INTEGRATED WATER DEVICE APPLIED TO HEAT PUMP SYSTEM, HEAT PUMP SYSTEM, AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Abstract

Provided are integrated water device applied to heat pump system, heat pump system, and control method thereof. The integrated water device includes: main module, auxiliary module, and three-way valve; when the heat pump system simultaneously has heating water demand and air conditioning demand, first end and second end of the three-way valve are controlled to be communicated, so that the heat pump main unit heats the water in the domestic water tank through the main module, and the heat pump auxiliary unit provides heat source or cooling source to the terminal device through the auxiliary module; and, when the heating for the domestic water tank is completed, the first end of the three-way valve is controlled to switch to be communicated with the third end so that the heat pump main unit and the heat pump auxiliary unit jointly provide heat source or cooling source to the terminal device.

Claims

1. An integrated water device applied to a heat pump system, wherein the integrated water device comprises a main module, an auxiliary module, and a three-way valve; the main module is connected to a heat pump main unit of the heat pump system; the auxiliary module is respectively connected to a heat pump auxiliary unit and a terminal device in the heat pump system; a first end of the three-way valve is connected to the main module; a second end is connected to a domestic water tank of the heat pump system; and a third end is connected between the auxiliary module and the terminal device; and when the heat pump system simultaneously has a heating water demand and an air conditioning demand, the first end and the second end of the three-way valve are controlled to be communicated, so that the heat pump main unit heats water in the domestic water tank through the main module, and the heat pump auxiliary unit provides a heat source or a cooling source to the terminal device through the auxiliary module; and, when a heating for the domestic water tank is completed, the first end of the three-way valve is controlled to switch to be communicated with the third end, so that the heat pump main unit and the heat pump auxiliary unit jointly provide the heat source or the cooling source to the terminal device.

2. The integrated water device applied to the heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the main module comprises multiple main pipelines arranged in parallel, and each main pipeline is arranged with an electric heater, a first water pump, a first target flow switch, and a first check valve.

3. The integrated water device applied to the heat pump system according to claim 2, wherein the number of the main pipelines are consistent with the number of heat pump main units.

4. The integrated water device applied to the heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary module comprises multiple auxiliary pipelines arranged in parallel, and each auxiliary pipeline is provided with a second water pump, a second target flow switch, and a second check valve.

5. The integrated water device applied to the heat pump system according to claim 4, wherein the number of auxiliary pipelines are consistent with the number of heat pump auxiliary units.

6. A heat pump system, comprising: at least one heat pump main unit, at least one heat pump auxiliary unit, a domestic water tank, a terminal device, and the integrated water device applied to the heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump main unit, the heat pump auxiliary unit, the domestic water tank, and the terminal device are all connected to the integrated water device.

7. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein the terminal device comprises a buffer water tank and an air conditioning terminal; the buffer water tank is connected to the auxiliary module and the air conditioning terminal, respectively; and the air conditioning terminal comprises at least one of a floor heating coil, a radiator group, and a fan coil.

8. A control method for a heat pump system, applied to the heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein the method comprises: controlling, when both the heating water demand and the air conditioning demand are simultaneously acquired, the first end and the second end of the three-way valve to be communicated, and controlling the heat pump main unit and the heat pump auxiliary unit to start operating, so that the heat pump main unit, through the main module, heats the water in the domestic water tank, and the heat pump auxiliary unit, through the auxiliary module, provides the heat source or the cooling source to the terminal device; acquiring, during operation, a water temperature of the domestic water tank and an indoor environment temperature corresponding to the terminal device, wherein the indoor environment temperature is an indoor environment temperature at a location where the air conditioning terminal is located; determining whether a heating for the domestic water tank is complete based on the water temperature and a preset water temperature threshold; determining, if yes, whether to control a switching of the three-way valve, based on the indoor environment temperature and a preset temperature threshold; and controlling, if yes, the first end of the three-way valve to switch to communicate with the third end, and controlling the heat pump main unit and the heat pump auxiliary unit to continue operation, so that both the heat pump main unit and the heat pump auxiliary unit jointly provide the heat source or the cooling source to the terminal device.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of determining whether a heating for the domestic water tank is complete based on the water temperature and a preset water temperature threshold comprises: determining that the heating for the domestic water tank is complete, when a difference between the water temperature and the preset water temperature threshold is not greater than a first difference threshold.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method further comprises: controlling the heat pump main unit to maintain a previous state, when the difference between the water temperature and the preset water temperature threshold is greater than the first difference threshold but not greater than a second difference threshold; or controlling the heat pump main unit to continue heating the water in the domestic water tank, when the difference between the water temperature and the preset water temperature threshold is greater than the second difference threshold.

