Patent Description:
At present, when a heat pump unit is in a heating mode, if a surface temperature of an evaporator is below zero, frost will be formed on a surface of a heat exchanger. If the frost on the surface of the heat exchanger is not cleared in time, it will block an air passage and reduce a heat transfer area. An air flow resistance is obviously increased, and a heat exchange efficiency is reduced, thus leading to a reduced overall performance of the heat pump unit. Therefore, regular defrosting is required.

In existing air conditioner defrosting technologies, when a defrosting condition is reached for an air conditioner unit, a four-way valve changes direction, and a high-temperature hot water on an exhaust side of a compressor directly enters a fin side for defrosting. After the defrosting is completed, a direction-changing unit of the four-way valve enters a heating mode; during defrosting, the unit is in a non-heating state, and a heating capacity of the unit is also reduced due to frequent defrosting.

Therefore, how to solve the frosting problem of the heat pump unit so as to reduce the influence of the defrosting process on the heating capacity of the heat pump unit is an urgent problem to be addressed by those skilled in the art. In this context, reference is made to the Chinese prior art documents <CIT> and <CIT>, which relate to defrosting systems for air conditioners and which contain relevant background information to the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a defrosting system, a defrosting method, and an air conditioner, as set out in the claims. In order to have a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not a general comment, nor is it intended to identify key/important elements or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simple form as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

According to a first aspect of the invention of the present disclosure, a defrosting system is provided, as claimed in claim <NUM>.

According to the invention, the defrosting system includes: an auxiliary water path and a controller; the auxiliary water path is arranged on a condenser side; and the controller includes: a first unit, which is configured to obtain an ambient temperature; a second unit, which is configured to obtain a coil temperature of the auxiliary water path; and a third unit, which is configured to control the auxiliary water path to be connected to high-temperature hot water of a main water path according to the ambient temperature and the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path.

The third unit includes: a first judging unit, which is configured to judge whether the ambient temperature meets a first condition; and a second judging unit, which is configured to judge whether the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition; when the ambient temperature meets the first condition and the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the second condition, the third unit controls the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path.

Optionally, the third unit includes: a first judging unit, which is configured to judge whether the ambient temperature meets a first condition; a second judging unit, which is configured to judge whether the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition; and a third judging unit, which is configured to judge whether a running time of a heat pump unit in a heating mode meets a third condition; when the ambient temperature meets the first condition, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the second condition, and the running time of the heat pump unit in the heating mode meets the third condition, the third unit controls the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path.

Optionally, the third unit includes: a first judging unit, which is configured to judge whether the ambient temperature meets a first condition; a second judging unit, which is configured to judge whether the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition; a third judging unit, which is configured to judge whether a running time of a heat pump unit in a heating mode meets a third condition; and a fourth judging unit, which is configured to judge whether the time since a last defrosting process meets a fourth condition; when the ambient temperature meets the first condition, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the second condition, the running time of the heat pump unit in the heating mode meets the third condition, and the time since the last defrosting process meets the fourth condition, the third unit controls the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path.

Optionally, a water pump is provided between the auxiliary water path and the main water path, and the controller controls the water pump to be turned on or off.

According to a second aspect of the invention, an air conditioner is provided as claimed in claim <NUM>.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a defrosting method for defrosting an air conditioner is provided, as claimed in claim <NUM>.

According to the invention, the defrosting method is used to defrost an air conditioner which is provided with an auxiliary water path on a condenser side, and the defrosting method includes the following steps: obtaining an ambient temperature, and a coil temperature of the auxiliary water path; and controlling the auxiliary water path to be connected to high-temperature hot water of a main water path according to the ambient temperature and the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path.

According to the invention, the step of controlling the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path according to the ambient temperature and the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path includes: controlling the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path, when the ambient temperature meets a first condition and the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition.

Optionally, the defrosting method further includes: obtaining a running time of a heat pump unit in a heating mode; and controlling the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path, when the ambient temperature meets a first condition, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition, and the running time of the heat pump unit in the heating mode meets a third condition.

