Energy-saving system for continuously boiling by adding air source heat energy into boiler in brewery

Abstract

The invention provides an energy-saving system for continuously boiling a brewery boiler by adding air source heat energy. The energy-saving system comprises the boiler, a condensing heat exchanger, an air energy heat supply device, an intermediate heat exchanger, an energy storage tank, a preheater and temperature values among the devices. The energy storage tank can store heat of the air energy heat supply device and heat of steam waste heat after boiling of the boiler, and can supply heat supplement for continuous boiling of the boiler through the stored energy. Air source heat and recovered steam heat energy of the boiling device are used for supplementing heat for wort, so that the steam consumption of an external pipe network can be reduced, steam loss is reduced, heat circulation and repeated utilization of the system are realized, the heat energy utilization rate is improved, the energy-saving effect is achieved, the wort temperature rising time is shortened, and the working efficiency is improved. Furthermore, the wort boiling time of the boiler is shortened, and the production efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food machinery engineering, and in particular to an energy-saving system for adding air source heat energy to a brewery boiler to continue boiling. Background Technology

[0002] The brewing process of beer mainly includes steps such as saccharification, gelatinization, boiling, and fermentation. After cleaning and other treatments, the raw materials undergo saccharification and gelatinization to form mash. The liquid in the mash is then separated to form wort. The wort is boiled in a boiler to form new wort for sedimentation in a settling tank. The new wort then undergoes fermentation and storage to form the finished beer.

[0003] Among related technologies, the boiling process has a high boiling intensity and consumes a lot of heat energy. A large amount of hot steam is directly emitted from the chimney into the outside air during the production process, resulting in significant energy waste in the boiling equipment during beer brewing. This increases the material and energy consumption in the brewery's production process and also causes environmental and thermal pollution.

[0004] Currently, breweries remain a special industry characterized by high resource consumption, significant waste emissions, and high energy consumption. In the future, China's beer industry needs to adopt a circular economy model for innovation and R&D, upgrade brewing equipment and processes, and embrace a low-carbon era. This model should be based on the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling, characterized by low consumption, low emissions, and high efficiency, aligning with the concept of sustainable development. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide an energy-saving system for adding air source heat energy to a brewery's boiler for continued boiling. This system can collect and store the heat from the air source heat source and the energy from the waste heat after boiling, thereby improving the energy utilization rate of the boiler, realizing the heat cycle and reuse of the system, reducing the brewing cost of the brewery, developing and utilizing renewable energy, improving the level of science and technology, and promoting the development of energy-saving equipment in the industry.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application adopts the following technical solution: According to one aspect of this application, an energy-saving system is provided for adding air source heat energy to a brewery boiler for continued boiling. The system includes: a boiler, a condenser heat exchanger, an air source heating device, an intermediate heat exchanger, an energy storage tank, and a preheater. The boiler is used to boil wort to generate hot steam. The condenser heat exchanger is connected to the boiler to receive the hot steam. The hot steam condenses after providing heat energy to form a liquid intermediate heat exchange medium. An initial energy storage medium flows within the air source heating device, which can absorb the air source heat energy and heat the initial energy storage medium to form a first energy storage medium. The intermediate heat exchanger is connected to the air source heating device and the condenser heat exchanger, and can receive the intermediate heat exchange medium and... The first energy storage medium absorbs the heat energy of the intermediate heat exchange medium to form a second energy storage medium; the energy storage tank is connected to the intermediate heat exchanger and the condensing heat exchanger, the energy storage tank can receive and contain the second energy storage medium, the energy storage tank can input the contained second energy storage medium into the condensing heat exchanger, the second energy storage medium absorbs the heat energy of the hot steam in the condensing heat exchanger to form a third energy storage medium; the condensing heat exchanger transports the third energy storage medium back into the energy storage tank; the preheater is connected to the energy storage tank, the preheater can receive the third energy storage medium output by the energy storage tank for preheating the wort, and input the wort into the boiling vessel.

[0007] In some embodiments, the energy-saving system includes a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe, and valves respectively disposed on the first and second connecting pipes. The two ends of the first connecting pipe are respectively connected to an external container for containing the initial energy storage medium and the air source heat pump device. The first connecting pipe is used to input the initial energy storage medium into the air source heat pump device. The second connecting pipe is connected to the air source heat pump device and the intermediate heat exchanger to input the first energy storage medium into the intermediate heat exchanger. The two valves are used to control the on / off state of the first and second connecting pipes.

[0008] In some embodiments, the air source heating device includes an air source heat pump and an air source heat exchanger. The air source heat pump is capable of absorbing heat energy from the outside air. The air source heat exchanger is connected to the air source heat pump. The air source heat exchanger is capable of communicating with the first connecting pipe to receive an initial energy storage medium. The air source heat exchanger is capable of exchanging heat with the air source heat pump, so that the initial energy storage medium can absorb the air source heat energy from the air source heat pump and heat up to form the first energy storage medium.

[0009] In some embodiments, the energy-saving system further includes a third connecting pipe, a fourth connecting pipe, and a fifth connecting pipe; the third connecting pipe connects the intermediate heat exchanger and the energy storage tank to input the second energy storage medium into the energy storage tank; the fourth connecting pipe connects the energy storage tank and the condensing heat exchanger to input the second energy storage medium in the energy storage tank into the condensing heat exchanger; and the fifth connecting pipe connects the condensing heat exchanger and the energy storage tank to input the third energy storage medium into the energy storage tank.

