技术领域technical field
本文件总体涉及利用储器的热泵系统(但不是作为限制)，并且更具体地，本文件涉及热泵系统中的制冷剂充注量控制。This document relates generally (but not as a limitation) to heat pump systems utilizing a reservoir, and more specifically, this document relates to refrigerant charge control in heat pump systems.
背景技术Background technique
一些常规热泵系统可以通过与储器相结合地利用室内热交换器和室外热交换器进行室内空间的加热和冷却。例如，为了进行冷却，室内热交换器作为蒸发器工作，而室外热交换器作为冷凝器工作。室外冷凝器与膨胀装置相结合地用于降低该随后用于冷却室内空间的空气的制冷剂的温度。用蒸发器内的室内区域的温暖室内空气加热制冷剂，然后吸入到压缩机以循环回冷凝器。冷凝器在室外的放置允许从制冷剂中释放热量到室外空气中。为了进行加热，该系统反向工作。Some conventional heat pump systems can heat and cool indoor spaces by utilizing indoor and outdoor heat exchangers in combination with a reservoir. For example, for cooling, the indoor heat exchanger works as an evaporator and the outdoor heat exchanger works as a condenser. An outdoor condenser is used in combination with an expansion device to reduce the temperature of this refrigerant which is then used to cool the air in the indoor space. The refrigerant is heated with warm indoor air from the indoor area inside the evaporator, then drawn into the compressor to cycle back to the condenser. The placement of the condenser outside allows heat to be released from the refrigerant to the outside air. For heating, the system works in reverse.
由于进行加热和冷却时的热力差异的缘故，在冷却和加热季节期间，需要不同制冷剂充注量来让系统工作在最佳性能下。由于使用不同尺寸的热交换器的缘故，可能出现额外的制冷剂充注量差异。例如，室内热交换器由于被调节空间所施加的尺寸限制，而内部体积一般较小。这些因素导致系统对于加热和冷却最佳地主要工作在两种不同最佳制冷剂充注量下。此外，随着室内和室外温度在冷却或加热季节内变化，会出现小的制冷剂充注量差异。因此，为了让热泵以最佳性能进行操作，理想的是随着条件改变而具有多个不同制冷剂充注量。制冷剂充注量不仅可以影响性能(诸如冷却/加热能力或能量效率)，而且也可以影响热泵操作。例如，如果在冬季将制冷剂充注量添加到系统，则该系统可能在夏季出现故障。Due to the thermal difference in heating and cooling, different refrigerant charges are required to operate the system at optimum performance during the cooling and heating seasons. Additional refrigerant charge differences may occur due to the use of different sized heat exchangers. For example, indoor heat exchangers typically have a small internal volume due to the size constraints imposed by the conditioned space. These factors result in the system operating optimally primarily at two different optimum refrigerant charges for heating and cooling. Additionally, small refrigerant charge differences can occur as indoor and outdoor temperatures change during cooling or heating seasons. Therefore, in order for the heat pump to operate at optimum performance, it is desirable to have multiple different refrigerant charges as conditions change. Refrigerant charge can affect not only performance (such as cooling/heating capacity or energy efficiency), but also heat pump operation. For example, if a refrigerant charge is added to a system during the winter, the system may malfunction during the summer.
制冷剂充注量对于热泵安装人员来说可能是一个难题，尤其是在住宅空气源热泵市场中。在夏天，常规方法之一是测量室外环境温度，并添加制冷剂到系统，直到一定的系统参数落入所需要的范围内为止。这种方法需要现场安装者携带传感器和查找表。在其它系统中，额外的仪器可以内置于系统或提供给安装人员，作为将有助于确定充注量位的工具。在冬天期间，充注制冷剂变得更加困难。在许多情况下，安装人员不得不在冷却季节开始时回来检查制冷剂充注量，以防止制冷剂充注量的相关问题。Refrigerant charge can be a challenge for heat pump installers, especially in the residential air source heat pump market. In summer, one of the conventional methods is to measure the outdoor ambient temperature and add refrigerant to the system until certain system parameters fall within the desired range. This approach requires field installers to carry sensors and look-up tables. In other systems, additional instrumentation may be built into the system or provided to the installer as a tool that will assist in determining fill levels. During winter, charging the refrigerant becomes more difficult. In many cases, installers have to come back at the beginning of the cooling season to check the refrigerant charge to prevent refrigerant charge related issues.
可逆热泵系统时常包括被定位在压缩机的低压侧上的储器。储器在防止液态制冷剂吸入到压缩机方面有用。如果液态制冷剂被吸入压缩机的移动部件，会造成损坏。储器一般不用于仅冷却热泵系统。Reversible heat pump systems often include a reservoir positioned on the low pressure side of the compressor. The accumulator is useful in preventing liquid refrigerant from being sucked into the compressor. If liquid refrigerant is drawn into the moving parts of the compressor, it can cause damage. Reservoirs are generally not used to cool only heat pump systems.
此外，为了维持在系统中的制冷剂的恰当充注量位，可以在高压室外冷凝器侧上使用充注量补偿器。例如，典型的充注量补偿器可以包括在屏蔽层或贮存器内的管道。在加热操作中，通过该管道的冷却制冷剂的流动使得液态制冷剂累积在储器中。在冷却操作期间，在管内的热的制冷剂导致液态制冷剂在储存器以蒸掉入蒸汽。这样的一个系统被描述在Lenarduzzi的美国专利第5136855号中。通过添加充注量补偿器，制冷剂充注量可以更加均衡。然而，系统在现场中的恰当充注量仍然没有解决。冬季的恰当充注量不能保证是夏天的恰当充注量。其它充注量控制装置描述在Buckley等的美国专利申请公开第2008/0127667号、Jin的美国专利第8578731号、Smolinsky的美国专利第6227003号和Derryberry的美国专利第5937670号。Additionally, to maintain the proper charge level of refrigerant in the system, a charge compensator can be used on the high pressure outdoor condenser side. For example, a typical charge compensator may include tubing within a shield or reservoir. During heating operation, the flow of cooling refrigerant through the conduit causes liquid refrigerant to accumulate in the reservoir. During cooling operation, the hot refrigerant in the tubes causes the liquid refrigerant to evaporate into vapor in the reservoir. Such a system is described in US Patent No. 5,136,855 to Lenarduzzi. By adding a charge compensator, the refrigerant charge can be more evenly balanced. However, the proper charging of the system in the field remains unresolved. The correct charge in winter is not guaranteed to be the correct charge in summer. Other charge control devices are described in US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0127667 to Buckley et al., US Patent No. 8,578,731 to Jin, US Patent No. 6,227,003 to Smolinsky, and US Patent No. 5,937,670 to Derryberry.
发明内容Contents of the invention
本公开的系统和方法通过提供用于热泵系统的制冷剂充注方法来解决上述问题。当前公开的系统和方法还提供了一种系统控制方法，以允许热泵系统随着室内温度、室外温度或操作模式改变，都能在最佳制冷剂充注量下操作。The systems and methods of the present disclosure address the above-mentioned problems by providing a refrigerant charging method for a heat pump system. The presently disclosed systems and methods also provide a system control method that allows the heat pump system to operate at an optimal refrigerant charge as the indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, or mode of operation changes.
本发明人已认识到，除其他事项外，在热泵系统中要解决的问题可以包括在加热模式操作期间容纳相比于冷却模式操作期间过剩的制冷剂。在一个实施例中，本主题可以诸如通过使用具有可以被加宽来允许更多液态制冷剂被储存在储器或可以变窄来煮沸液态制冷剂的可控孔尺寸的膨胀装置，提供对这个问题的一种解决方式。The present inventors have recognized that, among other things, problems to be solved in heat pump systems may include accommodating excess refrigerant during heating mode operation compared to cooling mode operation. In one embodiment, the present subject matter can provide support for this, such as by using an expansion device with a controllable pore size that can be widened to allow more liquid refrigerant to be stored in the reservoir or narrowed to boil the liquid refrigerant. A solution to the problem.
本发明人已认识到，除其他事项外，在热泵系统中要解决的问题可以包括在夏季和冬季操作期间容纳在制冷剂充注量要求上的差异。在一个实施例中，本主题可以诸如通过使用储器作为制冷剂存储装置和充注量位指示器，提供对这个问题的一种解决方式。储器具有定位成在夏季以及冬季指示恰当充注量位的一个或多个填充水平指标器。在另一实施例中，本主题提供了一种控制方法来优化热泵性能，同时允许过剩的制冷剂被储存在储器中而不过量填充储器，并且防止储器在冷却操作期间干运行。The inventors have recognized that, among other things, problems to be solved in heat pump systems may include accommodating differences in refrigerant charge requirements during summer and winter operation. In one embodiment, the present subject matter may provide a solution to this problem, such as by using the reservoir as a refrigerant storage device and charge level indicator. The reservoir has one or more fill level indicators positioned to indicate the proper fill level in summer as well as in winter. In another embodiment, the subject matter provides a control method to optimize heat pump performance while allowing excess refrigerant to be stored in the reservoir without overfilling the reservoir and preventing the reservoir from running dry during cooling operations.
热泵系统包括压缩机、至少一个膨胀阀、用于在其中存储液态制冷剂的储器、连接到该储器以指示在冷却和加热模式下的适当制冷剂充注量的液态制冷剂指示器以及控制器。该控制器配置为基于所测量到的室外气温确定目标压缩机排出压力，并且通过调节该至少一个膨胀阀的位置来控制压缩机排出压力，其中，该目标排出压力瞄准的目标越高，在储器中留下的液态制冷剂越少。储器尺寸确定为总是有能力在加热操作期间保持过剩的制冷剂，并且可以包括充注量位指示器，以便允许系统在现场的恰当充注量而不用额外的工具。The heat pump system includes a compressor, at least one expansion valve, a reservoir for storing liquid refrigerant therein, a liquid refrigerant indicator connected to the reservoir to indicate an appropriate refrigerant charge in cooling and heating modes, and controller. The controller is configured to determine a target compressor discharge pressure based on the measured outdoor air temperature, and to control the compressor discharge pressure by adjusting the position of the at least one expansion valve, wherein the target discharge pressure is aimed at a higher target in the storage The less liquid refrigerant is left in the tank. The reservoir is sized to always have the capacity to hold excess refrigerant during heating operation and may include a charge level indicator to allow proper charge of the system in the field without additional tools.
此概述意欲提供对本专利申请的主题的概述。其并不旨在提供对本主题的排他性或穷尽的说明。包括详细描述来提供关于本公开内容的进一步信息。This summary is intended to provide an overview of the subject matter of this patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive description of the subject matter. The Detailed Description is included to provide further information about the disclosure.