11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of determining whether to control a switching of the three-way valve, based on the indoor environment temperature and a preset temperature threshold comprises: determining to control the switching of the three-way valve, when the air conditioning demand is a cooling demand and when a temperature difference between the indoor environment temperature and the preset temperature threshold is greater than a third difference threshold; or, determining to control the switching of the three-way valve, when a temperature difference between the indoor environment temperature and the preset temperature threshold is not greater than the third difference threshold but greater than a fourth difference threshold, and a difference between two consecutive indoor environment temperatures within a preset duration is not greater than a fifth difference threshold.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of determining whether to control a switching of the three-way valve, based on the indoor environment temperature and a preset temperature threshold comprises: determining to control the switching of the three-way valve, when the air conditioning demand is a heating demand and when a temperature difference between the indoor environment temperature and the preset temperature threshold is less than a sixth difference threshold; or, determining to control the switching of the three-way valve, when a temperature difference between the indoor environment temperature and the preset temperature threshold is not less than the sixth difference threshold but less than a seventh difference threshold, and a difference between two consecutive indoor environment temperatures within a preset duration is not less than an eighth difference threshold but less than a ninth difference threshold.

13. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein the main module comprises multiple main pipelines arranged in parallel, and each main pipeline is arranged with an electric heater, a first water pump, a first target flow switch, and a first check valve.

14. The heat pump system according to claim 13, wherein the number of the main pipelines are consistent with the number of heat pump main units.

15. The heat pump system according to claim 6, wherein the auxiliary module comprises multiple auxiliary pipelines arranged in parallel, and each auxiliary pipeline is provided with a second water pump, a second target flow switch, and a second check valve.

16. The heat pump system according to claim 15, wherein the number of auxiliary pipelines are consistent with the number of heat pump auxiliary units.

17. The method according to claim 8, wherein the terminal device comprises a buffer water tank and an air conditioning terminal; the buffer water tank is connected to the auxiliary module and the air conditioning terminal, respectively; and the air conditioning terminal comprises at least one of a floor heating coil, a radiator group, and a fan coil.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] To further clarify the specific embodiments of the present disclosure or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following provides a brief introduction to the drawings that are used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below represent some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be derived from these figures without requiring any inventive efforts.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a heat pump system provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a three-way valve switching direction provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 3 is another schematic diagram of a three-way valve switching direction provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 4 is another schematic structural diagram of a heat pump system provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control method for a heat pump system provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0036] FIG. 6 is another flowchart of a control method for a heat pump system provided by the embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0037] To clarify the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure, a clear and complete description of the technical solutions of the present disclosure will be provided below in conjunction with the drawings. It is evident that the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present disclosure and not the entirety of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making inventive efforts are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0038] To facilitate the understanding of the embodiment, the following provides a detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

First Embodiment

[0039] The present disclosure provides an integrated water device applied to a heat pump system, as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the integrated water device includes a main module 11, an auxiliary module 12, and a three-way valve 13. The main module 11 is connected to the heat pump main unit 21 of the heat pump system, and the auxiliary module 12 is respectively connected to the heat pump auxiliary unit 22 and the terminal device in the heat pump system. The first end (i.e., A end) of the three-way valve 13 is connected to the main module 11, the second end (i.e., B end) is connected to the domestic water tank 23 of the heat pump system, and the third end (i.e., C end) is connected between the auxiliary module 12 and the terminal device.

