BATTERY PACK, AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR THE SAME

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/498,408 filed on Oct. 31, 2023, which claims priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 202211343615.5 filed on Oct. 31, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to a battery box, an air conditioning system and a method for the air conditioning system.

BACKGROUND

In an air conditioning system, once a refrigerant leak is detected, the refrigerant should be immediately recovered and locked in a specific pipeline in order to limit amount of the refrigerant leak, thus avoiding potential fire or explosion risks.

Therefore, valves in the air conditioning system should be shut down in a timely manner in the event of a sudden power failure. However, the control circuits in existing air conditioning systems may not have sufficient energy to shut down these valves after the sudden power failure.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided a battery box, the battery box comprising: a charging and energy storage unit for charging and storing electrical energy using an input voltage supplied to the battery box; a power failure detection unit for detecting a power failure of the input voltage; and a power output switching unit for switching an output based on a detection result of the power failure detection unit, wherein the power output switching unit is configured to output a voltage from the charging and energy storage unit when the power failure detection unit detects a power failure, and is configured not to output the voltage when the power failure detection unit does not detect the power failure.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, in the battery box, the power output switching unit is further configured not to output the voltage after a preset time period T of the power failure detected by the power failure detection unit.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, in the battery box, the charging and energy storage unit comprises: an energy storage unit; and a charging unit for converting an AC input voltage supplied to the battery box to a DC voltage for charging the energy storage unit.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, in the battery box, the charging and energy storage unit further comprises: a voltage regulating unit for converting a first DC voltage from the energy storage unit (e.g., a charge stored in the charging and energy storage unit) to a second DC voltage.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the battery box further comprises: an energy storage state detection unit for detecting whether a voltage from the energy storage unit satisfies a preset voltage threshold.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the battery box further comprises: a power supply line detection unit for detecting whether an output of the battery box is normally connected.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the battery box is configured to output a “ready” signal when the energy storage state detection unit detects that the voltage from the energy storage unit satisfies the preset voltage threshold and the power supply line detection unit detects that the output of the battery box is normally connected; otherwise, the battery box is configured to output a “not ready” signal.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the battery box further comprises: a micro-control unit MCU for receiving a power failure detection signal from the power failure detection unit and controlling the power output switching unit accordingly.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, in the battery box, the micro-control unit MCU is further configured to receive a first detection signal from the energy storage state detection unit and a second detection signal from the power supply line detection unit; and the micro-control unit MCU is further configured to output a “ready” signal when the first detection signal indicates that the voltage from the energy storage unit satisfies the preset voltage threshold and the second detection signal indicates that the output of the battery box is normally connected; otherwise, the micro-control unit MCU is further configured to output a “not ready” signal.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided an air conditioning system, the system comprising: a battery box as previously described; and a control board circuit for receiving an output voltage from the battery box for a safe operation.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, in the system, the control board circuit is configured to actuate one or more valves to perform a shutdown operation when the output voltage provided by the battery box is greater than a preset threshold.

According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a control method for an air conditioning system, the method comprising: charging an energy storage capacitor in the air conditioning system using an input voltage; detecting a power failure of the input voltage; outputting a voltage of the energy storage capacitor when the power failure of the input voltage is detected, and not outputting the voltage when the power failure is not detected; and performing a safe operation on the air conditioning system based on the output voltage.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the method further comprises: not outputting the voltage after a preset time period T of the power failure detected.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the method further comprises: outputting a “ready” signal when the voltage of the energy storage capacitor satisfies a preset voltage threshold and a voltage output terminal is normally connected; otherwise, outputting a “not ready” signal.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, in the method, the safe operation on the air conditioning system based on the output voltage comprises: actuating one or more valves to perform a shutdown operation when the “ready” signal is received and the output voltage is greater than a preset threshold.

According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided an air conditioning system comprising a battery box configured to output an output voltage, and a control board circuit configured to receive the output voltage from the battery box for a safe operation, wherein during the safe operation, the control board circuit is configured to actuate a refrigerant dissipation system to perform a shutdown operation when the output voltage provided by the battery box is greater than a preset threshold.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the refrigerant dissipation system comprises at least one of, at least one blower, and/or a sensor.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the air conditioning system further comprises an energy storage unit coupled to the refrigerant dissipation system.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the control board circuit is configured to supply power to the refrigerant dissipation system from the energy storage unit for actuation.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the energy storage unit is recharged by an external input voltage received by the battery box.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the energy storage unit is configured to supply the power to the refrigerant dissipation system for at least a clearance duration after the control board circuit has been reset.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the control board circuit is configured to reset upon satisfaction of a reset condition.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the sensor is configured to detect a refrigerant leak from the air conditioning system.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the control board circuit is configured to actuate the blower responsive to the sensor detecting the refrigerant leak.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the air conditioning system further comprises a plurality of safety shut-off valves configured to isolate refrigerant of the air conditioning system from an indoor environment.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the control board circuit is further configured to actuate an entry control valve and an exit control valve of the plurality of shut-off valves of a corresponding indoor unit for the safe operation.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the air conditioning system further comprises an indoor unit, wherein the plurality of safety shut-off valves are configured to isolate the refrigerant within the indoor unit and connected piping.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the battery box is configured to generate the output voltage within at least one of, a first threshold range or a second threshold range, based on detection of at least one of, a power failure and/or a refrigerant leak by the refrigerant dissipation system.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, when the battery box detects the power failure, the battery box is configured to generate the voltage within the first threshold range to power a plurality of shut-off valves.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, when the battery box detects the power failure and the refrigerant leak, the battery box is configured to generate the output voltage within the second threshold range to power a plurality of shut-off valves and the refrigerant dissipation system.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the second threshold range is greater than the first threshold range.

