low-pressure refrigerant. It is low-cost and simple in structure. The throttling device 610, designed as an electronic expansion valve, controls the flow rate through an electromagnet and a regulating valve core to throttle the high-pressure refrigerant to a low-pressure refrigerant. It can adjust rapidly in real time, making the system more stable and reliable.

[0104] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to Figures 11 and 12, the discharge port of the compressor 200 is connected to the D pipe of the four-way reversing valve 400; the A end of the four-way reversing valve 400 is connected to the gas collecting end 310 of the heat exchange zone 300; the liquid collecting end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300 is connected in series with the throttling device 610 to the first end of the antifreeze zone 500; the second end of the antifreeze zone 500 is connected to the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 100; the B end of the four-way reversing valve 400 is connected to the suction port of the compressor 200; and the C end of the four-way reversing valve 400 is connected to the second end of the indoor heat exchanger 100. In some embodiments of this disclosure, during heating, referring to Figure 11, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the compressor 200 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 100 after passing through the four-way reversing valve 400. Inside the indoor heat exchanger 100, the refrigerant is cooled to a high-pressure, medium-temperature liquid refrigerant. At this time, the temperature of the refrigerant is still relatively high, and the refrigerant will enter the antifreeze zone 500. After exiting the antifreeze zone 500, the refrigerant enters the throttling device 610, where it is throttled into a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant. The refrigerant then enters the heat exchange zone 300 and evaporates into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state. After evaporation, the refrigerant passes through the four-way reversing valve 400 and enters the compressor 200 for compression.

[0105] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during heating operation, the refrigerant in the antifreeze zone 500 is the refrigerant before throttling, which can keep the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger at a high temperature. Even when the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted, the antifreeze zone 500 can still maintain a frost-free or essentially frost-free state.

[0106] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during refrigeration, as shown in FIG12, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the compressor 200 flows into the heat exchange zone 300 through the four-way reversing valve 400, flows out from the liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300, goes to the throttling device 610, and then flows to the indoor heat exchanger 100 through the antifreeze zone 500; it continues to pass through the four-way reversing valve 400 and returns to the compressor 200.

[0107] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during the refrigeration process, the refrigerant entering the antifreeze zone 500 is a throttled two-phase refrigerant, which will undergo intense heat exchange under the external ambient temperature conditions of the refrigeration operation, resulting in a loss of the unit's refrigeration capacity and a reduction in the unit's refrigeration efficiency.

[0108] In order to enable the air conditioning system with only the outdoor side having the throttling device 610 to achieve the effect of preventing frost and freezing at the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger when heating, and minimizing losses when cooling.

[0109] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to Figures 13 and 14, the first end of the antifreeze zone 500 is connected to the throttling device 610 via a first one-way valve 10, and the second end of the antifreeze zone 500 is connected to the throttling device 610 via a second one-way valve 20. The first one-way valve 10 is connected to the first end of the antifreeze zone 500 at its inlet end in the open state. The second one-way valve 20 is connected to the throttling device 610 at its inlet end in the open state.

[0110] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during heating, referring to FIG13, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 200 flows to the indoor heat exchanger 100 after passing through the four-way reversing valve 400. In the indoor heat exchanger 100, the refrigerant is cooled into a high-pressure, medium-temperature liquid refrigerant. At this time, the refrigerant temperature is still relatively high. Due to the reverse shut-off effect of the second one-way valve 20, the refrigerant enters the antifreeze zone 500. After exiting the antifreeze zone 500, the refrigerant passes through the first one-way valve 10 and enters the throttling device 610, where it is throttled into a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant. The refrigerant then enters the heat exchange zone 300 and evaporates into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state. The evaporated refrigerant then passes through the four-way reversing valve 400 and enters the compressor 200 for compression.

[0111] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during heating operation, the refrigerant in the antifreeze zone 500 is the refrigerant before throttling, which can keep the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger at a high temperature. Even when the outdoor heat exchanger is frosted, the antifreeze zone 500 can still maintain a frost-free or basically frost-free state.