附图说明Description of drawings
在不必成比例绘制的附图中，相同的附图标记可以在不同视图中描述类似部件。具有不同字母后缀的相同附图标记可以代表类似部件的不同实例。附图总体上作为实施例，而不是作为限制，来说本文件所讨论的各种实施方式。In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like reference numerals may depict similar parts in the different views. The same reference number with different letter suffixes may represent different instances of similar components. The drawings generally illustrate the various embodiments discussed in this document by way of example, and not by way of limitation.
图1是具有配置为控制储器中的充注量位的制冷剂膨胀装置的热泵系统的示意图。1 is a schematic diagram of a heat pump system with a refrigerant expansion device configured to control the charge level in a reservoir.
图2A是示出以低于目标水平的排出压力操作在加热模式下的系统的图1的热泵系统的示意流程图。2A is a schematic flow diagram of the heat pump system of FIG. 1 showing the system operating in a heating mode with a discharge pressure below a target level.
图2B是示出以高于目标水平的排出压力操作在冷却模式下的系统的图1的热泵系统的示意流程图。2B is a schematic flow diagram of the heat pump system of FIG. 1 showing the system operating in cooling mode with a head pressure above a target level.
图3是适合用作图1的制冷剂膨胀装置的双向电子膨胀阀的示意图。3 is a schematic diagram of a bidirectional electronic expansion valve suitable for use as the refrigerant expansion device of FIG. 1 .
图4是示出在中间充注量位置上具有充注量位指示器窗口的储器的示意图。Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a reservoir with a charge level indicator window in an intermediate charge position.
图5是示出在夏季和冬季充注量位置上具有充注量位指示器窗口的储器的示意图。Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a reservoir with fill level indicator windows in summer and winter fill positions.
图6是示出在储器中合并了用于加热水的热交换器和水平传感器的热泵系统的示意图。Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a heat pump system incorporating a heat exchanger for heating water and a level sensor in a reservoir.
图7是图示用于在图1-图6的热泵系统中控制排出压力和制冷剂的体积的步骤的流程图。7 is a flowchart illustrating steps for controlling discharge pressure and volume of refrigerant in the heat pump system of FIGS. 1-6 .
图8A和图8B示出作为冷却和加热季节中室外和室内气温的函数的目标排出压力。Figures 8A and 8B show target discharge pressure as a function of outdoor and indoor air temperature during cooling and heating seasons.
图9示出作为冷却和加热季节中室外气温的函数的目标排出压力。Figure 9 shows target discharge pressure as a function of outside air temperature during cooling and heating seasons.
具体实施方式detailed description
图1是热泵系统10的示意图，该热泵系统10具有换向阀12、第一温度传感器14A、第二温度传感器14B、压缩机16、储器18、室外热交换器20、膨胀装置22和室内热交换器24，它们通过制冷剂管路25A-25G串联连接，以形成调节空间26的室内空气AI的蒸发压缩回路。1 is a schematic diagram of a heat pump system 10 having a reversing valve 12, a first temperature sensor 14A, a second temperature sensor 14B, a compressor 16, a reservoir 18, an outdoor heat exchanger 20, an expansion device 22, and an indoor The heat exchangers 24 are connected in series through refrigerant pipelines 25A-25G to form an evaporation compression circuit for the indoor air AI of the conditioning space 26.
系统10连接到数字控制系统，该数字控制系统包括控制器28、室外风扇30和室内风扇32。基于诸如分别由传感器14A和14B感测到的室外气温T1和室内气温T2、可以通过温度T1和T2来确定的所测量到的排出压力PD和目标排出压力PT之类的因素，控制器28操作风扇30和32、压缩机16、阀12和膨胀装置22，以提供经调节的空气到空间26。The system 10 is connected to a digital control system including a controller 28 , an outdoor fan 30 and an indoor fan 32 . Based on factors such as the outdoor air temperature T1 and the indoor air temperature T2 sensed by the sensors 14A and 14B, respectively, the measured discharge pressurePD and the target discharge pressure PT that can be determined from the temperatures T1 andT2 factors, controller 28 operates fans 30 and 32 , compressor 16 , valve 12 , and expansion device 22 to provide conditioned air to space 26 .
尽管未示出，但系统10还可以包括可用于各种目的其它阀，诸如用于控制流体从系统10排出的伺服阀、配置为防止流体通过系统10回流的止回阀，或用于确定在储器18中的流体量的水平传感器。如参照图6所讨论的那样，系统10也可以包括其它部件，诸如操作以从制冷剂中除去水分的干燥器或水加热器热交换器。如业界公知，诸如R-410A制冷剂之类的任何合适制冷剂都可以与系统10一起使用。Although not shown, system 10 may also include other valves that may be used for various purposes, such as servo valves for controlling the discharge of fluid from system 10, check valves configured to prevent backflow of fluid through system 10, or for determining A level sensor of the amount of fluid in the reservoir 18 . As discussed with reference to FIG. 6 , the system 10 may also include other components, such as a dryer or a water heater heat exchanger operative to remove moisture from the refrigerant. Any suitable refrigerant may be used with system 10, such as R-410A refrigerant, as is known in the art.
系统10配置为分离系统，在该系统中，室内热交换器24定位在空间26内，而室外热交换器20、储器18、压缩机16和膨胀装置22定位在空间26之外。在一些实施方式中，压缩机16，储器18和膨胀装置22可以单独或组合地位于空间26内。在其它实施例中，系统10的所有部件都可以位于空间26的外部，诸如在屋顶系统应用中。空间26包括需要提供经调节的空气的建筑物、住宅或任何其它封闭空间。室外热交换器20和室内热交换器24都能够既作为冷凝器又作为蒸发器来操作，并且系统10可操作以提供经调节的空气到要么被加热要么被冷却的空间26。这样，如在工业中公知，阀12作为换向阀操作时，以允许制冷剂在正向和反向方向上从压缩机16通过蒸发压缩回路。System 10 is configured as a split system in which indoor heat exchanger 24 is positioned within space 26 and outdoor heat exchanger 20 , reservoir 18 , compressor 16 , and expansion device 22 are positioned outside space 26 . In some embodiments, compressor 16 , reservoir 18 and expansion device 22 may be located within space 26 individually or in combination. In other embodiments, all components of system 10 may be located outside of space 26, such as in roof system applications. Space 26 includes a building, dwelling, or any other enclosed space in which it is desired to provide conditioned air. Both outdoor heat exchanger 20 and indoor heat exchanger 24 are capable of operating as both a condenser and an evaporator, and system 10 is operable to provide conditioned air to a space 26 that is either heated or cooled. In this way, valve 12 operates as a reversing valve to allow refrigerant to pass from compressor 16 through the evaporator-compression circuit in both forward and reverse directions, as is known in the industry.
通常由于空间26内的限制的缘故，室内热交换器24的尺寸确定为具有比室外热交换器20更小的制冷剂容量。此外，因为在加热和冷却之间的蒸发压缩环路中的不同质量流特性，与冷却模式相比，加热期间可能需要很少的制冷剂的体积。这样，可以期望在系统10的加热操作期间存储过剩的制冷剂供以后在冷却操作期间使用。储器18在系统10操作在加热模式下的同时，存储液态制冷剂，从而防止液态制冷剂到达压缩机16。压缩机16被液态制冷剂淹没会对压缩机16的操作有害。在冷却模式操作期间制冷剂可以被重新引入到蒸发压缩环路中。Typically due to constraints within space 26 , indoor heat exchanger 24 is sized to have a smaller refrigerant capacity than outdoor heat exchanger 20 . Furthermore, because of the different mass flow characteristics in the vapor compression loop between heating and cooling, less volume of refrigerant may be required during heating compared to cooling mode. As such, it may be desirable to store excess refrigerant during the heating operation of the system 10 for later use during the cooling operation. The reservoir 18 stores liquid refrigerant, thereby preventing the liquid refrigerant from reaching the compressor 16 while the system 10 is operating in the heating mode. Flooding of the compressor 16 with liquid refrigerant can be detrimental to the operation of the compressor 16 . Refrigerant may be reintroduced into the evaporation-compression loop during cooling mode operation.
储器在热泵系统中的常见用途是防止液态制冷剂进入压缩机。在压缩机运行时间期间，通常的做法将是在蒸发器出口处恒定地维持一定的过热水平。这可以通过使用恰当地确定尺寸的孔、使用热膨胀阀或使用电动膨胀阀作为膨胀装置来实现。使用这些方法导致干燥储器(没有任何液态制冷剂的储器)。鉴于在加热模式(其通常在冬季进行)下的操作和在冷却模式(其通常在夏天进行)下的操作之间的上述差异，会在维持以恰当有效充注量位用制冷剂充注系统10时出现困难。这里，有效充注量定义为除了存储在储器中的液态制冷剂之外，在热泵系统中的所有制冷剂的重量。此外，甚至制冷剂的轻微泄漏(例如几盎司)也会使得系统10操作低效。因此，期望定期检查和调整制冷剂充注量以考虑季节温度变化和泄漏。添加充注量补偿器可以通过要么储存满满一箱液态制冷剂要么根本不储存任何液态制冷剂，来解决季节性充注量问题。然而，这只能部分地解决季节性制冷剂充注量问题。本文所公开的系统10在冬季和夏季，以容纳所有操作模式和条件的初始充注量位LA，利用其尺寸允许系统10在加热和冷却模式下以液态制冷剂充注操作，以便储器18不会在干涸或溢出情况下运行。A common use of an accumulator in heat pump systems is to prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. During compressor run time, normal practice would be to constantly maintain a certain level of superheat at the evaporator outlet. This can be achieved by using properly sized holes, using a thermal expansion valve or using an electric expansion valve as the expansion device. Using these methods results in a dry reservoir (reservoir without any liquid refrigerant). In view of the above differences between operation in heating mode (which is usually done in winter) and operation in cooling mode (which is usually done in summer), charging the system with refrigerant at the correct effective charge level will Difficulty at 10 o'clock. Here, the effective charge is defined as the weight of all refrigerant in the heat pump system except liquid refrigerant stored in the reservoir. Furthermore, even a slight leak of refrigerant (eg, a few ounces) can make system 10 operate inefficiently. Therefore, it is desirable to regularly check and adjust the refrigerant charge to account for seasonal temperature variations and leaks. Adding a charge compensator can solve seasonal charge issues by either storing a full tank of liquid refrigerant or not storing any liquid refrigerant at all. However, this only partially addresses the seasonal refrigerant charge issue. The system 10 disclosed herein is sized to allow the system 10 to operate with a liquid refrigerant charge in both heating and cooling modes in winter and summer to accommodate the initial charge level LA for all modes and conditions of operation so that the reservoir 18 will not run dry or overflow.