[0010] In some embodiments, a liquid storage chamber is provided inside the energy storage tank for storing the second energy storage medium and the third energy storage medium; the third connecting pipe is connected to the lower part of the liquid storage chamber, and the fifth connecting pipe is connected to the upper part of the liquid storage chamber, so that the second energy storage medium and the third energy storage medium form a temperature stratification in the liquid storage chamber.

[0011] In some embodiments, the energy-saving system further includes a sixth connecting pipe; the sixth connecting pipe connects the energy storage tank and the preheater to input the third energy storage medium in the energy storage tank into the preheater; the third energy storage medium in the preheater cools down after heat exchange to form a fourth energy storage medium.

[0012] In some embodiments, the energy-saving system further includes a first merging pipe, one end of which is connected to the upper part of the energy storage tank; the other end of which is connected to the fifth connecting pipe and the sixth connecting pipe, and valves are provided on the first merging pipe, the fifth connecting pipe and the sixth connecting pipe.

[0013] In some embodiments, the energy-saving system further includes a seventh connecting pipe that connects the preheater and the energy storage tank for transporting the fourth energy storage medium back into the energy storage tank.

[0014] In some embodiments, the energy-saving system further includes a second merging pipe, one end of which is connected to the lower part of the liquid storage chamber; the other end of which is connected to the fourth connecting pipe and the seventh connecting pipe, and valves are provided on both the fourth connecting pipe and the seventh connecting pipe.

[0015] In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the initial energy storage medium and the first energy storage medium is 30℃±1℃, the temperature difference between the first energy storage medium and the second energy storage medium is 34℃±1℃, the temperature difference between the second energy storage medium and the third energy storage medium is 18℃±1℃, and the temperature difference between the third energy storage medium and the fourth energy storage medium is 18℃±1℃.

[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solution, this application has at least the following advantages and positive effects: This application discloses an energy-saving system for adding air-source heat energy to the brewery's boiling unit for continued boiling. The system includes a boiling unit, a condenser heat exchanger, an air-source heating device, an intermediate heat exchanger, an energy storage tank, a preheater, and the temperature values ​​between these components. The energy storage tank stores heat from the air-source heating device and waste heat from the steam after boiling, and can use this stored energy to supplement the boiling unit's heat supply. By utilizing air-source heat and recovered steam heat from the boiling unit to reheat the wort, the system saves on external pipeline steam usage, reduces steam loss, achieves heat circulation and reuse, improves thermal efficiency, achieves energy savings, and shortens the wort heating time, thereby reducing the boiling time and increasing production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the energy-saving system of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The enlarged view of structure A shown in the diagram.

[0019] Figure 3 This is the media flow model tree of the energy-saving system of this invention.

[0020] The annotations in the attached figures are explained as follows: 100. Boiler; 120. Feed pipe; 130. Discharge pipe; 210. Air source heating device; 211. Air source heat pump; 2111. Evaporator; 2112. Compressor; 2113. Condenser; 2114. Expansion valve; 2115. Dryer filter; 212. Air source heat exchanger; 220. Condensing heat exchanger; 230. Intermediate heat exchanger; 240. Energy storage tank; 250. Preheater; 311. First heat mass tube; 312. Second heat mass tube; 313. Exhaust pipe; 321. First connecting pipe; 322. Second connecting pipe; 323. Third connecting pipe; 324. Fourth connecting pipe; 325. Fifth connecting pipe; 326. Sixth connecting pipe; 327. Seventh connecting pipe; 328. First merging pipe; 329. Second merging pipe; 40. External pipe network. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of this application will be described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that this application can have various variations in different embodiments, all of which do not depart from the scope of this application, and the descriptions and illustrations therein are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit this application.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the energy-saving system of the present invention. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The enlarged view of structure A shown in the diagram. Figure 3 This is the media flow model tree of the energy-saving system of this invention.

[0024] See Figures 1 to 3 This application provides an energy-saving system (hereinafter referred to as the energy-saving system) for adding air source heat energy to a brewery boiler for continued boiling. Applied to the brewery boiling process, it adds an air source heating device 210 to the boiler 100, allowing the energy storage medium to absorb air source heat energy for initial heating. Afterward, the energy storage medium undergoes secondary heating via an intermediate heat exchanger 230 and a condenser heat exchanger 220 before being stored in an energy storage tank 240. The energy storage tank 240 contains the energy storage medium to store heat. The energy storage medium stored in the energy storage tank 240 provides the heat required for boiling the wort in the boiler 100, enabling continuous boiling of the wort and producing qualified wort. During the continued boiling of the wort in the boiler 100, the energy storage tank 240 reduces the steam energy consumption of the external piping network directly used by the boiler 100 in the wort boiling process, achieving energy saving, environmental protection, and reduced production costs.