Optionally, the defrosting method further includes: obtaining a running time of a heat pump unit in a heating mode and the time since a last defrosting process; and controlling the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path, when the ambient temperature meets a first condition, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition, the running time of the heat pump unit in the heating mode meets a third condition, and the time since the last defrosting process meets a fourth condition.

The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention may have the following advantageous effects.

The defrosting operation of the condenser can be completed by introducing the high-temperature hot water of the main water path into the auxiliary water path on the condenser side without shutting down the heat pump unit, thereby ensuring the continuous operation of the heat pump unit and avoiding frequent start and stop of the unit during the defrosting process.

It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only illustrative and exemplary, and should not be considered as limiting the present invention. The scope of the invention is set out in the claims.

The drawings, where are herein incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of the specification, show embodiments in accordance with the present invention, and are used to explain the principles of the present disclosure together with the specification.

Specific embodiments of the present invention will be fully illustrated in the following description and drawings to enable those skilled in the art to carry them out. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, procedural, and other changes. The embodiments only represent possible changes. Unless explicitly required, separate components and functions are optional, and the order of operations may be changed. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in other embodiments or replace parts and features of other embodiments. In this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and they do not require or imply any actual relationship or order among these entities or operations. Moreover, terms "include", "contain" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method or device including a series of elements include not only those elements, but also other elements that are not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to the process, method or device. If there are no more restrictions, the element defined by the sentence "including a. " does not exclude the existence of other identical elements in the process, method or device that includes the element. The various embodiments in this document are described in a progressive manner. Each embodiment focuses on its differences from other embodiments, and for the same or similar parts between the various embodiments, reference may be made to each other. For the method, product and the like disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the method disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and for related parts, reference may be made to the description of the method.

<FIG> shows an optional embodiment of a defrosting not forming part of the claimed invention.

In this optional embodiment, the defrosting system includes: an auxiliary water path <NUM> and a controller <NUM>; the auxiliary water path <NUM> is arranged on a condenser <NUM> side, and the auxiliary water path <NUM> is a branch from a main water path <NUM>; and the controller <NUM> includes: a first unit <NUM>, which is configured to obtain an ambient temperature; a second unit <NUM>, which is configured to obtain a coil temperature of the auxiliary water path; and a third unit <NUM>, which is configured to control the auxiliary water path to be connected to high-temperature hot water of the main water path according to the ambient temperature and the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path.

By adopting this optional embodiment, the defrosting operation of the condenser can be completed by introducing the high-temperature hot water of the main water path into the auxiliary water path on the condenser side without shutting down the heat pump unit, thereby ensuring the continuous operation of the heat pump unit and avoiding frequent start and stop of the unit during the defrosting process. By contrast, in the traditional air conditioner defrosting method, the heat pump unit is in a non-heating state during defrosting, and the four-way valve is required to change direction; high-temperature hot water on an exhaust side of a compressor directly enters the condenser side for defrosting; after the defrosting is completed, the four-way valve changes direction, and the heat pump unit enters the heating mode again.

Optionally, a water pump is provided between the auxiliary water path and the main water path, and the controller controls the water pump to be turned on or off. When the water pump is turned on, the auxiliary water path is communicated to the main water path, and part of the high-temperature hot water in the main water path circulates to the auxiliary water path to defrost the condenser; and when the water pump is turned off, the auxiliary water path and the main water path are disconnected.

By adopting this optional embodiment, the communication between the auxiliary water path and the main water path is realized by the water pump. On one hand, the auxiliary water path and the main water path can be reliably connected or disconnected, and on the other hand, the circulation speed of the high-temperature hot water can be increased.

Of course, according to the teaching of the present invention, those skilled in the art may also choose other devices, such as a solenoid valve, to realize the control of the connection or disconnection between the auxiliary water path and the main water path.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the third unit according to the invention.

In this embodiment, the third unit <NUM> includes: a first judging unit <NUM>, which is configured to judge whether the ambient temperature meets a first condition; and a second judging unit <NUM>, which is configured to judge whether the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition; when the ambient temperature meets the first condition and the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the second condition, the third unit controls the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path.

According to the invention, the first condition is: <NUM><Ta≤<NUM>, where Ta is the ambient temperature.