As a supplement or replacement of the foregoing, the at least one blower comprises an indoor fan.

According to an aspect of the present application, there is provided an air conditioning system comprising, a battery box configured to output an output voltage, and a control board circuit configured to receive the output voltage from the battery box for a safe operation, wherein during the safe operation, the control board circuit is configured to actuate at least one safety shut-off valves to perform a shutdown operation when the output voltage provided by the battery box is greater than a preset threshold.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and/or other aspects and advantages of the present application will be clearer and more easily understood from the following description of various aspects in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The accompanying drawings include:

FIGS. 1 to 3 are schematic diagrams of a structure of a battery box according to embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 4 is a circuit schematic diagram of energy storage state detection and power supply line detection according to embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of (part of) a control board circuit according to embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 7 is a circuit schematic diagram of power failure detection and power output switching according to embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a flow schematic diagram of a control method for an air conditioning system according to embodiments of the present application;

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system having a refrigerant dissipation system according to embodiments of the present application; and

FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system having a plurality of safety shut off valves according to embodiments of the present application

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrative embodiments of the present application are illustrated. However, the present application may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments presented herein. The presented embodiments are intended to make the disclosure herein comprehensive and complete, so as to more comprehensively convey the protection scope of the present application to those skilled in the art.

In this specification, terms such as “comprising” and “including” mean that in addition to units and steps that are directly and clearly stated in the specification and claims, the technical solution of the application does not exclude the presence of other units and steps that are not directly or clearly stated in the specification and claims.

Unless otherwise specified, terms such as “first” and “second” do not indicate the order of the units in terms of time, space, size, etc., but are merely used to distinguish the units.

In this specification, “coupled” should be understood as including a case in which electrical energy or electrical signals are transmitted directly between two units, or a case in which electrical energy or electrical signals are transmitted indirectly through one or more third units.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present application, a battery box comprises a power output switching unit, the power output switching unit is configured to output a voltage from a charging and energy storage unit when a power failure detection unit detects a power failure of an input voltage of the battery box, and configured not to output the voltage when the power failure detection unit does not detect the power failure. In this way, the battery box is capable of, on the one hand, performing voltage output in a timely manner in the event of a sudden power failure, thereby providing sufficient energy for a related control circuit (e.g., a control board circuit) to perform a safe operation (e.g., shutting down a valve, which may be any type of a valve), and, on the other hand, performing no voltage output in the event of no power failure, thereby not affecting other control circuits. In accordance with some embodiments of the present application, safe operation may include actuating one or more valves to perform a shutdown operation, such as a ball valve, a solenoid valve, a pulse modulating valve, a needle valve, a check valve, a diaphragm valve, and the like, but not limited thereto. In accordance with some embodiments of the present application, the power output switching unit is also configured not to output the voltage after a preset time period T of the power failure detected by the power failure detection unit. That is, the battery box is capable of not only automatically providing energy (voltage output) at the time of power failure, but also automatically cutting off the energy output after a time period.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present application, the battery box further comprises: an energy storage state detection unit for detecting whether the voltage from the energy storage unit satisfies a preset voltage threshold; and a power supply line detection unit for detecting whether an output of the battery box is normally connected (e.g., whether loosening occurs). In these embodiments, the battery box is configured to output a “ready” signal when the energy storage state detection unit detects that the voltage from the energy storage unit satisfies the preset voltage threshold and the power supply line detection unit detects that the output of the battery box is normally connected; otherwise, to output a “not ready” signal. That is, in addition to providing the output voltage, the battery box can provide the current state of energy storage and the state of the output connection (e.g., by means of the “ready” signal) to an external circuit. This solution enables timely warning of power and circuit failures and improves the safety of the system application.

Specific embodiments of the present application are further described below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that some non-essential features or circuit elements are not shown in the accompanying drawings for the purpose of more clearly describing what is relevant to the present application. However, for those skilled in the art, such omissions do not create difficulties in the implementations of the technical solutions described in the specification of the present application.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure of a battery box 1000 according to embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the battery box 1000 comprises: a charging and energy storage unit 110, a power failure detection unit 120, and a power output switching unit 130. Wherein, the charging and energy storage unit 110 is used to charge and store electrical energy using an input voltage supplied to the battery box 1000; the power failure detection unit 120 is used to detect a power failure of the input voltage; and the power output switching unit 130 is used to switch an output based on a detection result of the power failure detection unit 120, wherein the power output switching unit 130 is configured to output a voltage from the charging and energy storage unit 110 when the power failure detection unit 120 detects a power failure, and is configured not to output the voltage when the power failure detection unit 120 does not detect the power failure.