[0025] When the energy-saving system of this application is first started in its initial state, the energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 240 cannot initially reach its normal operating state. It is necessary to first inject a room-temperature energy storage medium into the energy storage tank 240 before starting the boiler 100 so that the wort in the boiler 100 can be fully heated and boiled using the steam in the external pipeline network. Therefore, during the initial operating stages of the first and second boiling of the boiler 100, a certain amount of time and steam heat from the external pipeline network are required. At that time, the waste heat of steam generated by boiling in the boiler 100 will be transferred to the storage tank 240 through the condenser heat exchanger 220 and the intermediate heat exchanger 230 for storage, so that the energy storage medium in the storage tank 240 can be heated to the specified storage temperature. All components of the energy-saving system will reach the normal preset working state. The storage tank 240 can continuously replenish heat to the boiler 100, reducing the steam heat of the external steam network used in the boiling process of the boiler 100, thereby realizing the energy recycling of the energy-saving system, reducing the production cost of beer and reducing energy consumption.

[0026] Furthermore, the air-source heating device 210 of this application is used in conjunction with the condenser heat exchanger 220 and the intermediate heat exchanger 230. The air-source heating device 210 can operate continuously to continuously input air-source heat energy into the energy-saving system. After being heated by the air-source heating device 210, the energy storage medium, in the initial state of the energy-saving system, can be activated at any time by the air-source heating device 210, the condenser heat exchanger 220, and the intermediate heat exchanger 230 to absorb air-source heat energy and can be stored in the energy storage tank 240. After the boiler 100 is started, the energy-saving system of this application can significantly reduce the boiling time of the wort in the boiler 100 through the energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 240, thereby achieving energy saving and efficiency improvement, increasing production efficiency, and realizing green, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly wort distillation.

[0027] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 The energy-saving system includes: a boiler 100, a condenser heat exchanger 220, an air-source heat pump 210, an intermediate heat exchanger 230, an energy storage tank 240, and a preheater 250. The boiler 100 is connected to the condenser heat exchanger 220 via a first heat mass pipe 311, allowing the hot steam generated in the boiler 100 to be input into the condenser heat exchanger 220, whereby the hot steam condenses to form an intermediate heat exchange medium. The condenser heat exchanger 220 is connected to the intermediate heat exchanger 230 via a second heat mass pipe 312, allowing the intermediate heat exchange medium to be input into the intermediate heat exchanger 230. The energy storage medium passes sequentially through the air-source heat pump 210, the intermediate heat exchanger 230, and the condenser heat exchanger 220, before being input into and stored in the upper part of the energy storage tank 240. This achieves the absorption and utilization of air-source heat energy and the absorption and reuse of waste heat from hot steam, improving the energy efficiency of the energy-saving system and reducing the production cost of beer.

[0028] In this embodiment, the boiler 100 is used to boil the wort to form new wort, but during the boiling process, a large amount of odorous and waste heat-generating hot steam is generated. The boiler 100 includes a housing and a heater. A boiling chamber is formed inside the housing to contain the wort. The heater is connected to the housing to heat the wort in the boiling chamber.

[0029] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the energy-saving system includes an inlet pipe 120 and an outlet pipe 130. The inlet pipe 120 is connected to the housing to feed the wort into the boiling chamber for boiling and heating. The outlet pipe 130 is connected to the boiler 100 and subsequent processing equipment.

[0030] In some embodiments, after the wort is boiled and heated in the boiler 100, it flows through the discharge pipe 130 to a sedimentation tank (not shown) for subsequent processes. The purpose of the boiler 100 is to sterilize, concentrate the wort, add hops to impart flavor and aroma, and promote the binding of proteins and tannins to form a precipitate.

[0031] In some embodiments, the heater can heat the temperature inside the boiling chamber to 103°C.

[0032] In this embodiment, one end of the first heat mass pipe 311 is connected to the boiler 100, and the other end of the first heat mass pipe 311 is connected to the condenser heat exchanger 220. The first heat mass pipe 311 is used to transfer the steam produced in the boiler 100 to the condenser heat exchanger 220.

[0033] In some embodiments, the temperature of the hot steam can be 103°C.

[0034] In this embodiment, one end of the second heat mass tube 312 is connected to the condenser heat exchanger 220, and the other end of the second heat mass tube 312 is connected to the intermediate heat exchanger 230. The second heat mass tube 312 is used to transfer the intermediate heat exchange medium produced in the condenser heat exchanger 220 to the intermediate heat exchanger 230.

[0035] In some embodiments, the temperature of the intermediate heat exchange medium can be 99°C.

[0036] In this embodiment, the energy-saving system includes a first connecting pipe 321. The first connecting pipe 321 connects an external container and an air-source heat pump device 210. The external container is used to hold the initial energy storage medium. The first connecting pipe 321 can input the initial energy storage medium into the air-source heat pump device 210 to absorb the heat energy from the air source in the air-source heat pump device 210 and heat up to form the first energy storage medium.

[0037] In this embodiment, the initial energy storage medium can be water.

[0038] In some embodiments, the initial temperature of the energy storage medium can be 15°C.

[0039] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the air source heating device 210 is a device that absorbs heat energy from the air source. The air source heating device 210 can continuously prepare and replenish the heated first energy storage medium for the energy-saving system, responding promptly to the heat demand of the boiler 100 and providing continuous heat for the boiler 100 to continue boiling the wort, thus improving production efficiency with low consumption and low emissions. Simultaneously, the initial energy storage medium achieves automatic heat collection from the air source through the air source heating device 210, reducing the introduction of other energy sources. By using air source heat energy, which is renewable and environmentally friendly, it further reduces the energy-saving system's consumption of fossil fuels and environmental pollution.