For example, the first judging unit includes a comparing unit, and the comparing unit is configured to compare the collected ambient temperature with upper and lower temperature limit values stored in a memory. If the ambient temperature meets the first condition, the first judging unit outputs "yes", and if the ambient temperature does not meet the first condition, the first judging unit outputs "no".

According to the invention, the second condition is: Te ≤ <NUM>, where Te is the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path.

For example, the second judging unit also includes a comparing unit, which is configured to compare the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path with an upper limit value of the second condition stored in the memory. If the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the second condition, the second judging unit outputs "yes", and if the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path does not meet the second condition, the second judging unit outputs "no".

Optionally, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path is a temperature of a water inlet pipeline, or the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path is a temperature of a water outlet pipeline. Optionally, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path is obtained by a temperature sensor arranged in a water outlet pipeline of the auxiliary water path. Optionally, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path is obtained by a temperature sensor arranged in a water inlet pipeline of the auxiliary water path.

According to the invention, the second condition is: Te≤<NUM> for a duration of t<NUM>, where Te is the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path, and t<NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM> minutes.

For example, the second judging unit includes a comparing unit and a timing unit. The comparing unit is configured to compare the collected coil temperature of the auxiliary water path with an upper temperature limit value of the second condition stored in the memory. If the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a temperature condition, the comparing unit outputs "yes", and if the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path does not meet the temperature condition, the comparing unit outputs "no". The timing unit is configured to start timing when the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the temperature condition. If the timing duration meets a time condition, the timing unit outputs "yes"; and if the timing duration does not meet the time condition, the timing unit outputs "no".

By adopting this embodiment of the invention, in which the second condition includes a temperature condition and a time condition, the defrosting operation caused by a sudden change in the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path can be prevented from being mis-triggered. If the time interval for the sudden change in the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path to return to a normal range does not meet the time condition, then the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path does not meet the second condition. If the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the temperature condition and this lasts for a period of time to meet the time condition, then the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the second condition.

<FIG> shows another optional embodiment of the third unit according to the invention.

In this optional embodiment, the third unit <NUM> includes: a first judging unit <NUM>, which is configured to judge whether the ambient temperature meets a first condition; a second judging unit <NUM>, which is configured to judge whether the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition; and a third judging unit <NUM>, which is configured to judge whether a running time of a heat pump unit in a heating mode meets a third condition; when the ambient temperature meets the first condition, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the second condition, and the running time of the heat pump unit in the heating mode meets the third condition, the third unit controls the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path.

By adopting this optional embodiment, when the heating mode starts, no frost will be formed on the condenser side, and no defrosting operation is required. Therefore, the heat pump unit will operate in the heating mode for a period of time before performing the defrosting operation, which can improve the operating efficiency of the air conditioner.

Optionally, the third condition is: t<NUM>≥<NUM> minutes, and t<NUM> is a running time of the heat pump unit in the heating mode.

For example, the third judging unit includes a timing unit. The timing unit is configured to start timing when the heat pump unit runs in the heating mode. If the timing duration is up, the third judging unit outputs "yes", and if the timing duration is not up, the third judging unit outputs "no".

In this optional embodiment, the third unit <NUM> includes: a first judging unit <NUM>, which is configured to judge whether the ambient temperature meets a first condition; a second judging unit <NUM>, which is configured to judge whether the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition; a third judging unit <NUM>, which is configured to judge whether a running time of a heat pump unit in a heating mode meets a third condition; and the fourth judging unit <NUM>, which is configured to judge whether the time since a last defrosting process meets a fourth condition; when the ambient temperature meets the first condition, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the second condition, the running time of the heat pump unit in the heating mode meets the third condition, and the time since the last defrosting process meets the fourth condition, the third unit controls the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path.

Optionally, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path is a temperature of a water inlet pipeline, or the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path may also be a temperature of a water outlet pipeline. Optionally, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path is obtained by a temperature sensor arranged in a water outlet pipeline of the auxiliary water path. Optionally, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path is obtained by a temperature sensor arranged in a water inlet pipeline of the auxiliary water path.

Optionally, the third condition is: t<NUM>≥<NUM> minutes, and t<NUM> is the running time of the heat pump unit in the heating mode.