In the context of the present application, the term “power failure” may also be referred to as a power loss, meaning that no power is supplied to the battery box, for example, due to a sudden power failure, a malfunction, or the like. In the above embodiments of the present application, the power output switching unit 130 is configured to output a voltage from the charging and energy storage unit 110 when the power failure detection unit 120 detects the power failure of the input voltage of the battery box, and is configured not to output the voltage when the power failure detection unit 120 does not detect the power failure. In this way, the battery box 1000 is capable of performing voltage output in a timely manner in the event of a sudden power failure/power loss, thereby providing sufficient energy for a related control circuit (e.g., a control board circuit) to perform a safe operation (e.g., shutting down a valve).

In one embodiment, the power output switching unit 130 is further configured not to output the voltage after a preset time period T of the power failure detected by the power failure detection unit 120. In this way, the battery box 1000 is capable of not only automatically providing energy output at the time of power failure, but also automatically cutting off the energy output after a time period (i.e., the preset time period T), further improving safety.

In one embodiment, the charging and energy storage unit 110 may comprise: an energy storage unit; and a charging unit for converting an AC input voltage supplied to the battery box to a DC voltage for charging the energy storage unit. For example, the energy storage unit may comprise one or more capacitor (or super-capacitor) modules, and the charging unit charges one or more capacitor modules in the energy storage unit after converting the AC input voltage to the DC voltage. In one embodiment, the charging and energy storage unit 110 may further comprise a voltage regulating unit for converting the voltage from the energy storage unit, for example from a first DC voltage to a second DC voltage different from the first DC voltage.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment the battery box 1000 further comprises: an energy storage state detection unit for detecting whether a voltage from the energy storage unit satisfies a preset voltage threshold (e.g. whether it is greater than 5V). In one embodiment, the battery box 1000 may further comprise: a power supply line detection unit for detecting whether an output of the battery box 1000 is normally connected (e.g., whether loosening occurs). In one embodiment, the battery box 1000 is configured to output a “ready” signal when the energy storage state detection unit detects that the voltage from the energy storage unit satisfies the preset voltage threshold and the power supply line detection unit detects that the output of the battery box 1000 is normally connected; otherwise, the battery box 1000 is configured to output a “not ready” signal.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a structure of a battery box 2000 according to embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 2, the battery box 2000 comprises a micro-control unit MCU 260 for receiving a power failure detection signal from a power failure detection unit 250 and controlling a power output switching unit 270 accordingly.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, in addition to the micro-control unit MCU 260, the battery box 2000 further comprises: a charging unit 210, an energy storage unit 220, a voltage regulating unit 230, an energy storage state detection unit 240, a power failure detection unit 250, a power output switching unit 270, and a power supply line detection unit 280.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the charging unit 210 is used to convert an AC input voltage Vin supplied to the battery box 2000 to a DC voltage for charging the energy storage unit 220. For example, the energy storage unit 220 may comprise one or more capacitor (or supercapacitor) modules, and the charging unit 210 charges one or more capacitor modules in the energy storage unit 220 after converting the AC input voltage to the DC voltage. The voltage regulating unit 230 is used to convert the voltage from the energy storage unit 220, for example, from a first DC voltage to a second DC voltage different from the first DC voltage, in order to provide the converted voltage to the power output switching unit 270.

The energy storage state detection unit 240 is used to detect whether a voltage from the energy storage unit 220 satisfies a preset voltage threshold (e.g. whether it is greater than 5V). The power supply line detection unit 280 is used to detect whether an output Vout of the battery box 2000 is normally connected (e.g., whether loosening occurs, whether a malfunction occurs, etc.).

The power failure detection unit 250 is used to detect a power failure of the AC input voltage Vin and to provide a power failure detection result to the micro-control unit MCU 260. In one embodiment, the micro-control unit MCU 260 is further configured to receive a first detection signal from the energy storage state detection unit 240 and a second detection signal from the power supply line detection unit 280; and to output a “ready” signal (i.e., Sig indicates “ready”) when the first detection signal indicates that the voltage from the energy storage unit 220 satisfies the preset voltage threshold and the second detection signal indicates that the output of the battery box 2000 is normally connected; otherwise, to output a “not ready” signal (i.e., Sig indicates “not ready”).

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the battery box 2000 further comprises: a communication unit 290 for communicating with an external circuit. For example, the communication unit 290 includes an RS485 port for communicating with a control board circuit to provide information (e.g. information about the capacity, etc.) regarding the interior of the battery box. In one embodiment, the Sig signal may also be transmitted to the external circuit via this communication unit 290.

In this way, the power output switching unit 270 (under the control of the micro-control unit MCU 260) may be configured to output the voltage provided by the voltage regulating unit 230 when the power failure detection unit 250 detects a power failure, and configured not to output the voltage when the power failure is not detected. In one embodiment, the power output switching unit 270 is configured not to output the voltage after a preset time period T of the power failure detected by the power failure detection unit 250 (e.g., after outputting the voltage provided by the voltage regulating unit 230 for a period of time). In this way, the battery box 2000 is capable of not only automatically providing energy output at the time of power failure, but also automatically cutting off the energy output after a time period, further improving safety.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of a structure of a battery box 3000 according to embodiments of the present application. Compared to the battery box 2000 of FIG. 2, the battery box 3000 does not comprise a micro-control unit MCU. As shown in FIG. 3, the battery box 3000 comprises: a charging unit 310, an energy storage unit 320, a voltage regulating unit 330, an energy storage state detection unit 340, a power failure detection unit 350, a power output switching unit 370, and a power supply line detection unit 380.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the charging unit 310 is used to convert an AC input voltage Vin supplied to the battery box 3000 to a DC voltage for charging the energy storage unit 320. For example, the energy storage unit 320 may comprise one or more capacitor (or supercapacitor) modules, and the charging unit 310 charges one or more capacitor modules in the energy storage unit 320 after converting the AC input voltage to the DC voltage. The voltage regulating unit 330 is used to convert the voltage from the energy storage unit 320, for example, from a first DC voltage to a second DC voltage different from the first DC voltage, in order to provide the converted voltage to the power output switching unit 370.