[0040] In this embodiment, the air source heating device 210 includes an air source heat pump 211 and an air source heat exchanger 212. The air source heat pump 211 can absorb air source heat energy from the outside air. The air source heat exchanger 212 is connected to the air source heat pump 211. The air source heat exchanger 212 is connected to the first connecting pipe 321 to receive the initial energy storage medium. The air source heat exchanger 212 and the air source heat pump 211 convert energy so that the initial energy storage medium can absorb the air source heat energy from the air source heat pump 211 and heat up to form the first energy storage medium.

[0041] In this embodiment, a refrigerant flows through the air source heat pump 211. The air source heat pump 211 absorbs heat from the air, and through the phase change of the refrigerant—evaporation absorbing heat and condensation releasing heat—it transfers the heat from the air to the first energy storage medium. It primarily utilizes renewable air energy and produces no pollution during operation. The air source heat pump 211 includes an evaporator 2111, a compressor 2112, a condenser 2113, and an expansion valve 2114 connected in sequence. The evaporator 2111 absorbs heat from the air. The compressor 2112 performs work on the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, compressing it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The condenser 2113 exchanges heat with the air source heat exchanger 212, so that the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant loses heat and becomes a low-temperature, high-pressure gas-liquid mixture refrigerant. Subsequently, the low-temperature, high-pressure mixed refrigerant is throttled and depressurized by the expansion valve 2114, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant, which is then returned to the evaporator 2111 for repeated operation, completing the process of transferring heat energy from the outdoor ambient temperature environment to the first energy storage medium.

[0042] The air source heat exchanger 212 includes an air exhalation heat side structure and an air absorption heat side structure.

[0043] Both ends of the air respiration side structure are connected to the condenser 2113. A heat pumping medium circulates between the air respiration side structure and the condenser 2113. The heat pumping medium transfers the heat energy from the air source to the air respiration side structure.

[0044] The input end of the air-absorbing heat-side structure is connected to the first connecting pipe 321 for inputting the initial energy storage medium into the air-absorbing heat-side structure. The output end of the air-absorbing heat-side structure is connected to the intermediate heat exchanger 230. When the initial energy storage medium flows through the air-absorbing heat-side structure, it can absorb the air source heat energy in the pumping heat medium and heat up to form the first energy storage medium, which can then be input into the intermediate heat exchanger 230.

[0045] In some embodiments, the temperature of the heat pumping medium flowing into the air exhalation side structure can be 50°C, and the temperature of the heat pumping medium flowing out of the air exhalation side structure can be 20°C.

[0046] In some embodiments, the energy-saving system includes multiple air-source heating devices 210 for heating the initial energy storage medium. In other embodiments, the air-source heating device 210 may include multiple air-source heat pumps 211 to achieve the effect of heating the initial energy storage medium through the air-source heat exchanger 212.

[0047] In this embodiment, a second connecting pipe 322 is provided between the air heat absorption side structure of the air source heat exchanger 212 and the intermediate heat exchanger 230. The second connecting pipe is used to input the first energy storage medium output from the air source heating device 210 into the intermediate heat exchanger 230.

[0048] In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the initial energy storage medium and the first energy storage medium is 30℃±1℃.

[0049] In other embodiments, the temperature of the first energy storage medium can reach 45°C.

[0050] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the intermediate heat exchanger 230 is connected to the air source heating device 210 via the second connecting pipe 322. The intermediate heat exchanger 230 can receive a first energy storage medium, so that the first energy storage medium absorbs the heat energy of the intermediate heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchanger 230 to form a second energy storage medium, thereby raising the temperature of the second energy storage medium.

[0051] The intermediate heat exchanger 230 includes an intermediate heat-absorbing side structure and an intermediate heat-releasing side structure that are in contact with each other. The upstream port of the intermediate heat-absorbing side structure is connected to the air-source heat exchanger 212; the downstream port of the intermediate heat-absorbing side structure is connected to the energy storage tank 240. The upstream port of the intermediate heat-releasing side structure is connected to the condensing heat exchanger 220; the downstream port of the intermediate heat-releasing side structure is the output end, which is connected to the outside environment for discharging the cooled waste liquid medium to the outside. The downstream output end of the intermediate heat-absorbing side structure is connected to the third connecting pipe 323, and through the third connecting pipe 323, it is connected to the energy storage tank 240 for discharging the second energy storage medium into the energy storage tank 240.

[0052] When the intermediate heat exchanger 230 is in use, both the first energy storage medium and the intermediate heat exchange medium are input into the intermediate heat exchanger 230. The first energy storage medium can absorb heat from the intermediate heat exchange medium to raise its temperature and form a second energy storage medium, which can then be output to the energy storage tank 240 for storage. After the intermediate heat exchange medium loses heat, it cools down to form waste liquid, which is discharged to the outside through the downstream of the intermediate heat exchange side structure.

[0053] The intermediate heat exchanger 230 can recover and reuse the heat of the steam, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of heat energy recycling and reducing the production cost of beer.

[0054] In some embodiments, the intermediate heat exchanger 230 may be a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a plate heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between two media at different temperatures.

[0055] In some embodiments, the intermediate heat absorption side structure and / or intermediate heat exhalation side structure may be a heat exchange tube or a heat exchange plate.