[0112] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during refrigeration, referring to FIG14, the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged by the compressor 200 flows to the heat exchange zone 300 after passing through the four-way reversing valve 400. In the heat exchange zone 300, the refrigerant is cooled into a high-pressure, medium-temperature liquid refrigerant and enters the throttling device 610, where it is throttled into a low-temperature, low-pressure two-phase refrigerant. Due to the reverse cutoff effect of the first one-way valve 10, the refrigerant passes through the second one-way valve 20 and directly enters the indoor heat exchanger 100, where it evaporates into a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state. The evaporated refrigerant then passes through the four-way reversing valve 400 and enters the compressor 200 for compression.

[0113] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during refrigeration operation, although a certain amount of throttled refrigerant is introduced into the antifreeze zone 500 at the beginning of the cycle, it does not flow and will quickly evaporate into saturated gas corresponding to the ambient temperature at the higher outdoor ambient temperature, so there will be no significant energy loss.

[0114] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG15, the first end of the antifreeze zone 500 is connected to the throttling device 610 through the first solenoid valve 30, and the second end of the antifreeze zone 500 is connected to the throttling device 610 through the second solenoid valve 40.

[0115] In this disclosure, by using a solenoid valve to connect the antifreeze zone 500 and the throttling device 610, even if the ambient temperature is high during actual operation, the solenoid valve can cut off the refrigerant passing through the throttling device 610. Therefore, it can prevent the refrigerant from entering the antifreeze zone 500, thus avoiding the situation where some bypass refrigerant will evaporate and be absorbed violently, resulting in a certain loss of cooling capacity. In other words, using a solenoid valve to connect the antifreeze zone 500 and the throttling device 610 can improve the cooling capacity.

[0116] It should be noted that the first and second ends of the antifreeze zone 500 are not limited to being connected to the throttling device 610 via a solenoid valve, but can also be connected via other devices with a shut-off effect, such as an electronic expansion valve.

[0117] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during heating, the second solenoid valve 40 is closed and the first solenoid valve 30 is open, allowing the refrigerant to pass through the antifreeze zone 500 to prevent frost and ice formation. During cooling, the second solenoid valve 40 is open and the first solenoid valve 30 is closed, preventing the refrigerant from passing through the antifreeze zone 500 and avoiding loss of cooling capacity.

[0118] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG16, the air conditioning system may include an electric three-way valve 50, the first end of the indoor heat exchanger 100 is connected to port A of the electric three-way valve 50, port B of the electric three-way valve 50 is connected to the second end of the antifreeze zone 500, port C of the electric three-way valve 50 is connected to a throttling device 610, and the first end of the antifreeze zone 500 is connected between port C of the electric three-way valve 50 and the throttling device 610.

[0119] In some embodiments of this disclosure, during heating, ports A and B of the electric three-way valve 50 are connected, while ports A and C are disconnected. The refrigerant passes through the antifreeze zone 500 to prevent frost and ice formation. During cooling, ports A and B of the electric three-way valve 50 are disconnected, while ports A and C are connected. Although a certain amount of throttled refrigerant is introduced into the antifreeze zone 500 at the beginning of the cycle, it does not flow, thus preventing significant capacity loss.

[0120] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG17, the air conditioning system may include a first heating valve 640, which is connected in series between a first end of the antifreeze zone 500 and a first end of the throttling device 610; the air conditioning system may include a second heating valve 650, which is connected in series between a second end of the throttling device 610 and a liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone 300; the air conditioning system may include a first cooling valve 620, one end of which is connected to the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone 300, and the other end of which is connected between a first end of the throttling device 610 and a first heating valve 640; the air conditioning system may include a second cooling valve 630, one end of which is connected between a second heating valve 650 and a second end of the throttling device 610, and the other end of which is connected between a second end of the antifreeze zone 500 and an indoor heat exchanger 100.