[0040] Specifically, for the above integrated water device, when the heat pump system simultaneously has heating water demand and air conditioning demand, the first end and second end of the three-way valve 13 are controlled to be communicated, that is, the A end and B end are communicated so that the output end of the main module 11 is connected to the input end of the domestic water tank 23. At this time, the heat pump main unit 21 heats the water in the domestic water tank 23 through the main module 11, and the heat pump auxiliary unit 22 provides a heat source or cooling source to the terminal device through the auxiliary module 12, so that the terminal device heats or cools the external environment. Therefore, at this time, the heat pump system simultaneously meets the heating water demand and air conditioning demand of the user through the integrated water device.

[0041] Furthermore, when the heating for the domestic water tank is completed, the first end of the three-way valve 13 in the integrated water device is controlled to switch to be communicated with the third end, that is, the A end and C end are communicated, so that the output end of the main module 11 is connected to the output end of the auxiliary module 12. At this time, the heat pump main unit 21 and the heat pump auxiliary unit 22 jointly provide a heat source or cooling source to the terminal device, so that the terminal device heats or cools the external environment. Thus, based on meeting the heating water demand of the user, the integrated water device switches the communication relationship between the A end, B end, and C end of the three-way valve to enable the heat pump main unit 21 and the heat pump auxiliary unit 22 to jointly heat or cool the terminal device. This ensures the air conditioning experience of the user, avoids situations where the air conditioning experience of the user is poor in some scenarios, such as during the summer, and further improves the comfort of the user.

[0042] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned main module 11 includes multiple main pipelines arranged in parallel; as shown in FIG. 1, only one main pipeline 111 is shown here, and the remaining main pipelines can be referred to as the main pipeline 111. Each main pipeline 111 is arranged with an electric heater, a first water pump, a first target flow switch, and a first check valve. In addition, each main pipeline 111 is also arranged with a pressure detection element, wherein the pressure detection element is preferably a pressure gauge, which is configured for detecting the pressure of the main pipeline and can be arranged according to the actual situation.

[0043] Each main pipeline 111 corresponds to one heat pump main unit 21, that is, the number of main pipelines 111 is consistent with the number of heat pump main units 21. In practical applications, when the heat pump system is started, the states of the multiple heat pump main units 21 are kept consistent, that is, they are turned on and off simultaneously, and they execute corresponding modes based on user demand. For example, if the heat pump system only has heating water demand, after the multiple heat pump main units 21 are turned on, they all execute the heating water mode and heat the water in the domestic water tank 23 through the corresponding main pipeline 111. If the heat pump system only has air conditioning demand, after the multiple heat pump main units 21 are turned on, if the air conditioning demand is cooling, they will execute the cooling mode; and if the air conditioning demand is heating, they will execute the heating mode.

[0044] It should be noted that the multiple heat pump main units 21 are preferably heat pump outdoor units, and the arrangement can be adjusted according to the actual situation. The mounting positions of the electric heater, the first water pump, the first target flow switch, and the first check valve in each main pipeline 111 can be configured based on the actual situation. Multiple components can be integrated within the integrated water device, or, in some scenarios, some components can be arranged outside the integrated water device. The functions of each component can refer to existing technology, which will not be detailed further in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 1, the auxiliary module 12 includes multiple auxiliary pipelines 121 arranged in parallel, wherein each auxiliary pipeline 121 is provided with a second water pump, a second target flow switch, and a second check valve. Each auxiliary pipeline 121 corresponds to one heat pump auxiliary unit 22, that is, the number of auxiliary pipelines 121 is consistent with the number of heat pump auxiliary units 22.

[0046] In practical applications, when the heat pump system is started and there is air conditioning demand, the states of the multiple heat pump auxiliary units 22 are kept consistent, that is, they are turned on and off simultaneously. During operation, according to the air conditioning demand of the user, the multiple heat pump auxiliary units 22 execute the same air conditioning mode. If the air conditioning demand is cooling, they all execute the cooling mode; and if the air conditioning demand is heating, they all execute the heating mode.