[0056] In other embodiments, the temperature of the waste liquid can be 60°C.

[0057] In this embodiment, the energy-saving system includes a third connecting pipe 323. The third connecting pipe 323 connects the downstream port of the intermediate heat-absorbing side structure and the energy storage tank 240, for introducing the second energy storage medium into the energy storage tank 240.

[0058] In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the first energy storage medium and the second energy storage medium is 34℃±1℃.

[0059] In other embodiments, the temperature of the second energy storage medium can be 79°C.

[0060] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the energy storage tank 240 is connected to the intermediate heat exchanger 230 via the third connecting pipe 323 to receive and contain the second energy storage medium. The energy storage tank 240 can also be connected to the condensing heat exchanger 220 via the fourth connecting pipe 324 and the fifth connecting pipe 325. The second energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 240 can be input into the condensing heat exchanger 220 via the fourth connecting pipe 324, so that the second energy storage medium can absorb heat from the hot steam in the condensing heat exchanger 220 and heat up to form the third energy storage medium. The third energy storage medium is then transported to the upper part of the energy storage tank 240 via the fifth connecting pipe 325, so that the energy storage tank 240 is used to contain the second and third energy storage media.

[0061] In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the second energy storage medium and the third energy storage medium is 18℃±1℃.

[0062] In other embodiments, the temperature of the third energy storage medium can be 97°C.

[0063] In this embodiment, a liquid storage chamber is formed inside the energy storage tank 240, which is used to store the second and third energy storage media. The third connecting pipe 323 and the fourth connecting pipe 324 are connected to the lower part of the liquid storage chamber, and the fifth connecting pipe 325 is connected to the upper part of the liquid storage chamber. The third energy storage media is located above the second energy storage media, so that the second and third energy storage media form a temperature stratification within the liquid storage chamber. Utilizing the principle of thermal stratification in water, the liquid storage chamber of the energy storage tank 240 simultaneously stores the second and third energy storage media at different temperatures, eliminating the need for additional tank equipment and piping systems. This improves the integration of the energy storage media circulation pipeline in the energy-saving system, reduces the footprint of the energy-saving system, enhances its practicality, and effectively reduces the production cost of beer.

[0064] In some embodiments, when the second and third energy storage media form a temperature stratification, the second energy storage media can be heated by the condenser heat exchanger 220 to form the third energy storage media, which is then stored in the upper part of the liquid storage chamber. The third energy storage media can pass through the preheater 250 to provide heat to the wort in the preheater 250, reducing the steam heat required by the external pipeline network 40, lowering the cost of the wort distillation process, and improving the environmental performance of the energy-saving system.

[0065] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the condenser heat exchanger 220 is used to connect the boiler 100, the intermediate heat exchanger 230 and the energy storage tank 240, so as to fully absorb the waste heat in the hot steam, realize the recycling of the heat of wort boiling, and reduce the production cost of beer.

[0066] In some embodiments, the condenser heat exchanger 220 may be a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a plate heat exchanger to facilitate heat exchange between two media at different temperatures.

[0067] In this embodiment, the condenser heat exchanger 220 includes a condenser exhalation side structure and a condenser absorption side structure that are in contact with each other. The two media in the condenser exhalation side structure and the condenser absorption side structure are separated but can exchange heat.

[0068] The input end of the condensing exhalation side structure is connected to the top of the boiler 100 via a first heat mass pipe 311, allowing hot steam from the boiler 100 to enter the condensing exhalation side structure. The output end of the condensing exhalation side structure is connected to the intermediate heat exchanger 230. The input end of the condensing endothermic side structure is connected to the energy storage tank 240 via a fourth connecting pipe 324, for inputting the second energy storage medium into the condensing endothermic side structure. The output end of the condensing endothermic side structure is connected to the energy storage tank 240 via a fifth connecting pipe 325, for conveying the third energy storage medium to the energy storage tank 240.

[0069] When the condenser heat exchanger 220 is in use, the wort is boiled in the boiler 100 to form new wort and hot steam. The hot steam enters the condenser exhalation side structure from the boiler 100, while the second energy storage medium enters the condenser absorber side structure from the energy storage tank 240. The hot steam heats the second energy storage medium, causing it to condense and form an intermediate heat exchange medium. The second energy storage medium then heats up to form a third energy storage medium, effectively realizing the recovery and reuse of the heat energy from the steam, achieving energy saving and environmental protection, optimizing energy use, and reducing energy waste. The third energy storage medium in the condenser absorber side structure enters the energy storage tank 240 through the fifth connecting pipe 325. The intermediate heat exchange medium can enter the intermediate heat exchanger 230 through the second heat mass pipe 312.

[0070] In other embodiments, the condensation heat-exhaling side structure and the condensation heat-absorbing side structure can be heat exchange tubes, heat exchange plates, etc.

[0071] In some embodiments, since the condenser heat exchanger 220 cannot completely absorb the heat of the hot steam, the hot steam condenses to form an intermediate heat exchange medium and exhaust gas. The condenser heat exchanger side structure may include a first output end and a second output end, wherein the first output end of the condenser heat exchanger side structure is connected to the intermediate heat exchanger 230 for inputting the intermediate heat exchange medium into the intermediate heat exchanger 230. The second output end of the condenser heat exchanger side structure is connected to the outside to discharge the exhaust gas to the outside.