[0121] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG19, when the air conditioning system is heating, the indoor heat exchanger 100 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger acts as an evaporator. Specifically, the first heating valve 640 and the second heating valve 650 are open, while the first cooling valve 620 and the second cooling valve 630 are closed. Thus, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 200 flows sequentially through the D and C ends of the four-way reversing valve 400 into the indoor heat exchanger 100. Then, from the indoor heat exchanger 100, it flows sequentially through the antifreeze zone 500, the first heating valve 640, the throttling device 610, the second heating valve 650, and the liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300 into the interior of the heat exchange zone 300. Finally, it returns to the compressor 200 sequentially through the gas collection end 310, and the A and B ends of the four-way reversing valve 400.

[0122] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG20, when the air conditioning system is cooling, the indoor heat exchanger 100 acts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser. The first refrigeration valve 620 and the second refrigeration valve 630 are open, while the first heating valve 640 and the second heating valve 650 are closed. Thus, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 200 flows sequentially through the D and A ends of the four-way reversing valve 400, and the gas collecting end 310 of the heat exchange zone 300 into the heat exchange zone 300. Afterward, the refrigerant flows from the liquid collecting end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300 through the first refrigeration valve 620, the throttling device 610, and the second refrigeration valve 630 to the indoor heat exchanger 100.

[0123] In the above scheme, multiple valve bodies are set, including a first heating valve 640, a second heating valve 650, a first cooling valve 620, and a second cooling valve 630. The flow of refrigerant in the air conditioning cooling and heating modes is controlled by opening and closing the valve bodies. In the heating mode, the refrigerant with a higher temperature flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 100 enters the antifreeze zone 500 to prevent frost and ice formation on the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger. In the cooling mode, the refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchange zone 300 flows directly into the indoor heat exchanger 100 after being throttled by the throttling device 610. The refrigerant does not flow through the antifreeze zone 500, thereby reducing the loss of the unit's cooling capacity.

[0124] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG18, the air conditioning system may include a first heating branch 660. The first heating branch 660 is connected between a first end of the antifreeze zone 500 and a first end of the throttling device 610. The air conditioning system may include a second heating branch 670. The second heating branch 670 is connected between a second end of the throttling device 610 and a liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300. The air conditioning system may include a first cooling branch 680. The first end of the first cooling branch 680 is connected to the liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300, and the second end of the first cooling branch 680 is connected to the first heating branch 660. The air conditioning system may include a second cooling branch 690. The first end of the second cooling branch 690 is connected to the second heating branch 670, and the second end of the second cooling branch 690 is connected between a second end of the antifreeze zone 500 and the indoor heat exchanger 100.

[0125] In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, a first heating valve 640 is connected to a first heating branch 660 and connected in series between a first end of the antifreeze zone 500 and a second end of the first cooling branch 680, configured to disconnect or connect the first heating branch 660. A second heating valve 650 is connected to a second heating branch 670 and connected in series between a first end of the second cooling branch 690 and a liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300, configured to disconnect or connect the second heating branch 670. A first cooling valve 620 is connected to the first cooling branch 680 and configured to disconnect or connect the first cooling branch 680. A second cooling valve 630 is connected to the second cooling branch 690 and configured to disconnect or connect the second cooling branch 690.

[0126] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG19, when the air conditioning system is heating, the indoor heat exchanger 100 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger acts as an evaporator. Specifically, the first heating valve 640 and the second heating valve 650 are open, connecting the first heating branch 660 and the second heating branch 670; the first cooling valve 620 and the second cooling valve 630 are closed, disconnecting the first cooling branch 680 and the second cooling branch 690. Thus, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 200 flows sequentially through the D and C ends of the four-way reversing valve 400 into the indoor heat exchanger 100. Then, it flows from the indoor heat exchanger 100 through the antifreeze zone 500, the first heating branch 660, the throttling device 610, the second heating branch 670, and the liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300 into the interior of the heat exchange zone 300, and then sequentially through the gas collection end 310, the A end and the B end of the four-way reversing valve 400 back to the compressor 200.