Optionally, the fourth condition is: t<NUM>≥<NUM> minutes, and t<NUM> is the time since the last defrosting process.

For example, the fourth judging unit includes a timing unit, which is configured to start timing after the present defrosting process is completed. If the timing duration is up, the fourth judging unit outputs "yes", and if the timing duration is not up, the fourth judging unit outputs "no".

In some optional embodiments, an air conditioner is provided, which includes a condenser, and the air conditioner further includes the defrosting system described above.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a defrosting method according to the invention.

In this embodiment, the defrosting method is used to defrost an air conditioner which is provided with an auxiliary water path on a condenser side, and the defrosting method includes the following steps: step <NUM>, obtaining an ambient temperature, and a coil temperature of the auxiliary water path; and step <NUM>, controlling the auxiliary water path to be connected to high-temperature hot water of a main water path according to the ambient temperature and the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path.

By adopting this embodiment, the defrosting operation of the condenser can be completed by introducing the high-temperature hot water of the main water path into the auxiliary water path on the condenser side without shutting down the heat pump unit, thereby ensuring the continuous operation of the heat pump unit and avoiding frequent start and stop of the unit during the defrosting process. By contrast, in the traditional air conditioner defrosting method, the heat pump unit is in a non-heating state during defrosting, and the four-way valve is required to change direction; high-temperature hot water on an exhaust side of a compressor directly enters the condenser side for defrosting; after the defrosting is completed, the four-way valve changes direction, and the heat pump unit enters the heating mode again.

For example, the air conditioner includes a controller, which obtains an ambient temperature, and a coil temperature of the auxiliary water path, and which controls the auxiliary water path to be connected to high-temperature hot water of a main water path according to the ambient temperature and the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path.

Optionally, a water pump is provided between the auxiliary water path and the main water path, and by controlling the water pump to be turned on or off, the connection or disconnection between the auxiliary water path and the main water path is realized. When the water pump is turned on, the auxiliary water path is communicated to the main water path, and part of the high-temperature hot water in the main water path circulates to the auxiliary water path to defrost the condenser; and when the water pump is turned off, the auxiliary water path and the main water path are disconnected.

For example, the air conditioner includes a controller that controls the water pump to be turned on or off. When the water pump is turned on, the auxiliary water path is communicated to the main water path, and part of the high-temperature hot water in the main water path circulates to the auxiliary water path to defrost the condenser; and when the water pump is turned off, the auxiliary water path and the main water path are disconnected.

For example, the air conditioner includes a controller, and the controller includes a first judging unit and a second judging unit. The first judging unit includes a comparing unit, which is configured to compare the collected ambient temperature with upper and lower temperature limit values of the first condition stored in a memory. If the ambient temperature meets the first condition, the first judging unit outputs "yes", and if the ambient temperature does not meet the first condition, the first judging unit outputs "no". The second judging unit also includes a comparing unit, which is configured to compare the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path with an upper temperature limit value of the second condition stored in the memory. If the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the second condition, the second judging unit outputs "yes", and if the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path does not meet the second condition, the second judging unit outputs "no". The controller controls the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path according to the output results of the first judging unit and the second judging unit.

For example, the second judging unit includes a comparing unit and a timing unit. The comparing unit is configured to compare the collected coil temperature of the auxiliary water path with an upper temperature limit value of the second condition stored in the memory. If the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a temperature condition, the comparing unit outputs "yes", and if the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path does not meet the temperature condition, the comparing unit outputs "no". The timing unit is configured to start timing when the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the temperature condition. If the timing duration meets a time condition, the timing unit outputs "yes"; and if the timing duration does not meet the time condition, the timing unit outputs "no". The second judging unit performs an "AND" operation on the output results of the comparing unit and the timing unit. When the output results of the comparing unit and the timing unit are both "yes", the second judging unit outputs "yes", and for other combinations of the results, the second judging unit outputs "no".

By adopting this optional embodiment, in which the second condition includes a temperature condition and a time condition, the defrosting operation caused by a sudden change in the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path can be prevented from being mis-triggered. If the time interval for the sudden change in the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path to return to a normal range does not meet the time condition, then the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path does not meet the second condition. If the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the temperature condition and this lasts for a period of time to meet the time condition, then the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the second condition.