The energy storage state detection unit 340 is used to detect whether a voltage from the energy storage unit 320 satisfies a preset voltage threshold (e.g. whether it is greater than 5V). The power supply line detection unit 380 is used to detect whether an output Vout of the battery box 3000 is normally connected (e.g., whether loosening occurs).

The power failure detection unit 350 is used to detect a power failure of the AC input voltage Vin and to provide a power failure detection result to the power output switching unit 370. For example, when the power failure is detected, the power failure detection unit 350 provides a high voltage (e.g., “1”) to the power output switching unit 370; and when the power failure is not detected, the power failure detection unit 350 provides a low voltage (e.g., “0”) to the power output switching unit 370.

Referring further to FIG. 3, in addition to the foregoing units, the battery box 3000 further comprises: a ready signal preparation unit 360 for receiving a first detection signal from the energy storage state detection unit 340 and receiving a second detection signal from the power supply line detection unit 380, and outputting a Sig signal.

In one embodiment, when the first detection signal is “1”, it indicates that the voltage from the energy storage unit 320 satisfies the preset voltage threshold (e.g., in a “fully charged” state), otherwise the first detection signal is “0”; when the second detection signal is “1”, it indicates that the output of the battery box 3000 is normally connected, otherwise the second detection signal is “0”. In this embodiment, the ready signal preparation unit 360 may be a “logic AND” gate. Thus, the ready signal preparation unit 360 is configured to output “1” only when both the first detection signal and the second detection signal are “1” (assuming that the Sig signal is “1” indicating “ready”), and otherwise to output “0” (assuming that the Sig signal is “0” indicating “not ready”).

In another embodiment, when the first detection signal is “0”, it indicates that the voltage from the energy storage unit 320 satisfies the preset voltage threshold (e.g., in a “fully charged” state), otherwise the first detection signal is “1”; when the second detection signal is “0”, it indicates that the output of the battery box 3000 is normally connected, otherwise the second detection signal is “1”. In this embodiment, the ready signal preparation unit 360 may be a “logic OR” gate. Thus, the ready signal preparation unit 360 is configured to output “0” only when both the first detection signal and the second detection signal are “0” (assuming that the Sig signal is “0” indicating “ready”), and otherwise to output “1” (assuming that the Sig signal is “1” indicating “not ready”).

The power output switching unit 370 is configured to output the voltage provided by the voltage regulating unit 330 when the power failure detection unit 350 detects a power failure, and configured not to output the voltage when the power failure detection unit 350 does not detect the power failure. In one embodiment, the power output switching unit 370 is further configured not to output the voltage after a preset time period T of the power failure detected by the power failure detection unit 350 (e.g., after outputting the voltage provided by the voltage regulating unit 330 for a period of time). In this way, the battery box 3000 is capable of not only automatically providing energy output at the time of power failure, but also automatically cutting off the energy output after a time period, further improving safety.

FIG. 4 is a circuit schematic diagram of energy storage state detection and power supply line detection according to embodiments of the present application. In FIG. 4, Vcap denotes a terminal voltage of the energy storage unit (capacitor modules in the energy storage unit), and Vz denotes a voltage output from the battery box (via feedback). In the circuit of FIG. 4, sig=0 only if Vcap is greater than a specific voltage value (i.e., the voltage from the energy storage unit satisfies a preset voltage threshold) and Vz is present (i.e., the output of the battery box is normally connected).

As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal voltage Vcap of the energy storage unit (capacitor modules in the energy storage unit) is coupled with a first end of a first resistor R1, a second end of the first resistor R1 is coupled with a first end of a first capacitor C1, a first end of a fifth resistor R5, respectively, and a second end of the first capacitor C1 and a second end of the fifth resistor R5 are grounded. Also, the second end of the first resistor R1 is further coupled with a diode (a first end of the diode) with a reference voltage. A second end of the diode is grounded, and a third end of the diode is coupled with a second end of a sixth resistor R6 and a second end of a photocoupler IC1, respectively. The terminal voltage Vcap of the energy storage unit (capacitor modules in the energy storage unit) is also coupled with a first end of a second resistor R2, and a second end of the second resistor R2 is coupled with a first end of the photocoupler IC1 and a first end of the sixth resistor R6, respectively.

The voltage Vz output from the battery box is coupled with a first end of a third resistor R3 and a first end of a fourth resistor R4, respectively, a second end of the third resistor R3 is coupled with a fourth end of the photocoupler IC1, and a third end of the photocoupler IC1 is coupled with a first end of a seventh resistor R7 and a first end of a ninth resistor R9, respectively, a second end of the ninth resistor R9 is grounded, a second end of a seventh resistor R7 is coupled with a base of a first triode Q1, an emitter of the first triode Q1 is grounded, and a collector is coupled with a second end of the fourth resistor R4. The second end of the fourth resistor R4 is also coupled with a first end of an eighth resistor, a first end of a first diode D1, and a second end of an electrical connector CN1, respectively. In addition, a second end of the eighth resistor, a second end of the first diode D1, and a first end of the electrical connector CN1 are grounded.