本发明的膨胀装置22和储器18减轻了在夏季和冬季期间的操作中的差异，即在制冷剂充注量要求方面的差异，同时又操作在冷却和加热模式下。具体地，可以调整膨胀装置22，例如可以改变孔34的直径OD，以控制液体致冷剂离开冷凝器的流速。膨胀装置22可以打开，例如孔口34的尺寸可以增大，以允许更多制冷剂进入蒸发器，从而存储在储器中。替代地，膨胀装置22可以关闭，例如孔口34的尺寸可以减小，以允许较少的制冷剂通过蒸发器进入储器18以蒸发掉其中存储的液态制冷剂。此过程会使得系统10中的有效制冷剂充注量发生变化。膨胀装置22关闭越紧，在储器18中储存的液态制冷剂越少。离开储器18的制冷剂变成系统10中的有效充注量的一部分，并且使得排出压力增大。因此，通过打开或关闭膨胀装置22控制排出压力PD为调整系统10中的有效制冷剂充注量的有效方法。另外，系统10的排出压力PD直接关系到系统10的冷凝温度来。The expansion device 22 and accumulator 18 of the present invention mitigate differences in operation during summer and winter, ie, in refrigerant charge requirements, while operating in cooling and heating modes. Specifically, the expansion device 22 may be adjusted, for example, the diameterOD of the orifice 34 may be varied to control the flow rate of liquid refrigerant exiting the condenser. The expansion device 22 may be opened, eg, the size of the orifice 34 may be increased, to allow more refrigerant to enter the evaporator for storage in the reservoir. Alternatively, expansion device 22 may be closed, eg, orifice 34 may be reduced in size to allow less refrigerant to pass through the evaporator into reservoir 18 to evaporate liquid refrigerant stored therein. This process results in a change in the effective refrigerant charge in the system 10 . The tighter the expansion device 22 closes, the less liquid refrigerant will be stored in the accumulator 18 . Refrigerant exiting the reservoir 18 becomes part of the effective charge in the system 10 and causes an increase in discharge pressure. Therefore, controlling the discharge pressurePD by opening or closing the expansion device 22 is an effective method of adjusting the effective refrigerant charge in the system 10 . In addition, the discharge pressurePD of the system 10 is directly related to the condensing temperature of the system 10.
在冷却的情况下，室外热交换器20是冷凝器。控制排出压力PD来将冷凝温度和室外气温之间的温度差异维持在适当量，可以有效地实现最佳性能。这里，最佳性能定义为冷却或加热能力与为特定系统确定的能量效率之间的适当折衷。In the case of cooling, the outdoor heat exchanger 20 is a condenser. Optimum performance can be effectively achieved by controlling the discharge pressurePD to maintain an appropriate amount of temperature difference between the condensing temperature and the outside air temperature. Here, optimal performance is defined as an appropriate compromise between cooling or heating capacity and the energy efficiency determined for a particular system.
在加热的情况下，室内热交换器24是冷凝器，控制排出压力PD来将冷凝温度与室内气温之间的温度差维持在适当量，可以有效地实现最佳性能。然而，在所测量到的室内气温对控制器28不可用的情况下，室外温度可以被用于确定排出压力目标PT。In the case of heating, the indoor heat exchanger 24 is a condenser, and controlling the discharge pressurePD to maintain the temperature difference between the condensing temperature and the indoor air temperature at an appropriate amount is effective for optimum performance. However, in the event that measured indoor air temperature is not available to the controller 28, the outdoor temperature may be used to determine the head pressure target PT.
图2A是示出以低于目标压力PT的排出压力PD-Low操作在冷却模式下的系统的图1的热泵系统10的示意流程图。在所示的图2A的实施方式中，系统10操作作为空调系统，以提供冷却的空气到空间26，使得蒸发压缩回路充当冷却回路。冷却回路包括压缩机16、四通换向阀12、作为冷凝器的室外热交换器20、膨胀装置22、作为蒸发器的室内热交换器24、储器18和制冷剂管路25A-25G。冷却回路提供对空间26的室内空气AI的冷却。2A is a schematic flow diagram of the heat pump system 10 of FIG. 1 showing the system operating in cooling mode at a discharge pressure PD-Low below the target pressure PT. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2A , the system 10 operates as an air conditioning system to provide cooled air to the space 26 such that the evaporative compression circuit acts as a cooling circuit. The cooling circuit includes a compressor 16, a four-way reversing valve 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 20 as a condenser, an expansion device 22, an indoor heat exchanger 24 as an evaporator, a reservoir 18, and refrigerant lines 25A-25G. The cooling circuit provides cooling of the room airA1 of the space 26.
作为在冷却模式下在PD-Low下操作的系统10的结果，储器18中的液态制冷剂处于LPOS，其处于正确的充注量位LA之上。这样的条件可能由于周围气温变化(例如温度的突然飙升或从加热操作模式切换)而出现。为了达到目标排出压力PT，控制器28关闭膨胀装置22。这种动作使得在储器中的一些液态制冷剂蒸发掉，并将水平带回到LA。As a result of the system 10 operating atPD-Low in cooling mode, the liquid refrigerant in the reservoir 18 is atLPOS , which is above the correct charge level LA. Such conditions may arise due to changes in ambient air temperature, such as sudden spikes in temperature or switching from heating modes of operation.To achieve the target head-off pressure PT, controller 28 closes expansion device 22. This action evaporates some of the liquid refrigerant in the reservoir and brings the level back to LA .
在系统10正在冷却模式下操作来提供经冷却的室内空气AI到空间26的同时，压缩机16压缩制冷剂到高于环境室外空气AO的压力和温度的高压力和高温度，使得制冷剂基本上包括过热蒸汽。While system 10 is operating in cooling mode to provide cooled indoor airA1 to space 26, compressor 16 compresses the refrigerant to a high pressure and temperature above the pressure and temperature of ambient outdoor airA0 such that refrigeration Agents basically consist of superheated steam.
制冷剂从压缩机16排出到其中阀12操作来通过管线25B向室外热交换器20供给制冷剂的管线25A，而控制器28启动风扇30以横跨室外热交换器20吹相对较冷的室外空气AO。当室外空气AO经过室外热交换器20的热交换回路时，制冷剂泵转储热到室外热交换器20内的室外空气AO。制冷剂冷却并且冷凝具有比以前更低温度但仍然具有高压力的过冷液体。Refrigerant is discharged from compressor 16 to line 25A where valve 12 operates to supply refrigerant to outdoor heat exchanger 20 through line 25B, while controller 28 activates fan 30 to blow the relatively cooler outdoor air across outdoor heat exchanger 20. Air AO . When the outdoor air AO passes through the heat exchange circuit of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 , the refrigerant pump dumps heat to the outdoor air AO inside the outdoor heat exchanger 20 . The refrigerant cools and condenses a subcooled liquid that has a lower temperature than before but still has a high pressure.
制冷剂从室外热交换器20经过管线25C和膨胀装置22，其迅速降低压力，并且迅速降低制冷剂的温度到低于室内空气AI的温度，使得在膨胀过程中制冷剂转换成液体和蒸汽的二相状态。在来自压缩机16的压力下，冷却的制冷剂继续通过管线25D流入室内热交换器24中，而在过管线25D中，控制器28启动风扇32以横跨室内热交换器(蒸发器)24吹相对温暖的室内空气AI。当室内空气AI经过室内热交换器24的热交换回路之上时，室内空气AI转储热到室内热交换器24内的制冷剂，从而冷却空间26。制冷剂蒸发并从相对暖室内空气AI吸收热量，使得制冷剂被蒸发成主饱和蒸汽。暖蒸汽随后通过管线25E、阀12和管线25F吸入储器18。通常的做法是允许轻微过热制冷剂进入储器。例如，在储器18的入口处的过热可以是大约3°F至约15°F(下至-9.4℃)。为了实现上述好处，所提出的控制方法将在一定条件下允许一些液态制冷剂进入储器18。只要储器18本身是不完全的液态制冷剂，储器18的一个功能只允许制冷剂蒸汽进入压缩机16的储器18。From the outdoor heat exchanger 20 the refrigerant passes through line 25C and expansion device 22 which rapidly reduces the pressure and rapidly reduces the temperature of the refrigerant to below the temperature of the indoor airA1 so that during the expansion the refrigerant converts into liquid and vapor two-phase state. Under pressure from compressor 16, the cooled refrigerant continues to flow into indoor heat exchanger 24 through line 25D, while in line 25D controller 28 activates fan 32 to move across indoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 24 Blow relatively warm indoor air AI . When the indoor air AI passes over the heat exchange circuit of the indoor heat exchanger 24 , the indoor air AI dumps heat to the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 24 , thereby cooling the space 26 . The refrigerant evaporates andabsorbs heat from the relatively warm indoor air AI, causing the refrigerant to be evaporated into a primary saturated vapor. Warm steam is then drawn into reservoir 18 through line 25E, valve 12 and line 25F. It is common practice to allow slightly superheated refrigerant into the receiver. For example, the superheat at the inlet to reservoir 18 may be about 3°F to about 15°F ( down to -9.4°C). To achieve the above benefits, the proposed control method will allow some liquid refrigerant to enter the reservoir 18 under certain conditions. One function of the accumulator 18 is to allow refrigerant vapor to enter the accumulator 18 of the compressor 16 as long as the accumulator 18 itself is not completely liquid refrigerant.
最后，将汽化的制冷剂通过管线25G吸入压缩机16，在管线25G中，该汽化的制冷剂被压缩并加热成高温、高压蒸汽，以使得该循环可以重复。控制器28利用温度传感器14A监视的温度输入(室外气温)以在目标压力PT下维持排出压力PD。Finally, the vaporized refrigerant is drawn into compressor 16 through line 25G where it is compressed and heated to a high temperature, high pressure vapor so that the cycle can be repeated. The controller 28 utilizes the temperature input (outdoor air temperature) monitored by the temperature sensor 14A to maintain the discharge pressurePD at the target pressure PT.