[0047] For any heat pump auxiliary unit 22, the heat pump auxiliary unit 22 provides a heat source or cooling source to the terminal device through the corresponding auxiliary pipeline 121, so that the terminal device heats or cools the external environment to meet the air conditioning demand of the user. In addition, the first end and third end of the three-way valve 13 can be controlled to be communicated, so that the output end of the main module 11 is connected to the output end of the auxiliary module 12. At this time, the heat pump main unit 21, through the main module 11, is connected to the terminal device. The heat pump main unit 21 and the heat pump auxiliary unit 22 jointly provide a heat source or cooling source to the terminal device, so that the terminal device heats or cools the external environment, further ensuring the air conditioning experience of the user.

[0048] It should be noted that the mounting positions of the second water pump, the second target flow switch, and the second check valve in each auxiliary pipeline 121 can be configured according to the actual situation. The functions of each component can refer to existing technology, which will not be elaborated further in the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] To sum up, for the integrated water device provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the heat pump system simultaneously has heating water demand and air conditioning demand, the integrated water device controls the first end and second end of the three-way valve to be communicated, so that the output end of the main module is connected to the input end of the domestic water tank. At this time, the heat pump main unit heats the water in the domestic water tank through the main module, and the heat pump auxiliary unit provides a heat source or cooling source to the terminal device through the auxiliary module. The heat pump system simultaneously meets the heating water demand and the air conditioning demand of the user. When the heating for the domestic water tank is completed, the first end of the three-way valve in the integrated water device is controlled to switch to be communicated with the third end, so that the output end of the main module is connected to the output end of the auxiliary module. At this time, the heat pump main unit and the heat pump auxiliary unit jointly provide a heat source or cooling source to the terminal device. In other words, based on meeting the heating water demand of the user, the air conditioning experience of the user is further ensured, which avoids situations where the air conditioning experience of the user is poor in some scenarios, such as during the summer, and further improves the comfort of the user.

Second Embodiment

[0050] Based on the above integrated water device, the present disclosure also provides a heat pump system, including at least one heat pump main unit, at least one heat pump auxiliary unit, a domestic water tank, a terminal device, and the integrated water device applied to the heat pump system, wherein the heat pump main unit, the heat pump auxiliary unit, the domestic water tank, and the terminal device are all connected to the integrated water device.

[0051] It should be noted that the heat pump main unit includes, but is not limited to, components such as a compressor and a plate heat exchanger, to provide a heat source or cooling source. The structure of the heat pump main unit can refer to existing heat pump main units, which will not be elaborated further in the embodiments of the present disclosure. The heat pump main unit and the heat pump auxiliary unit have the same structure, and the quantity can be the same or different, which can be set according to the actual situation.

[0052] For case of explanation, one heat pump main unit and one heat pump auxiliary unit are used as an example. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat pump system includes a heat pump main unit 21, a heat pump auxiliary unit 22, a domestic water tank 23, a terminal device, and the integrated water device mentioned above, wherein the heat pump main unit 21 is connected to the main module 11, the heat pump auxiliary unit 22 is connected to the auxiliary module 12, the main module 11 is connected to the A end of the three-way valve 13, the B end of the three-way valve 13 is connected to the domestic water tank 23, and the C end of the three-way valve 13 is connected between the auxiliary module 12 and the terminal device.

[0053] In addition, the terminal device includes a buffer water tank 24 and an air conditioning terminal 25, wherein the buffer water tank 24 is connected to the auxiliary module 12 and the air conditioning terminal 25, respectively. The air conditioning terminal 25 includes at least one of a floor heating coil, a radiator group, and a fan coil, which can be arranged according to the actual situation. Furthermore, the heat pump system also includes a filter 27, wherein the filter 27 is arranged between the auxiliary module 12 and the buffer water tank 24. The mounting position of the filter 27 can be adjusted based on the actual situation, and its function can refer to existing filters, which will not be elaborated further in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] The working principle of the above heat pump system is as follows.

[0055] (1) When the heat pump system only has heating water demand, at this time, as shown in FIG. 2, the A end and B end of the three-way valve 13 are communicated, and the output end of the main module 11 is connected to the input end of the domestic water tank 23. The heat pump main unit 21 provides a heat source to the domestic water tank 23 through the main module 11 (i.e., the main pipeline 111) to heat the water in the domestic water tank 23, thereby meeting the hot water demand of the user.