[0127] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG20, when the air conditioning system is cooling, the indoor heat exchanger 100 acts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser. Specifically, the first refrigeration valve 620 and the second refrigeration valve 630 are open, thereby connecting the first refrigeration branch 680 and the second refrigeration branch 690. The first heating valve 640 and the second heating valve 650 are closed, thereby disconnecting the first heating branch 660 and the second heating branch 670. Thus, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 200 flows sequentially through the D and A ends of the four-way reversing valve 400, the gas collecting end 310 of the heat exchange zone 300, and into the heat exchange zone 300. Afterward, the refrigerant flows from the liquid collecting end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300 through the first refrigeration branch 680, the throttling device 610, and the second refrigeration branch 690 to the indoor heat exchanger 100.

[0128] In the above embodiment, four sets of branches and valve bodies are provided. The opening and closing of the branches are realized through the valve bodies. The opening and closing of the branches controls the flow of refrigerant in the air conditioning cooling mode and heating mode. In the heating mode, the refrigerant with a higher temperature flowing out of the indoor heat exchanger 100 enters the antifreeze zone 500 to prevent frost and ice from forming on the bottom of the outdoor heat exchanger. In the cooling mode, the refrigerant flowing out of the heat exchange zone 300 flows directly into the indoor heat exchanger 100 after being throttled by the throttling device 610. The refrigerant does not flow through the antifreeze zone 500, thereby reducing the loss of the unit's cooling capacity.

[0129] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first heating valve 640 may be a one-way valve, and the inlet end of the first heating valve 640 in the conducting state is connected to the first end of the antifreeze zone 500. The inlet end of the first heating valve 640 that connects to the first end of the antifreeze zone 500 is the valve inlet, and the outlet end of the first heating valve 640 is the valve outlet.

[0130] In some embodiments of this disclosure, when the air conditioner is heating, the first heating valve 640 is open. When the air conditioner is cooling, the refrigerant before the first heating valve 640 is low-pressure refrigerant that has been reduced in pressure by the throttling device 610, while the refrigerant after the valve is still high-pressure refrigerant that has not passed through the throttling device 610. This makes the pressure before the valve less than the pressure after the valve by a certain value, and the first heating valve 640 is stably closed. This makes the shut-off function of the first heating valve 640 more reliable and less costly during the cooling process of the air conditioning system.

[0131] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the second heating valve 650 can be a one-way valve. The outlet end of the second heating valve 650 in the conducting state is connected to the liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300. The side of the second heating valve 650 connected to the first end of the second refrigeration branch 690 is the valve inlet, and the outlet end on the other side is the valve outlet. When the air conditioner is heating, the second heating valve 650 is conducting. When the air conditioner is cooling, the refrigerant inlet of the second heating valve 650 is low-pressure refrigerant that has been reduced in pressure by the throttling device 610, while the refrigerant outlet remains high-pressure refrigerant that has not passed through the throttling device 610. This causes the pressure inlet to be less than the pressure outlet to be a certain value, resulting in a stable closure of the second heating valve 650. This makes the shut-off function of the second heating valve 650 more reliable and less costly during air conditioning system cooling.

[0132] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first refrigeration valve 620 may be a one-way valve. The inlet end of the first refrigeration valve 620 in the open state is connected to the liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300. The side of the first refrigeration valve 620 connected to the liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300 is the valve front end, and the other side is the valve rear end. During air conditioning cooling, the first refrigeration valve 620 is open. During air conditioning heating, the refrigerant before the valve 620 is low-pressure refrigerant that has been reduced in pressure by the throttling device 610, while the refrigerant after the valve is still high-pressure refrigerant that has not passed through the throttling device 610. This results in the valve front pressure being lower than the valve rear pressure, causing the first refrigeration valve 620 to close stably. This makes the shut-off function of the first refrigeration valve 620 more reliable and less costly during air conditioning heating.

[0133] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the second refrigeration valve 630 may be a one-way valve; the inlet end of the second refrigeration valve 630 in the open state is connected to the second end of the throttling device 610. The side of the second refrigeration valve 630 connected to the throttling device 610 is the valve inlet, and the other side is the valve outlet.

