Multi-Split Air Conditioner Superheat Control Across Parallel Heat Exchangers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-split air conditioners lack associated control between air supplement circuits, leading to suboptimal heat exchange capability.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a control method that regulates the flow rate of refrigerant through branch control valves and air supplement control valves to maintain a target superheat degree, enhancing heat exchange performance by correlating the control of each refrigerant flow branch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the superheat degree is regulated by separately controlling the opening degree of each air supplement circuit, then the control system is simple and easy to operate, but the heat exchange capability of the heat exchanger cannot be maximized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of multiple air supplement circuits into a unified control system that coordinates all air supplement control valves based on the total refrigerant flow rate and superheat degree, rather than controlling each circuit independently. This merging of control functions maximizes heat exchange capability while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the superheat degree is continuously monitored and used to adjust the opening degrees of air supplement control valves. The controller receives feedback on the actual superheat degree and refrigerant flow rate, then optimizes the opening degree of each air supplement circuit accordingly, enabling the system to maximize heat exchange capability while maintaining simple operation through automated regulation.
2Reliability
If the opening degree of air supplement circuit is controlled to regulate superheat degree, then the superheat degree can be maintained, but the associated control between multiple air supplement circuits is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control mechanism that manages multiple air supplement circuits through a single coordinated system. The controller performs multiple functions simultaneously: monitoring superheat degree, calculating total refrigerant flow rate, determining optimal opening degrees for each air supplement control valve, and coordinating their operation. This multi-functional approach ensures reliable superheat maintenance while providing the necessary control coordination without increasing device complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If each parallel air supplement circuit is controlled independently, then the system is easy to manufacture and install, but the heat exchange performance is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized controller as an intermediary that coordinates the operation of multiple air supplement control valves. This intermediary component receives information about total refrigerant flow rate and superheat degree, then optimizes the opening degrees of all air supplement circuits simultaneously. The intermediary controller enables optimal heat exchange performance while maintaining the simplicity of independent circuit construction and installation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach maximizes the heat exchange capability of multi-split air conditioners by ensuring optimal refrigerant flow and temperature regulation, improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
an air supplement heat exchanger and an air supplement control valve, wherein two ends of the air supplement pipeline are respectively connected to the refrigerant main circulation passage and the air supplement port of the compressor, two heat exchange chambers of the air supplement heat exchanger are respectively connected in series to the refrigerant main circulation passage and the air supplement pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a multi-split air conditioner and a control method thereof. The multi-split air conditioner includes a plurality of outdoor heat exchangers connected in parallel to a refrigerant main circulation passage, wherein a parallel branch in which each of the plurality of outdoor heat exchangers is located is provided with a branch control valve capable of controlling a flow rate of refrigerant flowing through the parallel branch. The control method includes: determining a current superheat degree of the multi-split air conditioner; when the current superheat degree of the multi-split air conditioner deviates from a set target superheat degree, controlling and regulating the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the branch control valve; and controlling and regulating the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the air supplement control valve according to the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through each of branch control valves.