[0072] In some embodiments, the energy-saving system also includes an exhaust pipe 311. The exhaust pipe 311 is connected to the second output end of the condenser-heating side structure so that exhaust gas is discharged to the outside through the exhaust pipe 311.

[0073] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the energy-saving system also includes a sixth connecting pipe 326. The sixth connecting pipe 326 connects the upper part of the energy storage tank 240 and the preheater 250, so as to input the third energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 240 into the preheater 250 to preheat the wort, thereby raising the temperature of the wort in advance and saving the heat used by the external pipeline network 40 for steam during the subsequent boiling process.

[0074] See Figure 1 and Figure 3In this embodiment, the energy-saving system also includes a first merging pipe 328. One end of the first merging pipe 328 is connected to the upper part of the energy storage tank 240, and the other end of the first merging pipe 328 is connected to the fifth connecting pipe 325 and the sixth connecting pipe 326. Valves are provided on the first merging pipe 328, the fifth connecting pipe 325, and the sixth connecting pipe 326 to allow operators to control the flow direction of the third energy storage medium.

[0075] In some embodiments, the third energy storage medium in the condenser heat exchanger 220 can be input into the upper part of the liquid storage chamber of the energy storage tank 240 through the fifth connecting pipe 325 and the first merging pipe 328. The third energy storage medium in the upper part of the liquid storage chamber can be input into the preheater 250 through the first merging pipe 328 and the sixth connecting pipe 326.

[0076] See Figure 1 In this embodiment, the preheater 250 is installed on the feed pipe 120 to preheat the wort through the third energy storage medium, thereby greatly reducing the heat used by the external pipe network 40 steam during the wort boiling process, realizing the recycling of heat in the energy-saving system, and reducing the heating cost of wort boiling.

[0077] The preheater 250 includes a preheating absorption side structure and a preheating exhalation side structure.

[0078] The input end of the preheating absorber side structure is connected to an upstream external device for introducing wort into the preheating absorber side structure. The wort flows within the preheating absorber side structure, absorbing heat from the third energy storage medium within the preheating exhalation side structure. The downstream output end of the preheating absorber side structure is connected to the boiler 100 for discharging the preheated wort. The upstream input end of the preheating exhalation side structure is connected to a sixth connecting pipe 326 to receive the third energy storage medium. After heat exchange within the preheating exhalation side structure, the third energy storage medium cools down to form a fourth energy storage medium. The downstream output end of the preheating exhalation side structure is used to discharge the fourth energy storage medium, and the temperature of the output port of the preheating exhalation side structure is 79°C.

[0079] In some embodiments, the temperature of the wort at the input end of the preheating heat absorption side structure can be 74°C.

[0080] In some embodiments, the output temperature of the preheated wort from the preheating absorbent side structure can be 92°C.

[0081] In some embodiments, the temperature difference between the third energy storage medium and the fourth energy storage medium is 18℃±1℃.

[0082] See Figure 1 and Figure 3In this embodiment, the energy-saving system also includes a seventh connecting pipe 327. The seventh connecting pipe 327 connects the preheater 250 and the energy storage tank 240 to transport the fourth energy storage medium back into the energy storage tank 240, thereby realizing the internal circulation of the energy storage medium and enabling the reuse of the energy storage medium, thus achieving the beneficial effects of energy saving and cost reduction.

[0083] In other embodiments, the temperature of the fourth energy storage medium can be 79°C. The temperature of the fourth energy storage medium is the same as the temperature of the second energy storage medium, so that the fourth energy storage medium and the second energy storage medium can mix in the lower region of the liquid storage chamber of the energy storage tank 240.

[0084] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the energy-saving system further includes a second merging pipe 329, one end of which is connected to the lower part of the liquid storage chamber; the other end of the second merging pipe 329 is connected to a fourth connecting pipe 324 and a seventh connecting pipe 327. Valves are provided on both the fourth connecting pipe 324 and the seventh connecting pipe 327.

[0085] On one hand, the fourth energy storage medium in the preheater 250 can enter the lower part of the liquid storage chamber through the seventh connecting pipe 327 and the second connecting pipe 329. On the other hand, the second energy storage medium in the lower part of the liquid storage chamber can be input into the condenser heat exchanger 220 through the second connecting pipe 329 and the fourth connecting pipe 324.

[0086] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the energy-saving system includes an energy absorption circuit and an energy release circuit. The energy absorption circuit comprises an air-source heating device 210, an intermediate heat exchanger 230, an energy storage tank 240, and a condensing heat exchanger 220. This allows the initial energy storage medium to absorb heat energy from the air source and the heat energy within the hot steam, sequentially heating to form a first energy storage medium, a second energy storage medium, and a third energy storage medium. This achieves multi-stage utilization of the heat from the hot steam and ensures that the temperature of the third energy storage medium reaches a level sufficient to preheat the wort. This energy absorption circuit effectively reduces the energy consumption for wort heating and improves the cleanliness and environmental friendliness of the energy-saving system.

[0087] The energy release circuit includes an energy storage tank 240 and a preheater 250, which enables the third energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 240 to be input into the preheater 250 to preheat the wort, thereby realizing the utilization of hot steam heat energy and air source heat energy, effectively reducing the heat during wort boiling and reducing the production cost during wort boiling.