[0134] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the second refrigerant valve 630 is open when the air conditioner is cooling. When the air conditioner is heating, the refrigerant before the second refrigerant valve 630 is low-pressure refrigerant that has been reduced in pressure by the throttling device 610, while the refrigerant after the valve is still high-pressure refrigerant that has not been reduced in pressure by the throttling device 610. This makes the pressure before the valve less than the pressure after the valve by a certain value, and the second refrigerant valve 630 is stably closed. This makes the shut-off function of the second refrigerant valve 630 more reliable and less costly when the air conditioner system is heating.

[0135] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the first end of the antifreeze zone 500 and the second end of the antifreeze zone 500 are located on the same side of the outdoor heat exchanger, which allows some valve bodies to be designed on the same side of the outdoor heat exchanger, facilitating assembly and adjustment.

[0136] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG18, the outdoor heat exchanger may include a distributor 700. The distributor 700 has its branching port connected to the liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300 via a plurality of capillary tubes 900, its confluence port connected to the second end of the second heating branch 670, and its confluence port connected to the first end of the first cooling branch 680.

[0137] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG19, when the air conditioning system is heating, the indoor heat exchanger 100 acts as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger acts as an evaporator. Specifically, the first heating valve 640 and the second heating valve 650 are open, connecting the first heating branch 660 and the second heating branch 670; the first cooling valve 620 and the second cooling valve 630 are closed, disconnecting the first cooling branch 680 and the second cooling branch 690. Thus, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 200 flows sequentially through the D and C ends of the four-way reversing valve 400 into the indoor heat exchanger 100. Afterward, it flows from the indoor heat exchanger 100 through the antifreeze zone 500, the first heating branch 660, the throttling device 610, the second heating branch 670, the confluence of the distributor 700, the branching port of the distributor 700, multiple capillary tubes 900, and the liquid collection end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300 into the interior of the heat exchange zone 300, and then sequentially returns to the compressor 200 through the gas collection end 310, the A end and the B end of the four-way reversing valve 400.

[0138] In some embodiments of this disclosure, referring to FIG20, when the air conditioning system is cooling, the indoor heat exchanger 100 acts as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger acts as a condenser. The first refrigeration valve 620 and the second refrigeration valve 630 are open, thereby connecting the first refrigeration branch 680 and the second refrigeration branch 690. The first heating valve 640 and the second heating valve 650 are closed, thereby disconnecting the first heating branch 660 and the second heating branch 670. Thus, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 200 flows sequentially through the D and A ends of the four-way reversing valve 400, the gas collecting end 310 of the heat exchange zone 300, and into the heat exchange zone 300. Afterward, the refrigerant flows from the liquid collecting end 320 of the heat exchange zone 300 through multiple capillary tubes 900, the branch port of the distributor 700, the confluence port of the distributor 700, the first refrigeration branch 680, the throttling device 610, and the second refrigeration branch 690 to the indoor heat exchanger 100. As described above, the air conditioning system, by setting valve bodies such as the first refrigeration valve 620, the second refrigeration valve 630, the first heating valve 640, and the second heating valve 650, controls the flow of refrigerant in the air conditioning cooling and heating modes by opening and closing the valve bodies. In the heating mode, the refrigerant flows through the antifreeze zone 500 to prevent frost and ice formation; in the cooling mode, the refrigerant flows directly into the indoor heat exchanger 100 after passing through the throttling device 610, without flowing through the antifreeze zone 500, thereby reducing the loss of the unit's cooling capacity.

[0139] In this disclosure, the opening and closing of the first refrigeration valve 620, the second refrigeration valve 630, the first heating valve 640, and the second heating valve 650 can be controlled by the controller according to the actual situation, but it is not limited thereto. The opening and closing of the first refrigeration valve 620, the second refrigeration valve 630, the first heating valve 640, and the second heating valve 650 can also be performed manually.