[0056] (2) When the heat pump system has air conditioning demand (heating or cooling), the heat pump auxiliary unit 22 provides a heat source or cooling source to the buffer water tank 24 through the auxiliary module 12, so that the buffer water tank 24, through the air conditioning terminal 25, heats or cools the external environment to meet the air conditioning demand of the user.

[0057] Additionally, to further improve the air conditioning comfort of the user, such as quickly meeting the cooling demand of the user in the summer, the heat pump main unit 21 and heat pump auxiliary unit 22 can jointly provide a cooling source to the buffer water tank 24. At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the A end and C end of the three-way valve 13 are communicated, and the output end of the main module 11 is connected to the output end of the auxiliary module 12. The heat pump main unit 21, through the main module 11 (i.e., the main pipeline 111), jointly with the heat pump auxiliary unit 22, provides a cooling source to the buffer water tank 24 to quickly meet the cooling demand of the user.

[0058] (3) When the heat pump system has both heating water demand and air conditioning demand, at this time, the heat pump main unit 21 and the heat pump auxiliary unit 22 are turned on simultaneously. The heat pump main unit 21 primarily meets the heating water demand, and the heat pump auxiliary unit 22 meets the air conditioning demand. The A end and B end of the three-way valve 13 are communicated, and the heat pump main unit 21 provides a heat source to the domestic water tank 23 through the main module 11 (i.e., the main pipeline 111) to heat the water in the domestic water tank 23, thereby meeting the hot water demand of the user. In the meantime, the heat pump auxiliary unit 22 provides a heat source or cooling source to the buffer water tank 24 through the auxiliary module 12, so that the buffer water tank 24, through the air conditioning terminal 25, heats or cools the external environment to meet the air conditioning demand of the user.

[0059] Additionally, when the heating for the domestic water tank 23 is completed, the A end of the three-way valve 13 switches to be communicated with the C end. At this time, the output end of the main module 11 is connected to the output end of the auxiliary module 12. The heat pump main unit 21, through the main module 11 (i.e., the main pipeline 111), jointly with the heat pump auxiliary unit 22, provides a heat source or cooling source to the buffer water tank 24, so that the buffer water tank 24, through the air conditioning terminal 25, heats or cools the external environment. Thus, based on meeting the heating water demand of the user, the air conditioning experience of the user is further ensured, which avoids situations where the air conditioning experience of the user is poor in some scenarios, such as during the summer, and further improves the comfort of the user.

Third Embodiment

[0060] For example, in a heat pump system that includes multiple heat pump main units and multiple heat pump auxiliary units, as shown in FIG. 4, MA, SL1, and SL2 represent three heat pump main units which are arranged in parallel, and SL3SL7 represent multiple heat pump auxiliary units which are arranged in parallel. Each of the heat pump main units is connected to the three-way valve 13 via its corresponding main pipeline, and each of the heat pump auxiliary units is connected to the buffer water tank 24 through its corresponding auxiliary pipeline. The total input end of the multiple auxiliary pipelines is also connected to the three-way valve 13, and the three-way valve 13 is further connected to the domestic water tank 23. The buffer water tank 24 is connected to the air conditioning terminal 25, and the air conditioning terminal 25 includes multiple RTs, wherein RT can be a floor heating coil, a radiator group, or a fan coil.

[0061] It should be noted that AHS refers to a gas furnace, which can be referenced according to existing technology. In addition, between the buffer water tank 24 and the air conditioning terminal 25, check valves MV2 and MV3, water pumps P2 and P3, and other components can also be arranged, which can specifically refer to the prior art and will not be elaborated in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0062] In practical application, the multiple heat pump main units MA, SL1, and SL2 are turned on or off simultaneously, and the multiple heat pump auxiliary units SL3SL7 are also turned on or off simultaneously. When the output ends of the main pipelines are connected to the input end of the domestic water tank 23, the multiple heat pump main units MA, SL1, and SL2 are turned on to heat the domestic water tank 23 simultaneously, thus meeting the hot water demand of the user. At the same time, the multiple heat pump auxiliary units SL3SL7 can also provide a heat source or cooling source to the buffer water tank 24 through their corresponding auxiliary pipelines, thus meeting the air conditioning demand of the user.