如上所述，系统10可以以很少的有效充注量操作，使得过多的液态制冷剂被储存在储器18，其由充注量位LPOS指示。为了使液态制冷剂位下降到水平LA，膨胀装置22的孔34的尺寸可以由控制器28减小。孔34的直径OD的减小允许较少热液态制冷剂由室外热交换器20(作为冷凝器)供给膨胀装置22。在室内热交换器24(充当蒸发器)中，所有液态制冷剂被蒸发。在储器18中，一些所存储的液态制冷剂也被蒸发。因此，有效充注量增大，从而使得排出压力PD增大。控制器28通过确定PD并将其与PT比较来继续这个过程，直到排出压力PD达到目标压力PT，如下面参照图7所述。As noted above, the system 10 may be operated with a small effective charge such that excess liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir 18 as indicated by the charge level LPOS . To bring the liquid refrigerant level down to levelLA , the size of the orifice 34 of the expansion device 22 may be reduced by the controller 28 . The reduction in diameterOD of bore 34 allows less hot liquid refrigerant to be supplied to expansion device 22 by outdoor heat exchanger 20 (acting as a condenser). In the indoor heat exchanger 24 (acting as an evaporator) all liquid refrigerant is evaporated. In the reservoir 18 some of the stored liquid refrigerant is also evaporated. Therefore, the effective charge amount increases, so that the discharge pressurePD increases. Controller 28 continues this process by determiningPD and comparing it toPT until head pressurePD reaches target pressure PT, as described below with reference to FIG. 7 .
控制器28主动控制冷却回路的操作和膨胀装置22的操作，以通过使用来自温度传感器14A和14B的反馈来控制阀12和孔34，从而控制排出压力PD。具体地，控制器28可以基于测量到的排出压力PD和目标压力PT(基于感测到的温度T1或T2计算)的比较，即ΔP，操作控制算法(例如图7的方法)。在给定系统10的特定配置下，目标压力PT可以基于实验、测试或计算确定。例如，可以在冷却模式下完成在相同室外气温下具有不同排出压力的一系列测试，来找出系统10的性能在哪个排出压力PD下最佳。然后，使用该排出压力PD作为在所测试的室外气温下的目标排出压力PT。此外，可以使用不同室外气温来完成一系列这样的测试。这确保了系统10在任何夏季室外气温下以最佳性能执行。除了优选室内气温取代室外气温之外，相同的一系列测试可以在加热模式操作下来完成。如本文件之前所述，如果室内气温缺失，室外气温也可以用于加热模式。图8A、8B和图9示出目标排出压力与室外和室内气温之间的关系。在一种实施方式中，系统10仅仅配备有室外气温传感器14A，可以使用温度T1从该室外气温传感器14A确定目标排出压力PT。在另一种实施方式中，系统10配备有两个室外气温传感器14A和室内气温传感器14B，在那种情况下，可以使用室内温度传感器14B或温度T2来确定目标排出压力PT，其在加热模式下提供目标排出压力PT的更精确的指示。在两种实施方式中，系统10都在线路25A上配备有压力传感器来直接感测排出压力PD。The controller 28 actively controls the operation of the cooling circuit and the expansion device 22 to control the discharge pressurePD by using feedback from the temperature sensors 14A and 14B to control the valve 12 and orifice 34 . Specifically, controller 28 may operate a control algorithm (such as the method of FIG. 7 ) based ona comparison of measured discharge pressurePD and target pressure PT (calculated basedon sensed temperature T1 orT2 ), ie, ΔP. . Given a particular configuration of system 10, target pressure PT may be determined based on experimentation, testing, or calculation. For example, a series of tests with different discharge pressures at the same outside air temperature can be done in cooling mode to find out at which discharge pressurePD the system 10 performs best. Then, this discharge pressurePD is used as the target discharge pressure PT at the tested outdoor air temperature. Additionally, a series of such tests can be done using different outdoor air temperatures. This ensures that the system 10 performs at optimum performance in any summer outdoor air temperature. The same series of tests can be done with heating mode operation, except that indoor air temperature is preferred over outdoor air temperature. As stated earlier in this document, the outdoor air temperature can also be used in heating mode if the indoor air temperature is missing. 8A, 8B and 9 show the relationship between the target discharge pressure and the outdoor and indoor air temperature. In one embodiment, the system 10 is provided with only an outside air temperature sensor 14A from which the target discharge pressure PT can be determined using the temperatureT1 . In another embodiment, the system 10 is equipped withtwo outdoor air temperature sensors 14A and an indoor air temperature sensor 14B, in which case the indoor temperature sensor 14B or the temperatureT2 may be used to determine the target discharge pressure PT, which is at A more accurate indication of the target head pressure PT is provided in the heating mode. In both embodiments, the system 10 is equipped with a pressure sensor on line 25A to directly sense the discharge pressurePD .
控制器28也可以在加热模式下操作系统10(或仅仅可以操作以增大存储在储器18中的液体量，而不论是加热或冷却)，如参照图2B所讨论。The controller 28 may also operate the system 10 in a heating mode (or simply operate to increase the amount of liquid stored in the reservoir 18, whether heating or cooling), as discussed with reference to FIG. 2B.
图2B是示出以高于目标压力PT的排出压力PD-High操作在冷却模式下的系统10的图1的热泵系统的示意流程图。在图2B的所示实施方式中，系统10作为热泵系统操作以提供经加热的空气到空间26，使得蒸发压缩回路充当加热回路。加热回路包括压缩机16、四通换向阀12、作为蒸发器的室外热交换器20、膨胀装置22、作为一个冷凝器的室内热交换器24、储器18和制冷剂管线25A-25G。加热回路提供对空间26的室内空气AI的加热。2B is a schematic flow diagram of the heat pump system of FIG. 1 showing the system 10 operating in cooling mode at a discharge pressurePD-High above the target pressure PT. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2B , the system 10 operates as a heat pump system to provide heated air to the space 26 such that the vapor compression circuit acts as a heating circuit. The heating circuit includes compressor 16, four-way reversing valve 12, outdoor heat exchanger 20 as an evaporator, expansion device 22, indoor heat exchanger 24 as a condenser, reservoir 18 and refrigerant lines 25A-25G. The heating circuit provides heating of the room airA1 of the space 26.
作为在加热模式下在PD-High下操作的系统10的结果，储器18中的液态制冷剂处于LNeg，其处于正确的充注量位LB之下。这样的条件可能由于周围气温变化(例如温度的突然下降或从冷却操作模式切换)而出现。为了达到目标排出压力PT，控制器28打开膨胀装置22。这一行为导致额外液态制冷剂保留在储器中并且使得水平回到水平LB。As a result of the system 10 operating in heating mode atPD-High , the liquid refrigerant in the reservoir 18 is at LNeg , which is below the correct charge level LB . Such conditions may arise due to changes in ambient air temperature, such as a sudden drop in temperature or a switch from a cooling mode of operation.To achieve the target head-off pressure PT, controller 28 opens expansion device 22 . This action causes additional liquid refrigerant to remain in the reservoir and bring the level back to level LB .
在系统10正在加热模式下操作来提供经加热的室内空气AI到空间26的同时，压缩机16压缩制冷剂到高于环境室内空气AI的压力和温度的高压力和高温度，使得制冷剂基本上包括过热蒸汽。While system 10 is operating in heating mode to provide heated indoor airAI to space 26, compressor 16 compresses the refrigerant to a high pressure and temperature above that of the ambient indoor airAI so that refrigeration Agents basically consist of superheated steam.
过热的制冷剂从压缩机16排出到其中阀12操作来通过管线25E向室内热交换器24供给制冷剂的管线25A，而控制器28启动风扇32以横跨室外热交换器24吹相对较冷的室内空气AI。当室内空气AI经过室内热交换器24的热交换回路之上时，室内空气AI从室内热交换器24内的制冷剂吸取热，从而加热空间26。制冷剂冷却并且冷凝具有比以前更低温度但仍然具有高压力的过冷液体。Superheated refrigerant is discharged from compressor 16 to line 25A where valve 12 operates to supply refrigerant to indoor heat exchanger 24 via line 25E, while controller 28 activates fan 32 to blow relatively cooler air across outdoor heat exchanger 24. indoor air AI . When the indoor air AI passes over the heat exchange circuit of the indoor heat exchanger 24 , the indoor air AI absorbs heat from the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 24 , thereby heating the space 26 . The refrigerant cools and condenses a subcooled liquid that has a lower temperature than before but still has a high pressure.
从室内热交换器24，制冷剂通过管线25D和膨胀装置22，这降低制冷剂的压力和温度至室外空气AO的压力和温度之下，使得在膨胀过程制冷剂转换成液体和蒸汽的二相状态。在来自压缩机16的压力下，冷却的制冷剂继续通过管线25C流入室外热交换器20，而在管线25C中，控制器28启动风扇30以横跨室外热交换器(蒸发器)20吹相对较暖的室外空气AO。当室外空气AO经过室外热交换器20的热交换回路时，制冷剂从室外热交换器20内的室外空气AO中吸取热量。制冷剂蒸发并从相对较暖的室外空气AO中吸收热量，使得制冷剂被蒸发成饱和蒸汽。蒸汽然后通过管线25B、阀12和管线25F吸入储器18。通常的做法是允许轻微过热制冷剂进入储器。例如，在储器18的入口处的过热可以是大约3°F至约15°F(下至-9.4℃)。为了实现上述好处，所提出的控制方法将在一定条件下允许一些液态制冷剂进入储器18。From the indoor heat exchanger 24, the refrigerant passes through line 25D and the expansion device 22, which reduces the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant to below that of the outdoor air,A0 , so that during the expansion process the refrigerant converts to a mixture of liquid and vapor. phase state. Under pressure from compressor 16, the cooled refrigerant continues to flow into outdoor heat exchanger 20 through line 25C, while in line 25C, controller 28 activates fan 30 to blow opposite sides across outdoor heat exchanger (evaporator) 20. Warmer outside air AO . When the outdoor air AO passes through the heat exchange circuit of the outdoor heat exchanger 20 , the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air AO in the outdoor heat exchanger 20 . The refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat from the relatively warm outdoor air AO , causing the refrigerant to be evaporated into a saturated vapor. The vapor is then drawn into reservoir 18 through line 25B, valve 12 and line 25F. It is common practice to allow slightly superheated refrigerant into the receiver. For example, the superheat at the inlet to reservoir 18 may be about 3°F to about 15°F ( down to -9.4°C). To achieve the above benefits, the proposed control method will allow some liquid refrigerant to enter the reservoir 18 under certain conditions.