[0140] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0141] The above are merely specific embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, comprising: compressor; A four-way reversing valve, wherein the D end of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, and the B end of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the intake port of the compressor. The indoor heat exchanger is connected to the C end of the four-way reversing valve; An outdoor heat exchanger includes a heat exchange zone and an antifreeze zone. The antifreeze zone is located at the bottom of the heat exchange zone, and the heat exchange zone is connected to end A of the four-way reversing valve. A throttling device is installed on the connecting pipeline between the heat exchange zone and the antifreeze zone; A heating device is provided on the connecting pipe between the throttling device and the antifreeze zone, and the heating device is configured to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The heating device includes: An electric heater configured to heat the connecting pipe between the throttling device and the antifreeze zone.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein, The air conditioning system also includes: A first temperature sensor is installed on the connecting pipe between the antifreeze zone and the indoor heat exchanger, and is configured to detect the first temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the antifreeze zone. A second temperature sensor is disposed on the pipeline between the antifreeze zone and the electric heater, and is configured to detect the second temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone; A third temperature sensor, located on the pipeline between the electric heater and the throttling device, is configured to detect the third temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the throttling device.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The heating device includes: The regenerative heat exchanger includes a first refrigerant line and a second refrigerant line. The inlet of the first refrigerant line is connected to the pipeline between the indoor heat exchanger and the C end of the four-way reversing valve. The outlet of the first refrigerant line is connected to the pipeline between the suction port of the compressor and the B end of the four-way reversing valve. The inlet of the second refrigerant line is connected to the antifreeze zone. The outlet of the second refrigerant line is connected to the throttling device. The on / off device is configured to control the on / off state of the first refrigerant line.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein, The on / off device is installed on the refrigerant inflow pipe of the first refrigerant pipeline.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein, The air conditioning system also includes: A first temperature sensor is installed on the connecting pipe between the antifreeze zone and the indoor heat exchanger, and is configured to detect the first temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the antifreeze zone. A second temperature sensor is disposed on the connecting pipe between the antifreeze zone and the second refrigerant line, and is configured to detect the second temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone; A third temperature sensor is installed on the connecting pipe between the second refrigerant line and the throttling device, and is configured to detect the third temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the throttling device.

7. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The air conditioning system also includes: The controller is configured to the refrigerant stratification temperature of the computer group and controls the heating device to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone according to the refrigerant stratification temperature.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 7, wherein, The air conditioning system also includes: A first temperature sensor is configured to detect a first temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the antifreeze zone; A third temperature sensor is configured to detect the third temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the throttling device; When the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the controller is configured to control the heating device to turn on when the first refrigerant temperature is less than the first stratification temperature or the third refrigerant temperature is less than the first stratification temperature.

9. The air conditioning system according to claim 7, wherein, The air conditioning system also includes: A second temperature sensor is configured to detect the second temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone; When the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the controller is configured to control the heating device to shut down when the second temperature of the refrigerant is greater than the second stratification temperature and this condition persists for a first time.

10. An air conditioning system, comprising: compressor; A four-way reversing valve, wherein the D end of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, and the B end of the four-way reversing valve is connected to the intake port of the compressor. The indoor heat exchanger is connected to the C end of the four-way reversing valve; An outdoor heat exchanger includes a heat exchange zone and an antifreeze zone. The antifreeze zone is located at the bottom of the heat exchange zone, and the heat exchange zone is connected to end A of the four-way reversing valve. A throttling device is installed on the connecting pipeline between the heat exchange zone and the antifreeze zone; A heating device is provided on the connecting pipe between the throttling device and the antifreeze zone, and the heating device is configured to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the antifreeze zone in a timely manner according to the refrigerant stratification temperature.