[0063] Additionally, when the heating for the domestic water tank 23 is completed, in some scenarios, the ends in the three-way valve 13 can be controlled to switch, so that the output end of the main pipeline is connected to the output end of the auxiliary pipeline. At this point, the multiple heat pump main units MA, SL1, and SL2, along with the multiple heat pump auxiliary units SL3SL7, can simultaneously provide a heat source or cooling source to the buffer water tank 24. This ensures that the buffer water tank 24 and the air conditioning terminal 25 can heat or cool the environment to meet the air conditioning demand of the user.

[0064] Thus, with the above heat pump system, both the heating water demand and air conditioning demand of the user can be met simultaneously to significantly improve the comfort of the user.

Fourth Embodiment

[0065] Based on the above heat pump system, the embodiment of the present disclosure also provides a control method for the heat pump system, as shown in FIG. 5. The method includes the following steps.

[0066] Step S502: controlling, when both the heating water demand and air conditioning demand are simultaneously acquired, the first end and second end of the three-way valve to be communicated, and controlling the heat pump main unit and the heat pump auxiliary unit to start operating, so that the heat pump main unit, through the main module, heats the water in the domestic water tank, and the heat pump auxiliary unit, through the auxiliary module, provides a heat source or cooling source to the terminal device.

[0067] Step S504: acquiring, during operation, the water temperature of the domestic water tank and the indoor environment temperature corresponding to the terminal device, wherein the indoor environment temperature is the indoor environment temperature at the location where the air conditioning terminal is located.

[0068] Specifically, in practical application, the water temperature T1 of the domestic water tank and the indoor environment temperature T2 corresponding to the terminal device can be detected using a temperature sensor or thermistor. It should be noted that during the operation of the heat pump system, T1 and T2 can be monitored in real-time or at preset intervals, which can be set depending on the specific application.

[0069] Step S506: determining whether a heating for the domestic water tank is complete based on the water temperature and a preset water temperature threshold.

[0070] Step S508: determining, if yes, whether to control the switching of the three-way valve, based on the indoor environment temperature and a preset temperature threshold.

[0071] Step S510: controlling, if yes, the first end of the three-way valve to switch to communicate with the third end, and controlling the heat pump main unit and the heat pump auxiliary unit to continue operation, so that both the heat pump main unit and the heat pump auxiliary unit jointly provide a heat source or cooling source to the terminal device.

[0072] The control method for the heat pump system described above enables the heat pump system to simultaneously meet both the heating water demand and air conditioning demand of the user by controlling the switching operations for the communication relationships of the first end, second end, and third end of the three-way valve. This improves the comfort of the user.

[0073] In one embodiment, the process of determining whether a heating for the domestic water tank is complete based on the water temperature and a preset water temperature threshold includes: determining that the heating for the domestic water tank is complete, if a difference between the water temperature and the preset water temperature threshold is not greater than a first difference threshold.

[0074] Specifically, during the heating process of the domestic water tank, a target water temperature, i.e., a preset water temperature threshold TS1, is set. For the detected water temperature T1, the difference, T1=TS1T1, between the water temperature and the preset water temperature threshold is calculated, and based on T1, it is determined whether the domestic water tank has completed heating. As shown in FIG. 6, when T1 is not greater than the first difference threshold (preferably 0 C.), i.e., T10 C., it is determined that the heating for the domestic water tank is complete.

[0075] Additionally, if T1 is greater than the first difference threshold but not greater than the second difference threshold (preferably 5 C.), i.e., 0 C.<T15 C., it is indicated that the heating for the domestic water tank is nearing completion. In this case, the heat pump main unit is controlled to maintain the previous state, that is, the domestic water tank continues to be heated in accordance with the previous state until the heating is complete.

[0076] Furthermore, if T1 is greater than the second difference threshold, i.e., T1>5 C., it indicates that the water temperature of the domestic water tank is far from the target temperature, which requires the heat pump main unit to continue heating the water in the domestic water tank, for example, by controlling the heat pump to provide more heat sources. Thus, it speeds up the heating rate of the domestic water tank, thereby improving the comfort of the user.