In one embodiment, when the terminal voltage Vcap of the energy storage unit (capacitor modules in the energy storage unit) is greater than the reference voltage of the diode (e.g., 2.5 V) after being voltage-divided by the first resistor R1 and the fifth resistor R5, the diode conducts, and then the photocoupler IC1 conducts. When the voltage Vz output from the battery box is present, the first triode Q1 conducts after being voltage-divided by the third resistor R3, the seventh resistor R7, and the ninth resistor R9, causing sig to be pulled down, i.e., sig=0. And when the terminal voltage Vcap of the energy storage unit (capacitor modules in the energy storage unit) is not greater than the reference voltage of the diode (e.g., 2.5 V) after being voltage-divided by the first resistor R1 and the fifth resistor R5, the diode is disconnected, and the photocoupler IC1 does not conduct. As the photocoupler IC1 does not conduct, the first triode Q1 cuts off. When the voltage Vz output from the battery box is present, sig is pulled up by Vz, i.e. sig=1.

In one or more embodiments, the circuit schematic diagram of the energy storage state detection and the power supply line detection of FIG. 4 may correspond to the energy storage state detection unit 340, the power supply line detection unit 380 and the ready signal preparation unit 360 of FIG. 3, wherein the ready signal preparation unit 360 is used to receive a first detection signal from the energy storage state detection unit 340 and a second detection signal from the power supply line detection unit 380, and to output a Sig signal.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system 5000 according to embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 5, the air conditioning system 5000 comprises: a battery box 510; and a control board circuit 520 for receiving an output voltage from the battery box 510 for a safe operation. In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 520 is configured to actuate one or more valves (e.g., ball valves, solenoid valves, pulse modulating valves, throttling valves, check valves, needle valves, pinch valves, diaphragm valves, and the like, but not limited thereto) to perform a shutdown operation when the output voltage provided by the battery box 510 is greater than a preset threshold (e.g., when fully charged).

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of (part of) a control board circuit according to embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 6, the control board circuit is connected to the battery box via an electrical connector CN67. For example, in combination with FIG. 4 as well as FIG. 6, the electrical connector CN67 in FIG. 6 is connected to the electrical connector CN1 in FIG. 4. At this time, when Vz in FIG. 4 is not present (i.e., when the power supply line is disconnected), whether sig is high level or low level will depend on the voltage divider value of R8 in FIGS. 4 and R239 in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, sig can be made to always be high when Vz is not present by reasonably selecting the relationship of R8 as well as R239.

At this time, the circuit shown in FIG. 4 for the energy storage state detection and the power supply line detection may be represented by the following logic diagram:

Vcap	Vz	Sig
<Reference voltage Vref	Power supply line is normal	High level
<Reference voltage Vref	Power supply line is disconnected	High level
>Reference voltage Vref	Power supply line is disconnected	High level
>Reference voltage Vref	Power supply line is normal	Low level

In other words, Sig outputs a low level (‘0’) only when the terminal voltage Vcap of the energy storage unit (capacitor modules in the energy storage unit) is greater than the reference voltage of the diode (e.g., 2.5 V) after being voltage-divided by the first resistor R1 and the fifth resistor R5, and the voltage Vz output from the battery box is connected normally; otherwise, all outputs a high level.

FIG. 7 is a circuit schematic diagram of power failure detection and power output switching according to embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 7, the circuit implements switching of outputs based on the result of power failure detection, wherein the voltage from the energy storage unit is output when the power failure is detected, and no voltage is output when the power failure is not detected. In addition, the circuit also implements automatic disconnection of the voltage output after a period of time in which the voltage is output (i.e., after a preset time period T of the power failure detected).

Specifically, when the power supply to L-terminal and N-terminal is normal, IC5 conducts and a triode Q11 conducts. This further causes a triode Q12 to conduct, a capacitor E5 is charged, a relay RY6 is attracted to a left moving contact, a triode Q10 is turned off, and Vcap is disconnected from Vz. That is, when the power supply to L-terminal and N-terminal is normal (i.e., no power failure has occurred), no voltage is output.

When the L-terminal and N-terminal is powered off, the triode Q11 is turned off, the relay Ry6 is attracted to the right, a base of the triode Q10 is powered by the capacitor E5, a relay RY5 is attracted, and Vcap is powered to Vz. That is, when the power failure occurs at the L-terminal and N-terminal, the voltage from the energy storage unit Vcap is output.

In addition, at this time, as the triode Q11 is turned off and the triode Q12 is turned off, the capacitor E5 is discharged below a certain threshold voltage (e.g., 0.7 V), and the triode Q10 will be turned off, i.e., automatic disconnection of voltage output is realized after outputting the voltage for a period of time. This discharge time (i.e., the automatic disconnection time) may be adjusted according to the capacitance value of the capacitor E5 and a resistor R43.

In one or more embodiments, the circuit schematic diagram of the power failure detection and the power output switching of FIG. 7 may correspond to the power failure detection unit 350 and the power output switching unit 370 of FIG. 3, wherein the power failure detection unit 350 is used to detect a power failure of the AC input voltage Vin, and the power output switching unit 370 is configured to output the stored electrical energy (i.e., voltage) when the power failure is detected, and configured not to output the voltage when the power failure is not detected.