11. An air conditioning system, wherein, include: Indoor heat exchanger, four-way valve; Outdoor heat exchanger assembly, the outdoor heat exchanger assembly comprising: The heat exchange zone, wherein the gas collection end of the heat exchange zone is connected to the four-way valve; An antifreeze zone is connected to the bottom of the heat exchange zone. The two ends of the antifreeze zone are a first end and a second end, respectively. The second end of the antifreeze zone is connected to the indoor heat exchanger. A throttling device, wherein the first end of the throttling device is connected to the first end of the antifreeze zone, and the second end of the throttling device is connected to the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone; A first heating valve is connected in series between the first end of the antifreeze zone and the first end of the throttling device; A second heating valve is connected in series between the second end of the throttling device and the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone; The first refrigeration valve has one end connected to the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone, and the other end connected between the throttling device and the first heating valve. The second refrigeration valve has one end connected between the throttling device and the second heating valve, and the other end connected between the second end of the antifreeze zone and the indoor heat exchanger. When the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the first heating valve and the second heating valve are turned on, and the first cooling valve and the second cooling valve are turned off, so that the refrigerant flows from the indoor heat exchanger through the antifreeze zone, the first heating valve, the throttling device, and the second heating valve to the heat exchange zone; When the air conditioning system is cooling, the first refrigeration valve and the second refrigeration valve are turned on, and the first heating valve and the second heating valve are turned off, so that the refrigerant flows from the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone through the first refrigeration valve, the throttling device, and the second refrigeration valve to the indoor heat exchanger.

12. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein, The first heating valve is a one-way valve, and the inlet end of the first heating valve in the conducting state is connected to the first end of the antifreeze zone.

13. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein, The second heating valve is a one-way valve, and its outlet end in the conducting state is connected to the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone.

14. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein, The first refrigeration valve is a one-way valve, and its inlet end in the conducting state is connected to the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone.

15. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein, The second refrigeration valve is a one-way valve; the inlet end of the second refrigeration valve in the open state is connected to the throttling device.

16. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein, The first heating valve, the second heating valve, the first cooling valve, and the second cooling valve are one-way valves.

17. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein, The first end and the second end of the antifreeze zone are located on the same side of the outdoor heat exchanger assembly.

18. The air conditioning system according to claim 11, wherein, The first end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the second end of the antifreeze zone, and the second end of the indoor heat exchanger is connected to the four-way valve.

19. An air conditioning system, wherein, include: Indoor heat exchanger, four-way valve, throttling device; Outdoor heat exchanger assembly, the outdoor heat exchanger assembly comprising: The heat exchange zone, wherein the gas collection end of the heat exchange zone is connected to the four-way valve; An antifreeze zone is connected to the bottom of the heat exchange zone. The two ends of the antifreeze zone are a first end and a second end, respectively. The second end of the antifreeze zone is connected to the indoor heat exchanger. The first heating branch is connected between the first end of the antifreeze zone and the first end of the throttling device; The second heating branch is connected between the second end of the throttling device and the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone; The first refrigeration branch has its first end connected to the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone, and its second end is connected to the first heating branch. The second refrigeration branch has its first end connected to the second heating branch, and the second end of the second refrigeration branch is connected between the second end of the antifreeze zone and the indoor heat exchanger. A first heating valve is connected to the first heating branch and in series between the first end of the antifreeze zone and the second end of the first cooling branch, and is configured to disconnect or connect the first heating branch. The second heating valve is connected to the second heating branch and connected in series between the first end of the second cooling branch and the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone, and is configured to disconnect or connect the second heating branch. A first refrigeration valve is connected to the first refrigeration branch and is configured to disconnect or connect the first refrigeration branch. A second refrigeration valve is connected to the second refrigeration branch and is configured to disconnect or connect the second refrigeration branch. When the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the first heating valve and the second heating valve are turned on, and the first cooling valve and the second cooling valve are turned off, so that the refrigerant flows from the indoor heat exchanger through the antifreeze zone, the first heat exchange branch, the throttling device, and the second heating branch to the heat exchange zone; When the air conditioning system is cooling, the first refrigeration valve and the second refrigeration valve are turned on, and the first heating valve and the second heating valve are turned off, so that the refrigerant flows from the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone through the first refrigeration branch, the throttling device, and the second refrigeration branch to the indoor heat exchanger.

20. The air conditioning system according to claim 19, wherein, The outdoor heat exchanger assembly includes: The distributor has its branch port connected to the liquid collection end of the heat exchange zone through multiple capillary tubes. The confluence port of the distributor is connected to the second end of the second heating branch, and the confluence port of the distributor is connected to the first end of the first cooling branch.

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