[0077] It should be noted that when T10 C., it is determined that the heating for the domestic water tank is completed. At this time, it is necessary to check whether the heat pump auxiliary unit has completed the air conditioning demand. Based on this, the state of the heat pump main unit is controlled. For example, the heat pump main unit is controlled to be stopped once the domestic water tank reaches the required temperature, or the three-way valve is controlled to switch so that the heat pump main unit switches to providing a heat source or cooling source to the terminal device.

[0078] Based on this, in Step S508, when determining whether to control the switching of the three-way valve based on the indoor environment temperature and a preset temperature threshold, it also needs to be determined separately from the specific air conditioning demands (cooling or heating). For clarity, the target indoor temperature set by the user, i.e., the preset temperature threshold, is TS2, and the temperature difference between the indoor environment temperature and the preset temperature threshold is set to T2=T2TS2.

[0079] In one determination method, when the air conditioning demand is cooling, as long as one of the following situations is met, it is determined that the three-way valve is controlled to switch, which, specifically, is as follows.

[0080] (1) If T2 is greater than the third difference threshold (preferably 2 C.), i.e., T2>2 C., it means that the indoor environment temperature T2 has not yet reached the preset temperature threshold TS2. In this case, the three-way valve is controlled to switch so that the heat pump main unit and heat pump auxiliary unit jointly provide a cooling source to the terminal device, to enable the indoor environment temperature to quickly reach the preset temperature threshold. Therefore, based on meeting the heating water demand of the user, the air conditioning demand of the user is quickly met.

[0081] (2) If the temperature difference between the indoor environment temperature and the preset temperature threshold is not greater than the third difference threshold but is greater than the fourth difference threshold (preferably 0 C.), and the temperature difference between two consecutive indoor environment temperatures within a preset duration is not greater than the fifth difference threshold (preferably 0.2 C.), where the preset duration is preferably 60 s, that is, when satisfying conditions of 0 C.<T22 C. and T.sub.(i-1) 2T.sub.i20.2 C., the three-way valve is controlled to switch. T.sub.i2 represents the indoor environment temperature at the current time, and T.sub.(i-1)2 represents the indoor environment temperature at the previous time, i.e., the indoor environment temperature 60 s ago.

[0082] When satisfying a condition of T.sub.(i-1)2T.sub.i2>0.2 C., it indicates that the capacity of the heat pump auxiliary unit is sufficient, so the heat pump main unit is no longer needed to provide a cooling source to the terminal device. At this point, since the heating for the domestic water tank is complete, the heat pump main unit is controlled to be stopped when reaching the required temperature. Conversely, when satisfying conditions of 0 C.<T22 C. and T.sub.(i-1) 2T.sub.i20.2 C., it indicates that the capacity of the heat pump auxiliary unit is insufficient, and the three-way valve should be controlled to switch the first end to communicate with the third end, to allow the heat pump main unit to operate for the cooling demand. This ensures that both the heat pump main unit and the auxiliary unit provide a cooling source to the terminal device, thus helping the indoor environment temperature reach the preset temperature threshold quickly. Therefore, based on meeting the heating water demand of the user, the air conditioning demand of the user is quickly met.

[0083] Moreover, if T20 C., it indicates the indoor environment temperature has reached the preset temperature threshold, and at this point, there is no need for the heat pump main unit to provide the cooling source to the terminal device. Since the heating for the domestic water tank is complete, the heat pump main unit is controlled to be stopped.

[0084] In another determination method, when the air conditioning demand is heating, as long as one of the following situations is met, it is determined that the three-way valve is controlled to switch, which, specifically, is as follows.

[0085] (2) If T2 is less than the sixth difference threshold (preferably 2 C.), i.e., T2<2 C., it means that the indoor environment temperature T2 has not yet reached the preset temperature threshold TS2. In this case, the three-way valve is controlled to switch so that the heat pump main unit and heat pump auxiliary unit jointly provide a heating source to the terminal device, to enable the indoor environment temperature to quickly reach the preset temperature threshold. Therefore, based on meeting the heating water demand of the user, the air conditioning demand of the user is quickly met.