[0088] In some embodiments, the energy absorption circuit further includes a preheater 250. The third energy storage medium output from the energy storage tank 240 is preheated to form a fourth energy storage medium. The fourth energy storage medium is then transported to the energy storage tank 240 through the seventh connecting pipe 327 to recover the heat energy in the fourth energy storage medium and further improve the energy utilization efficiency of the energy-saving system.

[0089] The above embodiments are merely illustrative examples of structures. The structures in each embodiment are not fixed combinations. Where there are no structural conflicts, the structures in multiple embodiments can be arbitrarily combined and used. For example, centrifugal variable frequency pumps, valves, temperature sensors, and other related components and equipment can be respectively installed on various pipelines within the energy-saving system to assist in the flow of energy storage media and hot steam within the energy-saving system. Valves can be control valves and / or shut-off valves. Multiple valves can be installed on the same pipeline.

[0090] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 This application provides an energy-saving system for adding air source heat energy to a brewery's boiling unit for continued boiling. During operation, the initial energy storage medium from the outside is input into the air source heating device 210 through a first connecting pipe 321. The air source heat pump 210 of the air source heating device 210 can circulate and heat the pumping heat medium. The heated pumping heat medium can then be input into the air source heat exchanger 212 to heat the initial energy storage medium, thus supplementing the energy-saving system with additional heat.

[0091] The first energy storage medium is input into the intermediate heat exchanger 230 to absorb heat from the intermediate heat exchanger and heat up to form the second energy storage medium, thereby achieving secondary heating of the energy storage medium and meeting the process parameter requirements of the low-temperature energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 240. The second energy storage medium enters the lower part of the liquid storage chamber in the energy storage tank 240 through the third connecting pipe 323 for storage.

[0092] The second energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 240 then enters the condensing heat exchanger 220 through the second merging pipe 329 and the fourth connecting pipe 324. The second energy storage medium in the condensing heat exchanger 220 can exchange heat with the hot steam output from the evaporator 100, allowing the second energy storage medium to absorb heat from the hot steam and rise in temperature to form the third energy storage medium, thereby realizing the recovery and utilization of the thermal energy of the hot steam. Afterwards, the condensing heat exchanger 220 inputs the third energy storage medium into the upper part of the liquid storage chamber within the energy storage tank 240 for storage.

[0093] The third energy storage medium at the top of the energy storage tank 240 can be introduced into the preheater through the sixth connecting pipe to preheat the wort. The preheated wort is then introduced into the boiling vessel 100, where the wort is sterilized, evaporated and concentrated, enzyme activity is terminated, hop aroma is extracted, and proteins and tannins in the wort are combined.

[0094] Once the wort in the boiler 100 has boiled to form new wort, the new wort is discharged to the outside through the discharge pipe 130 to complete the first boiling process.

[0095] This energy-saving system, on the one hand, enables multi-stage and cyclical utilization of hot steam, effectively reducing production costs in the multiple wort boiling processes and improving the efficiency of producing qualified wort; on the other hand, the system absorbs air-source heat energy through the air-source heating device 210, thereby effectively reducing the beer production's dependence on fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the air-source heating device 210 of this energy-saving system can be applied to various environments with varying temperatures and orientations, making the system highly versatile and effective.

[0096] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 This application also provides a control method for an energy-saving system in which air source heat energy is added to a brewery's boiling vessel for continued boiling, specifically designed to control any of the above-mentioned energy-saving systems. The control method includes the following steps: In step S100, the initial energy storage medium is introduced into the air source heating device 210 to absorb heat energy from the air source and is heated to form the first energy storage medium.

[0097] In step S210, the wort is delivered to the boiling vessel 100 and boiled to generate hot steam.

[0098] In step S220, hot steam enters the condenser heat exchanger 220 to exchange heat energy, causing the hot steam to condense and form a liquid intermediate heat exchange medium.

[0099] In step S230, the intermediate heat exchange medium and the first energy storage medium enter the intermediate heat exchanger 230 and exchange heat energy, so that the first energy storage medium absorbs heat energy and rises in temperature to form the second energy storage medium.

[0100] In step S240, the second energy storage medium is stored in the energy storage tank 240; the second energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 240 can be input into the condensing heat exchanger 220, where the second energy storage medium absorbs heat energy and heats up to form the third energy storage medium.

[0101] In step S250, the third energy storage medium is input into the energy storage tank 240 for storage.

[0102] In step S310, the third energy storage medium can also be input into the preheater 250 to preheat the wort.

[0103] When the operator controls the energy-saving system, the control method can control the system to boil and generate hot steam. The hot steam can then pass through the condenser heat exchanger 220 and be cooled to form an intermediate heat exchange medium. The intermediate heat exchange medium can then pass through the intermediate heat exchanger 230 and be cooled to become waste liquid.

[0104] The initial energy storage medium can enter the air source heating device 210 to absorb heat energy from the air source and heat up to form the first energy storage medium. The first energy storage medium can absorb heat from the intermediate heat exchange medium in the intermediate heat exchanger 230 and heat up to form the second energy storage medium. The second energy storage medium can be transferred into the energy storage tank 240 to complete its storage. The second energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 240 can be transferred into the condensing heat exchanger 220 to absorb heat from the hot steam and form the third energy storage medium. The third energy storage medium can be transferred into the energy storage tank 240, thereby realizing multi-stage absorption of heat from the hot steam, improving the energy utilization efficiency of the energy-saving system, and reducing the production cost of beer.