最后，将汽化的制冷剂通过管线25G吸入压缩机16，在管线25G中，该汽化的制冷剂被压缩并加热成高温、高压蒸汽，以使得该循环可以重复。控制器28利用温度传感器14A(室外气温)或14B(室外气温)监视温度输入，以在目标压力PT下维持排出压力PD。Finally, the vaporized refrigerant is drawn into compressor 16 through line 25G where it is compressed and heated to a high temperature, high pressure vapor so that the cycle can be repeated. Controller 28 monitors the temperature input using temperature sensor 14A (outside air temperature) or 14B (outside air temperature) to maintain discharge pressurePD at target pressure PT.
如上所述，系统10可以以很多的有效充注量操作，使得过少的液态制冷剂被储存在储器18，其由高于PT的PD指示。为了使得PD下降以匹配PT，膨胀装置22的孔34可以通过控制器28扩大。孔34的直径OD的扩大允许一些额外的液态制冷剂进入储器18，以增大液态制冷剂位到LB。控制器28通过确定PD并比较它与PT来继续这个过程，直到排出压力达到目标压力PT，如下面参照图7所述。As noted above, the system 10 can be operated with so much effective charge that too little liquid refrigerant is stored in the reservoir 18, as indicated by aPD higher than PT.To bring PD down to match PT , bore 34 of expansion device 22 may be enlarged by controller 28 . The enlargement of the diameter OD of the hole 34 allows some additional liquid refrigerant to enter the reservoir 18 to increase the liquid refrigerant level toL B. Controller 28 continues this process by determiningPD and comparing it toPT until the discharge pressure reaches the target pressure PT, as described below with reference to FIG. 7 .
在储器18中的液态制冷剂位(如LA和LB)是人为的水平。事实上，在初始制冷剂充注后，储器中的水平在夏季和冬季之间变化。它甚至在室外或室内气温在同一冷却或加热操作中改变时都变化。这是因为当室内、室外或操作模式改变时，关于系统10的最佳有效充注量改变。所提出的控制方法通过控制排出压力来测试验证的目标压力，允许系统10在所有条件下都具有最佳性能。The liquid refrigerant levels (eg, LA and LB ) in the reservoir 18 are artificial levels. In fact, after the initial refrigerant charge, the level in the reservoir varies between summer and winter. It changes even when the outdoor or indoor air temperature changes during the same cooling or heating operation. This is because the optimal effective charge for the system 10 changes when indoors, outdoors or the mode of operation changes. The proposed control method allows for optimal performance of the system 10 under all conditions by controlling the discharge pressure to a test-proven target pressure.
根据上述观点，利用膨胀装置22的系统10可以在加热操作和冷却模式之间转换，并且控制器28会自动控制膨胀装置22，以保持排出压力PD在目标压力PT处或在可接受范围内，从而加热和冷却可以出现在最佳水平处，这可以个别地基于系统10的特定布置来确定。结果，液态制冷剂的有效充注量位增大或减小，从而使得储器18内的液态制冷剂的重量增大或减小。In view of the foregoing, the system 10 utilizing the expansion device 22 can be switched between heating operation and cooling mode, and the controller 28 will automatically control the expansion device 22 to maintain the discharge pressurePD at the target pressurePT or within an acceptable range , so that heating and cooling can occur at optimal levels, which can be determined individually based on the particular arrangement of the system 10 . As a result, the effective charge level of the liquid refrigerant increases or decreases, thereby increasing or decreasing the weight of the liquid refrigerant within the accumulator 18 .
膨胀装置22可以包括单一集成电子装置，其中孔34(图1)的尺寸(例如直径OD)被主动控制(如图2A和图2B所示)，并且流动是通过该装置可逆的。然而，膨胀装置22还可以包括几个部件的组件，如图3所示。Expansion device 22 may comprise a single integrated electronics device wherein the size (eg, diameterOD ) of orifice 34 (Fig. 1) is actively controlled (as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B) and flow through the device is reversible. However, the expansion device 22 may also comprise an assembly of several components, as shown in FIG. 3 .
图3是双向电子膨胀阀(BEEV)36的示意图，该双向电子膨胀阀36适和用作图1-2B的系统10中的膨胀装置22。装置36也可以是具有可变孔的任何类型的膨胀阀。BEEV 36包括第一膨胀装置38A、第一止回阀40A、第二膨胀装置38B和第二止回阀40B。膨胀装置38A和38B可能是不可逆的，并且分别具有孔41A和41B，它们可以限制通过相应阀的流量。同样，止回阀40A和40B包括允许在仅一个方向的流动不受太多限制的阀。膨胀装置38A和38B和止回阀40A和40B布置为具有相反的流动方向。3 is a schematic diagram of a bidirectional electronic expansion valve (BEEV) 36 suitable for use as expansion device 22 in system 10 of FIGS. 1-2B . The device 36 may also be any type of expansion valve with a variable orifice. The BEEV 36 includes a first expansion device 38A, a first check valve 40A, a second expansion device 38B, and a second check valve 40B. Expansion devices 38A and 38B may be irreversible and have orifices 41A and 41B, respectively, which may restrict flow through the respective valves. Likewise, check valves 40A and 40B comprise valves that allow flow in only one direction without too much restriction. Expansion devices 38A and 38B and check valves 40A and 40B are arranged to have opposite flow directions.
第一膨胀设备38A和第一止回阀40A可以放置在接近室内热交换器24的空间26中(例如，在管线25D中)，而第二膨胀装置38B和第二单向阀40B可以放置在户外靠近室外热交换器20(例如，在管线25C中)。因此，在冷却模式中，制冷剂流FC经过第二止回阀40B和第一膨胀装置38A，而在加热模式下，制冷剂流FH经过第一止回阀40A和第二膨胀装置38B。The first expansion device 38A and the first check valve 40A may be placed in the space 26 near the indoor heat exchanger 24 (eg, in line 25D), while the second expansion device 38B and the second check valve 40B may be placed in the Outdoors near outdoor heat exchanger 20 (eg, in line 25C). Thus, in the cooling mode, the refrigerant flowFC passes through the second check valve 40B and the first expansion device 38A, while in the heating mode, the refrigerant flowFH passes through the first check valve 40A and the second expansion device 38B. .
孔41A和41B具有可以主动地如参考上述图2A和2B中的孔34所述那样类似控制的可变直径。Holes 41A and 41B have variable diameters that can be actively controlled similarly as described above with reference to hole 34 in FIGS. 2A and 2B .
图4是示出在外壳44上的中间充注量位置3上具有充注量位指示器窗口42A的储器18的示意图。外壳44连接到制冷剂管线25F和25G，如参照图1-2B所描述。外壳44包括任何合适的储器设计，用于存储可以是液体和蒸汽形式的已加压制冷剂，并且只允许蒸汽制冷剂退出。指示器窗口42A包括足够透明以查看液态制冷剂的任何合适的材料。当制冷剂液体-蒸发界面接近图4中的水平3时，指示器窗口42A也可以是能够提供电子信号(诸如电压或电流)的液态制冷剂位检测器。FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the reservoir 18 with the fill level indicator window 42A at the intermediate fill level position 3 on the housing 44 . Shell 44 is connected to refrigerant lines 25F and 25G as described with reference to FIGS. 1-2B . Housing 44 includes any suitable reservoir design for storing pressurized refrigerant, which may be in liquid or vapor form, and permits only vapor refrigerant to exit. Indicator window 42A comprises any suitable material that is sufficiently transparent to view liquid refrigerant. Indicator window 42A may also be a liquid refrigerant level detector capable of providing an electronic signal such as voltage or current when the refrigerant liquid-evaporation interface approaches level 3 in FIG. 4 .
指示器窗口42A定位在图4中所示的水平3处。可以在夏季或冬季向系统10添加制冷剂，以使得液态制冷剂处于窗口42A的位置3的水平。在夏季冷却期间，如果系统10被充注到水平3，则在冬季加热期间，制冷剂将上升到水平4。因此，额外量V2将提供在水平4和水平5之间来提供缓冲，以使得压缩机16不被供给液态制冷剂。在冬季加热期间，如果系统10被充注到水平3，则在夏季冷却期间，液态制冷剂将降至水平2。因此，额外的容量V2将提供在水平2和水平1之间以防止储器18干运行。这样，量V1包括这样一个液态制冷剂的范围：在该范围中，系统10被配置为在冬季和夏季(加热和冷却)操作之间操作。储器18这取决于制冷剂位封顶的时间，允许量V1到驻留在相对水平3的两个不同带宽中，而两个不同备用量V2驻留在储器18内的两个量V2的相对两端上。Indicator window 42A is positioned at level 3 shown in FIG. 4 . Refrigerant may be added to system 10 in summer or winter such that liquid refrigerant is at the level of position 3 of window 42A. If the system 10 is charged to level 3 during summer cooling, the refrigerant will rise to level 4 during winter heating. Therefore, an additional volume V2 will be provided between level4 and level 5 to provide a buffer so that the compressor 16 is not supplied with liquid refrigerant. If the system 10 is charged to level 3 during winter heating, the liquid refrigerant will drop to level 2 during summer cooling. Therefore, an extra capacity V2 will be provided between level2 and level 1 to prevent the reservoir 18 from running dry. As such, volume V1 includes a range of liquid refrigerants within which system 10 is configured to operate between winter and summer (heating and cooling) operation. The accumulator 18 depending on when the refrigerant level is capped, allowsa volume V1 to reside in two different bandwidths at opposite levels 3, while two different reserve volumes V2 reside in the accumulator 18 for two volumes V2 on opposite ends.
图5是示出在外壳44上的夏季和冬季充注量位置4和2上具有充注量位指示器窗口42B和42C的储器18的示意图。除了指示窗42B和42C位于水平2和4处之外，图5的储器18以关于图4描述的那种方式操作。当制冷剂液体-蒸发界面接近图5中的水平2或4时，指示器窗口42B和42C也可以是能够提供电子信号(诸如电压或电流)的液态制冷剂位检测器。5 is a schematic diagram showing reservoir 18 with fill level indicator windows 42B and 42C at summer and winter fill level locations 4 and 2 on housing 44 . Reservoir 18 of FIG. 5 operates in the manner described with respect to FIG. 4 , except that indicator windows 42B and 42C are located at levels 2 and 4 . Indicator windows 42B and 42C may also be liquid refrigerant level detectors capable of providing an electronic signal such as voltage or current when the refrigerant liquid-evaporation interface approaches levels 2 or 4 in FIG. 5 .