[0086] (2) If the temperature difference between the indoor environment temperature and the preset temperature threshold is not less than the sixth difference threshold but is less than the seventh difference threshold (preferably 0 C.), and the temperature difference between two consecutive indoor environment temperatures within a preset duration is not less than the eighth difference threshold (preferably 0.2 C.) but less than the ninth difference threshold (preferably 0 C.), where the preset duration is preferably 60 s, that is, when satisfying conditions of 2 C.<T2<0 C. and 0.2 C.T.sub.(i-1)2T.sub.i2<0 C., the three-way valve is controlled to switch.

[0087] When satisfying a condition of T.sub.(i-1)2T.sub.i20.2 C., it indicates that the heat pump auxiliary unit is sufficient to meet the cooling demand, so the heat pump main unit is no longer needed to provide a heating source to the terminal device. At this point, since the heating for the domestic water tank is complete, the heat pump main unit is controlled to be stopped when reaching the temperature. Conversely, when satisfying conditions of 2 C.T2<0 C. and 0.2 C.T.sub.(i-1)2T.sub.i2<0 C., it indicates that the capacity of the heat pump auxiliary unit is insufficient, and the three-way valve should be controlled to switch the first end to communicate with the third end, to allow the heat pump main unit to operate for the cooling demand. This ensures that both the heat pump main unit and the auxiliary unit provide a heating source to the terminal device, thus helping the indoor environment temperature reach the preset temperature threshold quickly. Therefore, based on meeting the heating water demand of the user, the air conditioning demand of the user is quickly met.

[0088] Moreover, if T20 C., it indicates the indoor environment temperature has reached the preset temperature threshold, and at this point, there is no need for the heat pump main unit to provide the heating source to the terminal device. Since the heating for the domestic water tank is complete, the heat pump main unit is controlled to be stopped.

[0089] It should be noted that the specific values of the individual difference thresholds mentioned above can all be adapted to the actual situation.

[0090] The control method for the heat pump system, provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure, has the same technical features as the heat pump system provided in the above embodiments, and therefore, it can solve the same technical problems and achieve the same technical effects.

[0091] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an electronic device including a processor and memory, wherein the memory stores machine-executable instructions capable of being executed by the processor, and the processor executes the machine-executable instructions to implement the control method for the heat pump system described above.

[0092] The embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a machine-readable storage medium, wherein the machine-readable storage medium stores machine-executable instructions. When the machine-executable instructions are invoked and executed by a processor, the machine-executable instructions prompt the processor to implement the control method for the heat pump system described above.

[0093] It can be clear to those skilled in the field that, for the convenience and brevity of the description, the specific working processes of the systems and devices described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the preceding method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0094] Additionally, in the description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly stipulated and limited, the terms provide, communicate, connect and should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; and it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediary, or an internal communication between two components. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand the meanings of the above terms in the present disclosure according to specific situations.

[0095] If the functions are implemented in the form of software functional units and sold or used as standalone products, they can be stored in a non-volatile, computer-readable storage medium executable by a processor. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present disclosure can essentially be embodied in the form of a software product, which contributes to or includes parts of the prior art. The software product is stored in a storage medium and includes multiple instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, server, network device, etc.) to execute all or some of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of the present disclosure. The aforementioned storage media include various media that can store program code, such as USB drives, external hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disks, or optical discs.

[0096] In the description of the present disclosure, it should be noted that the terms center, top, bottom, left, right, vertical, horizontal, inside, outside, and other terms refer to the orientations or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings. The terms are only used for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms should not be construed as limitations of the present disclosure. In addition, the terms first, second and third are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0097] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiments described above are merely specific implementations of the present disclosure, intended to illustrate the technical solutions of the present disclosure and not to limit it. The protection scope of the present disclosure is not confined to these. Although the present disclosure has been described in detail regarding the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any modifications or easily conceived alterations to the technical solutions described in the embodiments, or equivalent replacements of some technical features, made by those skilled in the art within the disclosed technical scope, do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present disclosure. All such modifications, alterations, or replacements should be included within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present disclosure should be determined by the scope of protection of the claims.