FIG. 8 is a flow schematic diagram of a control method 8000 for an air conditioning system according to embodiments of the present application. As shown in FIG. 8, the control method 8000 includes the following steps:

• • In step S810, charging an energy storage capacitor in the air conditioning system using an input voltage;
  • In step S820, detecting a power failure of the input voltage;
  • In step S830, outputting a voltage from the energy storage capacitor when the power failure of the input voltage is detected, and not outputting the voltage when the power failure is not detected; and
  • In step S840, performing a safe operation on the air conditioning system based on the output voltage.

Although not shown in FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the method 8000 further comprises: not outputting the voltage after a preset time period T of the power failure detected. In one embodiment, the method 8000 further comprises: outputting a “ready” signal when the voltage of the energy storage capacitor satisfies a preset voltage threshold and a voltage output terminal is normally connected; otherwise, outputting a “not ready” signal. In one embodiment, the step S840 (i.e., performing a safe operation on the air conditioning system based on the output voltage) comprises: actuating one or more valves (e.g., solenoid valves, pulse modulating valves, check valves, throttling valves, needle valves, ball valves, and the like) to perform a shutdown operation when the “ready” signal is received and the output voltage is greater than a preset threshold.

In one embodiment, the battery box in an air conditioning system may be controlled as follows: when an external input voltage is normally provided, 220V AC power is present; the AC power is used to charge an energy storage unit; then, it is determined whether the energy storage unit is fully charged, and if it is not fully charged, the charging step is continued; and after it is fully charged, it is further determined whether the external input voltage has been disconnected (e.g., a sudden loss of power), and if so, provide 12V DC voltage to a control board circuit for a safe operation, and after a preset time period T, disconnect the supply of the 12V DC voltage.

In one embodiment, the control board circuit in the air conditioning system may be controlled as follows: after the control board circuit is powered up, it is determined whether the energy storage unit is fully charged, and in the event that it is fully charged, actuating the valve EBV to open; further, when it is determined that the external input voltage has been disconnected (e.g., a sudden loss of power), actuating the valve EBV to shut down. In a control method, the result of the shutdown of the valve EBV (whether it is completely shut down or not) may also be provided by the control board circuit to the battery box so that the battery box may promptly cut off the supply of the backup power supply.

In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit may be configured to perform at least one safe operation based on the output voltage from the battery boxes, as described above. In one or more embodiments, the safe operation may include actuation of valves to perform a shutdown operation when the “ready” signal is received and the output voltage is greater than a preset threshold. In other embodiments, the safe operation may include dissipation of leaked refrigerants, such as through actuation of a refrigerant dissipation system. In further embodiments, the safe operation may include actuation of isolation valves and/or safety shut off valves of air conditioning systems. In one or more embodiments, the safety shut-off valves may also include solenoid valves, ball valves, pulse modulating valves, throttling valves, check valves, electronic balancing valves, needle valves, diaphragm valves, and the like, but not limited thereto. In one or more embodiments, the isolation/safety shut-off valves may be configured to isolate the refrigerant from the indoor unit, and accordingly may be disposed/positioned at entry and exit points of a portion of a refrigerant circuit of the air conditioning system flowing through the indoor unit. In some embodiments, the safe operation may be triggered either by the output voltage, and/or detection of a refrigerant leak.

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system 9000A having a refrigerant dissipation system according to embodiments of the present application, and FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system 9000B having a plurality of safety shut off valves according to embodiments of the present application. In one or more embodiments, the elements of air conditioning systems 9000A and 9000B may be combined to form a composite air conditioning system.

As stated, refrigerant needs to be contained within an air conditioning system (such as the air conditioning system 9000A and 9000B of FIGS. 9A and 9B, which may be implemented similarly to the air condition system 5000 of FIG. 5) and/or dissipated, whenever leaks are detected, even during power failures. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system may correspond to a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. In some examples, the HVAC system may be those used in residential applications, such as a split air conditioner having an indoor unit and/or an outdoor unit (such as indoor unit 932 and outdoor unit 934 as shown in FIG. 9B). The refrigerant that has leaked from the air conditioning system may be required to be dissipated, to prevent uncontrolled combustion of the leaked refrigerant, such as by a refrigerant dissipation system (such as refrigerant dissipation system 920 including at least one blower 922 and/or a sensor 924 in FIG. 9A). For instance, refrigerants, such as A2L, A2, and/or A3, may be flammable, and may be required to be dissipated and/or contained when leaked. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, control board circuits of the air conditioning systems (such as control board circuit 915 of FIGS. 9A and 9B which may be implemented similarly to control board circuit 520 of FIG. 5) may be suitably adapted to perform different functions, such as refrigerant containment, and/or dissipation. In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 915 may be operably coupled to a corresponding battery box 910 (which may be implemented similarly to battery boxes of FIGS. 1 to 3).