上述储器设计可以用来帮助热泵安装人员在维护或系统修复期间，在系统重新安装之后确定适当的制冷剂充注量。如已经讨论的那样，通常，冷却模式操作比加热模式操作需要更有效的充注量。在夏季冷却操作期间，制冷剂可以填充到水平2，以便在冬季，制冷剂位不会上升在水平4之上。在冬季加热操作期间，制冷剂可以填充到水平4，以便在夏季，制冷剂位不会下降到水平2之下。The reservoir design described above can be used to assist heat pump installers in determining the proper refrigerant charge after system reinstallation during maintenance or system repair. As already discussed, in general, cooling mode operation requires a more efficient charge than heating mode operation. During summer cooling operation the refrigerant can be filled to level 2 so that in winter the refrigerant level does not rise above level 4. During winter heating operation the refrigerant can be filled to level 4 so that in summer the refrigerant level does not drop below level 2.
加热模式操作比冷却模式需要更有效的充注量。在夏季冷却操作期间，制冷剂可以填充到水平4，以便在冬季，制冷剂位不会下降到水平2之下。在冬季加热操作期间，制冷剂可以填充到水平2，以便在夏季，制冷剂位不会上升到水平4之上。Heating mode operation requires a more efficient charge than cooling mode. During summer cooling operation the refrigerant can be filled to level 4 so that in winter the refrigerant level does not drop below level 2. During winter heating operation the refrigerant can be filled to level 2 so that in summer the refrigerant level does not rise above level 4.
在另一种实施方式中，例如，充注量位指示器窗口42B和42C可以用储器跨越从窗口42B到42C的长度的单一长方形窗口代替。窗口的端部定位在或接近水平2和4，以允许充注量读数处于所希望的水平处。在其他实施方式中，充注量指示器窗口42A-42C可以用提供水平的指示的其他元件(诸如浮动或散列标记等)来代替。在又一个实施方式中，这两个指标器42B和42C可以由制冷剂杠杆检测器代替，该制冷剂杠杆检测器具有连续水平检测能力，并且具有电信号输出来指示在储器18中的水平。In another embodiment, for example, fill level indicator windows 42B and 42C may be replaced with a single rectangular window of the reservoir spanning the length from window 42B to 42C. The ends of the windows are positioned at or near levels 2 and 4 to allow charge readings at the desired levels. In other embodiments, the charge level indicator windows 42A-42C may be replaced with other elements that provide an indication of levels, such as floating or hash marks, etc. FIG. In yet another embodiment, the two indicators 42B and 42C may be replaced by a refrigerant lever detector with continuous level detection capability and an electrical signal output to indicate the level in the reservoir 18 .
作为应用当前发明的另一实施例，图6是示出合并用于加热水的热交换器46的热泵系统10A的示意图。水热交换器46包括用于加热存储在与系统10A分开的场所中的水的装置。As another embodiment to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a heat pump system 10A incorporating a heat exchanger 46 for heating water. Water heat exchanger 46 includes means for heating water stored in a location separate from system 10A.
水热交换器46与室外热交换器20和三通阀47串联地定位在压缩机16的高压侧。因此，水热交换器46可以充当过热降温器或冷凝器。水热交换器46的操作将在下面简要讨论，而其详细讨论在Chen等人的美国专利申请公开第2014/0245770号中，该专利申请的全部内容在此通过引用并入以用于所有目的。A water heat exchanger 46 is positioned on the high pressure side of the compressor 16 in series with the outdoor heat exchanger 20 and the three-way valve 47 . Thus, the water heat exchanger 46 may act as a desuperheater or condenser. The operation of the water heat exchanger 46 is discussed briefly below, while it is discussed in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0245770 to Chen et al., which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes .
系统10A具有三个主要热交换器：室内、室外和水热交换器。通过改变换向阀12和三通阀47的位置，可以使用热交换的不同组合。在某些情况下，可以使用所有三个热交换器。其他情况下，仅使用两个热交换器。当存在未使用的热交换器时，特定热交换器中的制冷剂的体积在没有恰当制冷剂管理的情况下是不确定的。上述专利提供一种方法来在系统开始新操作模式之前，驱动出未使用的热交换器中的致冷剂。在新操作模式期间，某些阀(诸如34A、34B或SV)可以被打开或关闭，以管理未使用的热交换器中的制冷剂的体积。作为当前发明的示例应用，系统10A仍然可以使用在上述专利中提到的相同方法来系统开始新操作模式之前，驱动出未使用的热交换器中的致冷剂。然而，为了管理在新操作模式期间在有效系统中的制冷剂，可以使用在当前发明中提出的方法。目标排出压力PT可以用来控制排出压力PD。储器18可以用于储存液态制冷剂以允许有效制冷剂变化以便优化。在使用水热交换器作为冷凝器的情况下，可以基于水热交换器水入口温度来确定目标排出压力。如本文件中先前所述，水热交换器的冷凝温度可以基于一系列测试进行优化。当水热交换器用作过热降温器时，室外或室内气温可以用于确定在冷却或加热模式操作下的目标排出压力PT。System 10A has three main heat exchangers: indoor, outdoor, and water heat exchangers. By varying the position of the reversing valve 12 and the three-way valve 47, different combinations of heat exchanges can be used. In some cases, all three heat exchangers may be used. In other cases, only two heat exchangers are used. When there are unused heat exchangers, the volume of refrigerant in a particular heat exchanger is indeterminate without proper refrigerant management. The aforementioned patent provides a method to drive out unused refrigerant in the heat exchanger before the system starts a new mode of operation. During the new mode of operation, certain valves such as 34A, 34B or SV may be opened or closed to manage the volume of refrigerant in the heat exchanger that is not used. As an example application of the current invention, the system 10A can still use the same method mentioned in the aforementioned patent to drive out unused refrigerant in the heat exchanger before the system starts a new mode of operation. However, in order to manage the refrigerant in the active system during the new operating mode, the method proposed in the current invention can be used. The target discharge pressurePT can be used to control the discharge pressurePD . The reservoir 18 may be used to store liquid refrigerant to allow the effective refrigerant to vary for optimization. In the case of using a water heat exchanger as a condenser, the target discharge pressure can be determined based on the water heat exchanger water inlet temperature. As stated earlier in this document, the condensation temperature of a water heat exchanger can be optimized based on a series of tests. When a water heat exchanger is used as a desuperheater, the outdoor or indoor air temperature can be used to determine the target head pressure PT in cooling or heating mode of operation.
图7是用于图示在图1-图6的热泵系统10中控制排出压力和有效制冷剂充注量的步骤的流程图。在对冷却或加热空间26的操作期间，热泵系统10基于压缩机排出压力PD是否满足预定目标排出压力PT来控制膨胀装置22的孔34的直径OD。FIG. 7 is a flowchart for illustrating the steps of controlling the discharge pressure and the effective refrigerant charge in the heat pump system 10 of FIGS. 1-6 . During operation to cool or heat space 26, heat pump system 10 controls diameter OD of orifice 34 of expansion device 22 based on whether compressor discharge pressurePD meets a predetermined target discharge pressurePT.
在步骤100中，排出压力PD、室外温度T1和/或室内温度T2诸如通过使用温度传感器14A和/或14B来测量。根据其它实施例，温度T1和/或T2可以通过测量间接涉及温度的其他物理特性(诸如电阻或电流)进行计算。在102中，目标排出压力PT基于T1或T2确定，如图8A和图8B或图9所示。在104中，计算ΔP，即PD和PT之间的差。如果ΔP大于恒定的ΔP1，则执行步骤106A以增大膨胀装置22的孔34的OD。这里，ΔP1可以是恒定值，它指定排出压力控制器的公差。如果ΔP小于恒定负ΔP1，则执行步骤106B以减小膨胀装置22孔34的OD。否则，OD不变。如在步骤108中所示，该过程一段时间延迟之后重复自身。图7是可以用来基于预定目标排出压力PT控制排出压力PD的方法之一。其它方法(诸如PID控制)也可以用于控制排出压力。In step 100 , discharge pressurePD , outdoor temperature T1 and/or indoor temperature T2 are measured, such as by using temperature sensors 14A and/or 14B. According to other embodiments, the temperaturesT1 and/orT2 may be calculated by measuring other physical properties indirectly related to temperature, such as resistance or current. In 102 , the target discharge pressure PT is determined based onT1 or T2 , as shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B or FIG. 9 . At 104, ΔP, the difference betweenPD and PT, is calculated. If ΔP is greater than the constantΔP1 , step 106A is performed to increase the OD of the bore 34 of the expansion device 22 . Here, ΔP1 may be a constant value, which specifies the tolerance of the discharge pressure controller. If ΔP is less than the constant negative ΔP1, step106B is performed to decrease the OD of the bore 34 of the expansion device 22 . Otherwise,OD is unchanged. As shown in step 108, the process repeats itself after a time delay. FIG. 7 is one of the methods that can be used to control the discharge pressurePD based on a predetermined target discharge pressure PT. Other methods such as PID control can also be used to control the discharge pressure.
在冷却模式下，使用室外温度T1确定排出压力PD。当室外温度T1增大时，(如在确定目标压力PT时使用的)目标排出温度增大(在预定范围内)。In cooling mode, the outside temperature T1 is used to determine the discharge pressurePD . As the outdoor temperatureT1 increases, the target discharge temperature( as used in determining the target pressure PT) increases (within a predetermined range).
在加热模式中，存在用于确定排出压力PD的两个选项。在选项1中，使用室内温度传感器14B和温度T2确定排出压力PD。当室内温度T2增大时，(如在确定目标压力PT使用的)目标排出温度增大(在预定范围内)。在选项2中，使用室外温度传感器14A和温度T1确定排出压力PD。当室外温度T1增大时，(如在确定目标压力PT使用的)目标排出温度增大(在预定范围内)。选项1的优点是在室内温度范围的更好的能量效率优化。选项2的优点是使用很少的传感器，因为取决于预期的用途，室内温度传感器在热泵系统一般是可选特征。In heating mode, there are two options for determining the discharge pressurePD . In option1 , the discharge pressurePD is determined using the room temperature sensor 14B and the temperature T2. As the indoor temperatureT2 increases, the target discharge temperature( as used in determining the target pressure PT) increases (within a predetermined range). In option 2, the discharge pressurePD is determined using the outdoor temperature sensor 14A and the temperature T1 . As the outdoor temperatureT1 increases, the target discharge temperature( as used in determining the target pressure PT) increases (within a predetermined range). The advantage of option 1 is better energy efficiency optimization in the room temperature range. Option 2 has the advantage of using fewer sensors, since room temperature sensors are generally an optional feature in heat pump systems depending on the intended use.