<FIG> shows another optional embodiment of the defrosting method according to the invention.

In this optional embodiment, the defrosting method includes the following steps: step <NUM>, obtaining an ambient temperature, a coil temperature of the auxiliary water path, and a running time of a heat pump unit in a heating mode; and step <NUM>, controlling the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path, when the ambient temperature meets a first condition, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition, and the running time of the heat pump unit in the heating mode meets a third condition.

For example, the air conditioner includes a controller, and the controller includes a first judging unit, a second judging unit, and a third judging unit. The third judging unit includes a timing unit, which is configured to start timing when the heat pump unit runs in the heating mode. If the timing duration is up, the third judging unit outputs "yes", and if the timing duration is not up, the third judging unit outputs "no". If the first judging unit, the second judging unit and the third judging unit all output "yes", the controller controls the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path.

In this optional embodiment, the defrosting method includes the following steps: step <NUM>, obtaining an ambient temperature, a coil temperature of the auxiliary water path, a running time of a heat pump unit in a heating mode and the time since a last defrosting process; and step <NUM>, controlling the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path, when the ambient temperature meets a first condition, the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition, the running time of the heat pump unit in the heating mode meets a third condition, and the time since the last defrosting process meets a fourth condition.

For example, the air conditioner includes a controller, and the controller includes a first judging unit, a second judging unit, a third judging unit, and a fourth judging unit. The fourth judging unit includes a timing unit, which is configured to start timing after the present defrosting process is completed. If the timing duration is up, the fourth judging unit outputs "yes", and if the timing duration is not up, the fourth judging unit outputs "no". When the first judging unit, the second judging unit, the third judging unit and the fourth judging unit all output "yes", the controller controls the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path.

In an exemplary embodiment, a computer device is also provided. The computer device includes a memory, a processor, and a program that is stored on the memory and can be executed by the processor, and when the program is executed by the processor, the defrosting method described above is implemented.

In an exemplary embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions is also provided, such as a memory including instructions, which can be executed by a processor to implement the defrosting method described above. The aforementioned non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic tape, an optical storage device, and the like.

It can be recognized by those skilled in the art that the units and algorithm steps of the examples described in combination with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are executed by hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraint conditions of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use a different method for each specific application to implement the described functions, but such implementation should not be considered as going beyond the scope of the present invention. It can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that for the sake of the convenience and brevity of description, for the specific working process of the above-described system, device and units, reference may be made to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiment, and a repeated description is omitted herein.

In the embodiments disclosed herein, it should be understood that the disclosed methods and products (including but not limited to devices, apparatuses, etc.) can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only illustrative. For example, the division of the units is only a division of logical function, and there may be other divisions in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not implemented. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection as illustrated or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection implemented through some interfaces, devices or units, and may be in electrical, mechanical or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network units. In addition, the functional units in various embodiments of the present invention may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist alone physically, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

Claim 1:
A defrosting system, comprising an auxiliary water path (<NUM>) and a controller (<NUM>);
wherein the auxiliary water path (<NUM>) is arranged on a condenser side (<NUM>); and
the controller (<NUM>) comprises:
a first unit (<NUM>), which is configured to obtain an ambient temperature;
a second unit (<NUM>), which is configured to obtain a coil temperature of the auxiliary water path; and
a third unit (<NUM>), which is configured to control the auxiliary water path to be connected to high-temperature hot water of a main water path according to the ambient temperature and the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path, wherein the third unit (<NUM>) comprises:
a first judging unit (<NUM>), which is configured to judge whether the ambient temperature meets a first condition; and
a second judging unit (<NUM>), which is configured to judge whether the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets a second condition;
wherein when the ambient temperature meets the first condition and the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path meets the second condition, the third unit controls the auxiliary water path to be connected to the high-temperature hot water of the main water path,
characterized in that
the first condition is: <NUM><Ta≤<NUM>, where Ta is the ambient temperature;
the second condition is: Te≤<NUM> for a duration of t1, where Te is the coil temperature of the auxiliary water path, and t1 is <NUM> to <NUM> minutes.