In one or more embodiments, the refrigerant dissipation system 920 may include or be coupled to an energy storage unit. The energy storage unit may include a battery, a battery pack, a capacitor, a supercapacitor, and/or a rechargeable power source configured to provide power to the refrigerant dissipation system 920 during a power failure. In one or more embodiments, the energy storage unit may include energy charging and storage units, such as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In other embodiments, the energy storage unit may be external to the battery box 910. In such embodiments, the energy storage unit may include a backup battery pack. In one or more embodiments, the energy storage unit may be rechargeable. In one or more embodiments, the energy storage unit may be recharged by the external input voltage received by the battery box 910. In such embodiments, the battery box 910 may be configured to redirect the external input voltage to the energy storage unit for charging. In one or more embodiments, the energy storage unit may be electrically coupled to the refrigeration dissipation system 920 and/or the (isolation/safety shut-off) valves (such as valves 940-1, 940-2 shown in FIG. 9B) directly, or through components of the battery box 910 and/or the control board circuit 915.

In one or more embodiments, the energy storage unit may include an indicator, such as a visual indictor and/or an audio indicator like lights/LEDs and alarms. The indicator may be actuated when state of charge of the energy storage unit depletes below a charge threshold.

In one or more embodiments, the refrigerant dissipation system 920 may include at least one sensor (such as sensor 924). The sensor 924 may be configured to detect refrigerant leaks. In one or more embodiments, the sensor 924 may include infrared sensors, diode sensors, electrochemical sensors, ultrasonic sensors, photoacoustic sensors, and the like, but not limited thereto. In one or more embodiments, the sensors 924 may be powered by the energy storage unit, at least during power failures. In one or more embodiments, the sensor 924 may be coupled to the battery box 910, and/or the control board circuit 915.

In one or more embodiments, the refrigerant dissipation system 920 may include or be coupled to at least one blower (such as blower 922). The blower 922 may be configured to dissipate the leaked refrigerant. In one or more embodiments, the blower may be supplied power by the energy storage unit. In one or more embodiments, the energy storage unit may be configured to supply power to the blower 922, when a power failure and/or a refrigerant leak is detected by the control board circuit 915. In one or more embodiments, the output voltage received may indicate power failure. In one or more embodiments, the sensor 924 may be operatively coupled to the control board circuit 915 to indicate the detection of refrigerant leaks, The blower 922 may dissipate the leaked refrigerant upon actuation. In one or more embodiments, the energy storage unit may be configured to intermittently provide power to the blower 922. In other embodiments, power may be provided continuously to the blower 922. The capacity of the energy storage unit may be accordingly selected, such that the power is sufficient to actuate the blowers 922.

In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system 9000A/9000B may include at least one outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit (such as outdoor unit 934 and indoor unit 932, respectively). In one or more embodiments, the blower 922 may include an indoor blower (i.e., blowers associated with the at least one indoor unit). The air conditioning system 9000A/9000B may be a residential split air conditioner system, for example. In one or more embodiments, the air conditioning system may include a plurality of safety shut-off valves (such as valves 940-1 and 940-2 shown in FIG. 9B, collectively referred to as safety shut-off valves 940), configured to isolate the refrigerant from an indoor/conditioning environment. For instance, the safety shut-off valves 940 may be configured to isolate each of the indoor units 932 from each of the outdoor units 934, such that the refrigerant remains at the outdoor units 934, without being circulated to the indoor unit 932. In such instances, the refrigerant may be prevented from entering into, and/or leaking into the indoor environment. In other instance, the safety shut-off valves 940 may be configured to isolate the refrigerant within the indoor unit 932. In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 910 may be configured to actuate the safety shut-off valves 940, during power failures and/or when the refrigerant leak is detected.

In one or more embodiments, the plurality of safety shut-off valves 940 may include an entry control valve (such as valve 940-1) and/or an exit control valve (such as valve 940-2) of each of the corresponding indoor units 932. The entry control valves 940-1 may be configured to control entry of liquid refrigerant into the indoor units 932 (or heat exchangers/evaporators of the indoor units 932). The exit control valves 940-2 may be configured to control exit of gas/vapor refrigerant out of the indoor units 934 (or the heat exchangers/evaporators of the indoor units). In one or more embodiments, the entry control valves 940-1 may be controlled to prevent the liquid refrigerant in a liquid line of the air conditioning system 9000A/9000B from entering into the indoor unit 932, while the exit control valves 940-2 may be controlled to prevent the vapor refrigerant in a gas/vapor line from flowing back into the indoor unit 932 (such as due to back pressure). In one or more embodiments, when the air conditioning system 9000A/9000B is operated as a heat pump, the exit control valves 940-2 may be controlled to prevent the liquid refrigerant in a liquid line of the air conditioning system 9000A/9000B from entering into the indoor unit 932, while the entry control valves 940-1 may be controlled to prevent the vapor refrigerant in a gas/vapor line from flowing back into the indoor unit 932 (such as due to back pressure).

In one or more embodiments, the blower 922, the safety shut-off valves 940, and/or other components of the air conditioning system 9000A/9000B may be actuated by the control board circuit 915. In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 915 may be configured to actuate the components of the air conditioning system 9000A/9000B, based on the output voltage received from the battery box 910. As stated, the battery box 910 may be configured to generate output voltage, such as during a power failure and/or when a refrigerant is detected. In one or more embodiments, the battery box 910 may be configured to generate the output voltage greater than the preset threshold based on at least one of, absence of external input voltage (which may otherwise be received during normal operation of the air conditioning system), and/or detections of refrigerant leaks.

In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 915 may be configured to receive the output voltage from the battery box 910 for a safe operation. In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 915 may be configured to actuate the components and/or the refrigerant dissipation system 920 to perform a shutdown operation when the output voltage provided by the battery box 910 is greater than a preset threshold.