控制器28可以配置为执行图7的方法并且主动控制排出压力PD。控制器28可以包括电路、存储器和用户输入设备。控制器28可以与温度传感器14A和14B、阀12、膨胀装置22和压缩机16进行电子通信地连接。控制器也可以连接到液态制冷剂位传感器，以确定热泵系统10是否正确充注了制冷剂。控制器28还可以包括在电子控制器中常用的其它部件，诸如可以将传感器的模拟输入转换为通过电路可使用的数字信号的模拟-数字转换器、时钟、信号调节器、信号滤波器、电压调节器、电流控制器、调节电路、输入端口、输出端口等。控制器28还可以包括用于接收传感器输入和用户输入的适当输入端口。例如，系统10(图1)的用户可以输入期望的目标压力PT以及包含目标压力PT的可接受范围，到控制器28的存储器。存储器可以包括非易失性随机存取存储器(NVRM)、只读存储器、物理存储器、光学存储器等。控制器28可以包括任何合适的计算设备，如模拟电路或数字电路，如微处理器、微控制器、专用集成电路(ASIC)或数字信号处理器(DSP)。Controller 28 may be configured to implement the method of FIG. 7 and actively control the discharge pressurePD . Controller 28 may include circuitry, memory, and user input devices. Controller 28 may be connected in electronic communication with temperature sensors 14A and 14B, valve 12 , expansion device 22 and compressor 16 . The controller may also be connected to a liquid refrigerant level sensor to determine if the heat pump system 10 is properly charged with refrigerant. The controller 28 may also include other components commonly used in electronic controllers, such as analog-to-digital converters, clocks, signal conditioners, signal filters, voltage Regulators, current controllers, regulating circuits, input ports, output ports, etc. The controller 28 may also include suitable input ports for receiving sensor input and user input. For example, a user of system 10 ( FIG. 1 ) may enter a desired target pressure PT, and an acceptable range including target pressurePT , into controller 28 memory. Memory may include non-volatile random access memory (NVRM), read-only memory, physical memory, optical memory, and the like. Controller 28 may comprise any suitable computing device, such as analog circuitry or digital circuitry, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or digital signal processor (DSP).
作为应用当前发明的另一实施例，系统10可以包括用以提供制冷剂充注量位指示的特征。在这种情况下，储器18装备有电子制冷剂位指示器48，如图1中所示意性地表示。指示器48能够检测两个液态制冷剂位。这两个水平处于最大和最小所需要的充注量位。当控制器28感测到在最高水平时的液态制冷剂时，它可以增大通常使用图8A和图8B或图9计算出的目标排出压力。结果，有效制冷剂充注量增大，以防止液态制冷剂进入压缩机。控制器28还可以发送指示系统10结束充注的电信号。在目标排出压力达到不可接受水平的情况下，控制器可以关闭系统10，而该系统10可包括压缩机、风扇、吹风机和其他部件。当控制器28在最低水平处感测到液态制冷剂时，它也可以发送指示系统10充注量不足的电信号。As another example of application of the present invention, system 10 may include features to provide a refrigerant charge level indication. In this case, the reservoir 18 is equipped with an electronic refrigerant level indicator 48 , represented schematically in FIG. 1 . Indicator 48 is capable of detecting two liquid refrigerant levels. These two levels are at the maximum and minimum required charge levels. When the controller 28 senses liquid refrigerant at the highest level, it may increase the target discharge pressure typically calculated using FIGS. 8A and 8B or FIG. 9 . As a result, the effective refrigerant charge is increased to prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor. Controller 28 may also send an electrical signal instructing system 10 to end charging. In the event that the target discharge pressure reaches an unacceptable level, the controller may shut down the system 10, which may include compressors, fans, blowers, and other components. When the controller 28 senses liquid refrigerant at a minimum level, it may also send an electrical signal indicating that the system 10 is undercharged.
系统10包括关于常规系统的几个好处，其中的一些将在下面讨论。System 10 includes several advantages over conventional systems, some of which are discussed below.
可以使用窗口42A-42C简单地确定系统10的正确的制冷剂充注量。不需要任何工具。The correct refrigerant charge for system 10 can be easily determined using windows 42A-42C. No tools are required.
由于常规系统只能有一个有效充注量，所以性能只能在一个室外温度处得到优化。系统10可以在不同室内和室外温度下调整有效充注量，系统性能可以在不同条件下进行优化。Since conventional systems can only have one effective charge, performance can only be optimized at one outdoor temperature. The system 10 can adjust the effective charge at different indoor and outdoor temperatures, and the system performance can be optimized under different conditions.
由于在储器18中的制冷剂将会弥补在有效系统中损失的制冷剂，所以相比于常规系统来说，系统10的性能对小的制冷剂泄漏更不敏感。Since the refrigerant in the reservoir 18 will make up for refrigerant lost in an efficient system, the performance of the system 10 is less sensitive to small refrigerant leaks than conventional systems.
系统10在安装它的相反季节，不需要致冷剂检查。The system 10 does not require refrigerant checks in the opposite season it is installed.
因为当储器18和膨胀装置22在由控制器28控制时的自校正优点，系统10将由于高排出压力问题的缘故，而相对于常规系统来说，具有很少的关停可能性。Because of the self-correcting advantages of the reservoir 18 and expansion device 22 when controlled by the controller 28, the system 10 will have less likelihood of shutting down due to high head pressure problems than conventional systems.
各种注意事项与实施例Various Notes and Examples
在实施例1中，热泵系统包括：压缩机、至少一个膨胀阀、在其中连续储存液态制冷剂的体积的储器、连接到储器以指示在冷却和加热方式下的适当制冷剂充注量的液体致冷剂指示器和配置来基于室外气温确定目标压缩机排出压力并且通过调节所述至少一个膨胀阀的位置来控制压缩机排出压力的控制器，其中，目标排出压力瞄准目标越高，在储器中留下的液态制冷剂越少。In embodiment 1, the heat pump system comprises: a compressor, at least one expansion valve, a reservoir in which a volume of liquid refrigerant is continuously stored, connected to the reservoir to indicate an appropriate refrigerant charge in cooling and heating modes a liquid refrigerant indicator and a controller configured to determine a target compressor discharge pressure based on the outdoor air temperature and to control the compressor discharge pressure by adjusting the position of the at least one expansion valve, wherein the target discharge pressure is aimed at a higher target, The less liquid refrigerant is left in the reservoir.
实施例2可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例1的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括室内热交换器以及与室内热交换器流体连通的室外热交换器，其中，所述至少一个膨胀阀布置在其间，并调节室内热交换器和室外热交换器之间的制冷剂的流动。Embodiment 2 may include or may optionally combine one or any combination of the subject matter of Embodiment 1 to optionally include an indoor heat exchanger and an outdoor heat exchanger in fluid communication with the indoor heat exchanger, wherein the at least An expansion valve is disposed therebetween and regulates the flow of refrigerant between the indoor heat exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger.
实施例3可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例1和2的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括调节所述至少一个膨胀阀的位置，包括打开和/或关闭所述至少一个膨胀阀以使得所述阀的孔尺寸增大或减小。Embodiment 3 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1 and 2 to optionally include adjusting the position of said at least one expansion valve, including opening and/or closing said at least one expansion valve. valve such that the orifice size of the valve is increased or decreased.
实施例4可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例1-3的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括一个储器，该储器具有配置为指示关于该储器内的液态制冷剂的体积的期望量的元件。Embodiment 4 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-3 to optionally include a reservoir having a volume of the desired amount of components.
实施例5可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例1-4的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括一个元件，该元件定位使得液体致冷剂在填充到期望量时的体积包括系统操作的冷却模式和系统操作的加热模式之间的至少一个液态制冷剂充注体积差和用以防止储器变干或溢出的保留体积。Embodiment 5 may include or may optionally incorporate the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-4 to optionally include an element positioned such that the volume of liquid refrigerant when filled to the desired amount comprises the system At least one liquid refrigerant charge volume difference between the cooling mode of operation and the heating mode of system operation and a retention volume to prevent the reservoir from drying out or overflowing.
实施例6可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例1-5的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括一个元件，该元件定位使得指示无论系统操作的当前模式如何，也无论制冷剂预期要添加到系统中的季节如何，都适合的液态制冷剂的体积。Embodiment 6 may include or may optionally incorporate the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-5 to optionally include an element positioned so as to indicate that regardless of the current mode of system operation and regardless of the refrigerant expected The volume of liquid refrigerant to be added to the system is appropriate for the season.
实施例7可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例1-6的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地具有包括相互间隔的两个元件的元件，两个元件中的每一元件指示储器中基于系统操作的当前模式和制冷剂预期要添加到系统中的一个季节两者都适合的液态制冷剂的体积。Embodiment 7 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-6 to optionally have an element comprising two elements spaced from each other, each of the two elements being indicative of a reservoir The volume of liquid refrigerant in both is suitable for one season based on the current mode of system operation and the refrigerant is expected to be added to the system.
实施例8可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例1-7的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地在储器中包括液态制冷剂的体积，该液态制冷剂的体积包括在系统操作的冷却模式和系统操作的加热模式之间由系统使用的制冷剂的体积差的至少两倍制冷剂。Embodiment 8 may include or may optionally incorporate the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-7 to selectively include in the reservoir a volume of liquid refrigerant included in the system operating At least twice the refrigerant volume difference in refrigerant used by the system between the cooling mode and the heating mode of system operation.
实施例9可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例1-8的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括一个控制器，该控制器进一步配置成确定室内气温，并且压缩机排出压力从室内气温导出。Embodiment 9 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-8 to optionally include a controller further configured to determine the indoor air temperature, and the compressor discharge pressure from the indoor temperature export.
实施例10可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例1-9的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括系统操作的加热模式，室内气温用于控制压缩机排出压力，并且其中在系统操作的冷却模式中，室外气温用于控制压缩机排出压力。Embodiment 10 may include or may optionally incorporate the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-9 to optionally include a heating mode of system operation, room air temperature is used to control compressor discharge pressure, and wherein in system operation In cooling mode, the outside air temperature is used to control the compressor discharge pressure.
实施例11可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例1-10的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括一个控制器，该控制器进一步配置为确定用于溢出储器的可能性，并增大压缩机排出压力目标，其当检测到溢出储器时调节所述至少一个膨胀阀的位置到更加闭合的位置。Embodiment 11 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-10 to optionally include a controller further configured to determine a likelihood for overflowing the reservoir, and Increasing the compressor discharge pressure target that adjusts the position of the at least one expansion valve to a more closed position when overflow of the reservoir is detected.