In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 915 may be configured to select the safe operation (and/or duration thereof) based on the output voltage and/or the refrigerant detection. In one or more embodiments, the battery box 910 may be configured to selectively regulate the output voltage. In one or more embodiments, the battery box 910 may include a variable voltage regulation unit, configured to vary the output of the output voltage. In one or more embodiments, the sensors 924 may be coupled to the battery box 910. In such embodiments, signals indicating the refrigerant leak may be received by the battery box 910 (or by a micro control unit (MCU) thereof). The battery box 910 (through the MCU) may be configured to cause the variable voltage regulation unit to modulate the output voltage, based on the combination of the signals received from the sensor and/or detection of the power failure. The control board circuit 915 may be configured to actuate different components of the air conditioning system 9000A/9000B based on the output voltage. In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 915 may be configured to actuate the safety shut-off/isolation valves 940 and/or the blowers 922 when the output voltage is within a first threshold range. The output voltage with the first threshold range may be generated by the battery box 910, when the battery box 910/MCU detects (only) the power failure (and not the refrigerant leak). In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 915 may be configured to actuate the safety shut-off valves when output voltage is within a second threshold range. The output voltage may be generated within the second threshold range when the battery box 910/MCU detects (both) the power failure and the refrigerant leak. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, the second threshold range may be greater than the first threshold range, thereby allowing more components to be powered with when the output voltage is within the second threshold range than the first threshold range. Further, the first threshold range and the second threshold range may correspond to ranges greater than the preset threshold.

In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 915 is configured to reset on satisfaction of a reset condition. In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 915 may be configured to reset when the external input voltage to the battery box 910 is restored. In other embodiments, the control board circuit 915 may be configured to reset after a preset time period ‘T’ of the power failure detected by the power failure detection unit of the battery box 910. In one or more embodiments, the energy storage unit may be configured to provide power to the blower 920 and/or the sensor 922 for at least a clearance duration after the control board circuit 915 has been reset. For example, the energy storage unit may continue to supply power to the blower for 5 minutes after the control board circuit 915 has been reset. In one or more embodiments, the control board circuit 915 may be configured to open the safety shut-off valves 940 when the control board circuit 915 is reset, thereby allowing the air conditioning system 9000A/9000B to resume operation.

In summary, in accordance with some embodiments of the present application, a battery box comprises a power output switching unit, the power output switching unit is configured to output a voltage from a charging and energy storage unit when a power failure detection unit detects a power failure of an input voltage of the battery box, and configured not to output the voltage when the power failure detection unit does not detect the power failure. In this way, the battery box is capable of, on the one hand, performing voltage output in a timely manner in the event of a sudden power failure, thereby providing sufficient energy for a related control circuit (e.g., a control board circuit) to perform a safe operation (e.g., shutting down a valve, actuating a refrigerant dissipation system, actuating a safety shut-off valve, and the like), and, on the other hand, performing no voltage output in the event of no power failure, thereby not affecting other control circuits. In accordance with some embodiments of the present application, the power output switching unit is also configured not to output the voltage after a preset time period T of the power failure detected by the power failure detection unit. That is, the battery box is capable of not only automatically providing energy (voltage output) at the time of power failure, but also automatically cutting off the energy output after a time period.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present application, an air conditioning system comprises a battery box configured to output an output voltage, and a control board circuit configured to receive the output voltage from the battery box for a safe operation. During the safe operation, the control board circuit is configured to actuate at least one of a refrigerant dissipation system and/or a plurality of safety shut-off valves (such as by supplying power thereto through a rechargeable energy storage unit) to perform a shut-down operation when the output voltage provided by the battery box is greater than a preset threshold. The refrigerant dissipation system and/or the plurality of safety shut-off valves may be actuated based on detection of at least one of, a refrigerant leak, and/or power failure. The refrigeration dissipation system may include at least one of a sensor, and/or a blower, which may be actuated to detect and dissipate refrigerant leaks, respectively. in some embodiments, the energy storage unit is configured to supply power to the refrigerant dissipation system for at least a clearance duration after the control board circuit has been reset (where the control board circuit resets upon satisfaction of a reset condition, such as when the external input voltage to the battery box is restored, a preset time period ‘T’ of the power failure detected, etc.). In some embodiments, the safety shut-off valves may be configured to isolate a refrigerant of the air conditioning system from an indoor environment, such as an entry control valve and an exit control valve of each of the indoor units of the air conditioning system. The battery box may also be configured to generate output voltages in different voltage threshold ranges, such as within a first threshold range on detection of (only) the power failure to actuate the safety shut-off valves, and within a second threshold range when (both) the safety shut-off valves and/or the refrigerant dissipation system are to be powered.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both.

To demonstrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in changing ways for the particular application. However, such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present application.

Although only a few of the specific embodiments of the present application have been described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present application may be embodied in many other forms without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Accordingly, the examples and implementations presented are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive, and various modifications and substitutions may be covered by the application without departing from the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.

The embodiments and examples presented herein are provided to best illustrate embodiments in accordance with the present technology and its particular application, and to thereby enable those skilled in the art to implement and use the present application. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above description and examples are provided for convenience of illustration and example only. The presented description is not intended to cover every aspect of the application or to limit the application to the precise form disclosed.