实施例12可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例1-11的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括至少一个膨胀阀，其包括两个或更多个膨胀阀的组件，所述两个或更多个膨胀阀中的每一个都具有相关联的止回阀。Embodiment 12 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 1-11 to optionally include at least one expansion valve comprising an assembly of two or more expansion valves, the two Each of the one or more expansion valves has an associated check valve.
在实施例13中，方法包括：热泵操作期间在储器内连续存储液态制冷剂的体积，该液态制冷剂的体积包括用于热泵操作的加热模式和冷却模式两者的适当量；确定室外气温和压缩机排出压力；并且基于所确定的室外气温控制压缩机排出压力，其中储器中液态制冷剂的体积基于排出压力改变。In Example 13, the method comprises: continuously storing a volume of liquid refrigerant in a reservoir during heat pump operation, the volume of liquid refrigerant comprising an appropriate amount for both heating and cooling modes of heat pump operation; determining an outdoor air temperature and compressor discharge pressure; and controlling the compressor discharge pressure based on the determined outdoor air temperature, wherein the volume of liquid refrigerant in the reservoir changes based on the discharge pressure.
实施例14可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例13的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括增大压缩机排出压力目标来调节所述至少一个膨胀阀的位置以防止溢出储器；并且如果目标排出压力达到预定高限，则发出一个警告或关闭热泵系统以防止损坏压缩机。Embodiment 14 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of Embodiment 13, or any combination thereof, to optionally include increasing the compressor discharge pressure target to adjust the position of the at least one expansion valve to prevent overflow of the reservoir; And if the target discharge pressure reaches a predetermined high limit, a warning is issued or the heat pump system is shut down to prevent damage to the compressor.
实施例15可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例13和14的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括指示关于该储器内的液态制冷剂的体积的期望量。Embodiment 15 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 13 and 14 to optionally include an indication of a desired amount with respect to the volume of liquid refrigerant within the reservoir.
实施例16可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例13-15的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括独立于热泵操作的当前模式和制冷剂预期要添加到热泵中的季节的指示。Embodiment 16 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 13-15 to optionally include an indication independent of the current mode of operation of the heat pump and the season in which refrigerant is expected to be added to the heat pump.
实施例17可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例13-16的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括取决于热泵操作的当前模式和制冷剂预期要添加到热泵中的季节两者的指示。Embodiment 17 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 13-16 to optionally include both the current mode of operation of the heat pump and the season in which refrigerant is expected to be added to the heat pump. instruct.
实施例18可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例13-17的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括确定室内气温，并且从室内气温导出压缩机排出压力。Embodiment 18 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 13-17 to optionally include determining the indoor air temperature, and deriving the compressor discharge pressure from the indoor air temperature.
实施例19可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例13-18的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括在热泵操作的加热模式下基于室内气温控制压缩机排出压力；并且在热泵操作的冷却模式下基于所确定的室外气温控制压缩机排出压力。Embodiment 19 may include or may optionally incorporate the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 13-18 to optionally include controlling compressor discharge pressure based on indoor air temperature in a heating mode of heat pump operation; and The compressor discharge pressure is controlled in cooling mode based on the determined outside air temperature.
在实施例20中，储器包括：配置成在热泵操作的加热模式和冷却模式两者期间容纳液体致冷剂的连续体积的壳体；以及配置为指示关于储器内的液态制冷剂的体积的期望量的元件。In embodiment 20, the reservoir includes: a housing configured to contain a continuous volume of liquid refrigerant during both heating and cooling modes of heat pump operation; the desired amount of components.
实施例21可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例20的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括一个元件，该元件定位使得液体致冷剂在填充到期望量时的体积包括热泵操作的冷却模式和热泵操作的加热模式之间的至少一个液态制冷剂充注体积差和用以防止储器变干或溢出的保留体积。Embodiment 21 may include or may optionally incorporate one or any combination of the subject matter of Embodiment 20 to optionally include an element positioned such that the volume of liquid refrigerant when filled to the desired amount comprises the volume of heat pump operation At least one liquid refrigerant charge volume difference between the cooling mode and the heating mode of heat pump operation and a retention volume to prevent the reservoir from drying out or overflowing.
实施例22可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例20和21的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括一个元件，该元件定位使得指示无论系统操作的当前模式如何，也无论制冷剂预期要添加到系统中的季节如何，都适合的液态制冷剂的体积。Embodiment 22 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 20 and 21 to optionally include an element positioned so as to indicate that regardless of the current mode of system operation and regardless of the refrigerant expected The volume of liquid refrigerant to be added to the system is appropriate for the season.
实施例23可以包括或可以有选择地结合实施例20-22的一个或任何组合的主题，以有选择地包括相互间隔的两个元件的一个元件，两个元件的每一元件指示储器中基于系统操作的当前模式和制冷剂预期要添加到系统中的季节两者都适合的液态制冷剂的体积。Embodiment 23 may include or may optionally combine the subject matter of one or any combination of Embodiments 20-22 to optionally include an element of two elements spaced apart from each other, each of the two elements indicating The volume of liquid refrigerant is appropriate both based on the current mode of system operation and the season in which the refrigerant is expected to be added to the system.
这些非限制性实施例中的每一个都可以自立，或者可以与任何一个或多个其他实施例以任何置换或组合方式进行组合。Each of these non-limiting embodiments can stand on its own or be combined with any one or more of the other embodiments in any permutation or combination.
以上详细描述包括对形成详细描述的一部分附图的参考。附图以说明方式示出可以实施本发明主题的具体实施方式。这些实施方式在本文中也称作“实施例”。这样的实施例可以包括除了所示出或描述的那些元件之外的元件。然而，本发明人还预期在其中仅仅提供所示出或描述的那些元件的实施例。此外，本发明人还预期要么关于特定实施例(或其一个或多个方面)，要么关于这里所示出或描述的其它实施例(或其一个或多个方面)，使用所示出或描述的那些元件(或其一个或多个方面)的任何组合或置换的实施例。The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the inventive subject matter may be practiced. These implementations are also referred to herein as "examples." Such embodiments may include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate embodiments in which only those elements shown or described are provided. In addition, the inventors contemplate using either the particular embodiment (or one or more aspects thereof) or other embodiments (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein, using the Any combination or permutation of those elements (or one or more aspects thereof) of the embodiment.
在本文件和通过引用并入的任何文件之间的不一致用法的情况下，本文件的用法具有支配权。In the event of inconsistent usage between this document and any document incorporated by reference, the usage of this document controls.
在该文件中，如在专利文件中常见的术语“一”或“一个”用于包括一个或一个以上，与“至少一个”或“一个或多个”的任何其他实例或用法无关。在本文件中，术语“或”用于指非排它的“或”，使得“A或B”包括“A而非B”、“B但非A”以及“A和B”，除非另有指示。在这个文件中，术语“包括”和“在其中”用作相应术语“包含”和“其中”的纯英语同义词。另外，在伴随的权利要求书中，术语“包括”和“包含”是开放式的，也就是说，包括各元件以及在权利要求中的这种术语之后列出的那些元件的系统、设备、物品、组合物、制剂或过程仍然被认为落入该权利要求的范围中。此外，在伴随的权利要求书中，术语“第一”、“第二”和“第三”等仅仅是用作标签，并不旨在对它们的对象施加附图标记要求。In this document, the terms "a" or "an" as is common in patent documents are used to include one or more, regardless of any other instance or usage of "at least one" or "one or more". In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to a non-exclusive "or" such that "A or B" includes "A and not B", "B but not A" and "A and B", unless otherwise instruct. In this document, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as plain English synonyms for the corresponding terms "comprising" and "in which". Additionally, in the accompanying claims, the terms "comprising" and "comprising" are open ended, that is, systems, devices, An article, composition, formulation or process is still considered to fall within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, in the accompanying claims, the terms "first", "second", and "third", etc. are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose reference numeral requirements on their objects.
本文中所描述的方法实施例可以至少部分机器或计算机实施。一些实施例可以包括以可操作以配置电子装置来执行如在上述实施例中所述的方法的指令编码的计算机可读介质或机器可读介质。这样的方法的实施可以包括诸如微代码、汇编语言代码、高级语言代码之类的代码。这样的代码可以包括用于执行各种方法的计算机可读指令。所述代码可以形成计算机程序产品的各部分。此外，在一个实施例中，代码诸如在执行期间或在其它时间，可以有形地存储在一个或多个易失性、非短暂性或非易失性有形计算机可读介质中。这些有形计算机可读介质的实施例可以包括但不限于硬盘、可移动磁盘、可移动光盘(例如致密光盘和数字视频盘)、磁带盒、存储卡或棒、随机存取存储器(RAM)、只读存储器(ROM)等。Method embodiments described herein may be implemented at least in part by a machine or computer. Some embodiments may include a computer-readable medium or a machine-readable medium encoded with instructions operable to configure an electronic device to perform a method as described in the above-described embodiments. An implementation of such methods may include code such as microcode, assembly language code, high level language code, or the like. Such code may include computer readable instructions for performing various methods. Said code may form parts of a computer program product. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the code may be tangibly stored on one or more volatile, non-transitory, or non-volatile tangible computer-readable media, such as during execution or at other times. Examples of such tangible computer readable media may include, but are not limited to, hard disks, removable magnetic disks, removable optical disks (such as compact disks and digital video disks), magnetic tape cartridges, memory cards or sticks, random access memory (RAM), Read memory (ROM), etc.
以上描述旨在说明而不是限制。例如，上述实施例(或其一个或多个方面)可以相互组合使用。其他实施方式可以例如由本领域一个普通技术人员在回顾以上描述时使用。提供摘要以符合37C.F.R.§1.72(b)中，来允许读者快速地确定该技术公开的本质。需要理解，这不用来解释或限制权利要求的范围或含义。另外，在以上详细说明中，各种特征可以分组在一起以精简本公开。这不应该被解释为意图使未要求的公开特征对任何权利要求是基本的。相反，本发明的主题可以处于少于特定公开的实施方式的所有特征。因此，伴随的权利要求作为实施例或实施方式结合到“具体实施方式”部分中，每一个权利要求独立地作为单独的实施方式，并且可以预期这样的实施方式可以以各种组合或置换方式彼此组合。本主题的范围应该参考所附权利要求书连同这样的权利要求所限定的等效物的完整范围来确定。The above description is intended to be illustrative rather than limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may be used, for example, by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is to be understood that this will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Additionally, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together in order to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the accompanying claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description section as examples or implementations, with each claim standing on its own as a separate implementation, and it is contemplated that such implementations may be combined or substituted for each other in various ways combination. The scope of the subject matter should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
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| US14/798,949 | 2015-07-14 | ||
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