[0105] Once the wort has been boiled at high temperature to form new wort, this new wort is used in the settling tanks of subsequent processing steps.

[0106] Before the wort is boiled at high temperature, a third energy storage medium in the energy storage tank 240 is introduced into the preheater 250 to preheat the wort, thereby fully utilizing the heat from the first wort boiling and achieving heat recycling during the wort boiling process. Preheated wort significantly reduces the boiling time and heat energy required in the boiler 100, reducing energy consumption and the total boiling time, thus achieving energy saving and efficiency improvement, and lowering production costs during the wort boiling process.

[0107] Furthermore, by using clean air-source heat energy to heat the first energy storage medium, the source and acquisition of heat energy in the preheater 250 are optimized, thereby reducing energy consumption during the wort boiling process, improving the preheating effect of the wort, and reducing the carbon emissions and production costs of the beverage.

[0108] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the control method further includes step S260.

[0109] In step S260, a liquid storage chamber is provided inside the energy storage tank 240. The liquid storage chamber is used to simultaneously contain the second energy storage medium and the third energy storage medium, so that the third energy storage medium and the second energy storage medium form a temperature stratification.

[0110] The second and third energy storage media achieve dynamic circulation with temperature stratification, which enables the simultaneous storage of two types of energy storage media at different temperatures using only one energy storage tank 240. This effectively reduces the footprint of the energy storage tank 240, simplifies the piping structure of the energy-saving system, and lowers the production cost of the energy-saving system.

[0111] Furthermore, the internal circulation of this energy storage medium enables its reuse, achieving the beneficial effects of energy saving and cost reduction.

[0112] See Figure 1 and Figure 3In this embodiment, the control method further includes step S320.

[0113] In step S320, the third energy storage medium can release heat energy in the preheater 250 to form a fourth energy storage medium, and the fourth energy storage medium can be returned to the energy storage tank 240 for storage.

[0114] After the third energy storage medium releases heat in the preheater 250, the resulting fourth energy storage medium is transported back to the liquid storage chamber to mix with the second energy storage medium, so as to provide sufficient second energy storage medium for the condenser heat exchanger 220, thereby making full use of the heat of the hot steam.

[0115] Although this application has been described with reference to several typical embodiments, it should be understood that the terminology used is illustrative and exemplary, and not restrictive. Since this application can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit or essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted broadly within the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims. Therefore, all variations and modifications falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An energy-saving system for adding air source heat energy to a brewery boiler for continued boiling, characterized in that, include: A boiling vessel, used to boil wort to generate hot steam; A condensing heat exchanger, which is connected to the boiling vessel, to receive the hot steam; The hot steam condenses after providing heat energy to form a liquid intermediate heat exchange medium; An air source heating device contains an initial energy storage medium. The air source heating device can absorb the heat energy from the air source and heat the initial energy storage medium as the first energy storage medium. An intermediate heat exchanger is connected to the air source heating device and the condensing heat exchanger. The intermediate heat exchanger can receive the intermediate heat exchange medium and the first energy storage medium, so that the first energy storage medium absorbs the heat energy of the intermediate heat exchange medium to form a second energy storage medium. An energy storage tank is connected to the intermediate heat exchanger and the condensing heat exchanger. The energy storage tank can receive and contain the second energy storage medium. The energy storage tank can input the contained second energy storage medium into the condensing heat exchanger. The second energy storage medium absorbs the heat energy of the hot steam in the condensing heat exchanger to form a third energy storage medium. The condensing heat exchanger transports the third energy storage medium back into the energy storage tank. A preheater, which is connected to the energy storage tank, is capable of receiving the third energy storage medium output from the energy storage tank for preheating the wort and inputting the wort into the boiling vessel.

2. The energy-saving system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy-saving system includes a first connecting pipe, a second connecting pipe, and valves respectively disposed on the first and second connecting pipes. The two ends of the first connecting pipe are respectively connected to an external container for containing the initial energy storage medium and the air source heat pump device. The first connecting pipe is used to input the initial energy storage medium into the air source heat pump device. The second connecting pipe is connected to the air source heat pump device and the intermediate heat exchanger, so as to input the first energy storage medium into the intermediate heat exchanger. The two valves are used to control the opening and closing of the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe respectively.

3. The energy-saving system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air source heating device includes an air source heat pump and an air source heat exchanger. The air source heat pump can absorb heat energy from the outside air. The air source heat exchanger is connected to the air source heat pump. The air source heat exchanger can be connected to the first connecting pipe to receive the initial energy storage medium. The air source heat exchanger can exchange heat with the air source heat pump so that the initial energy storage medium can absorb the air source heat energy from the air source heat pump and heat up to form the first energy storage medium.

4. The energy-saving system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The energy-saving system also includes a third connecting pipe, a fourth connecting pipe, and a fifth connecting pipe; The third connecting pipe connects the intermediate heat exchanger and the energy storage tank to input the second energy storage medium into the energy storage tank; the fourth connecting pipe connects the energy storage tank and the condensing heat exchanger to input the second energy storage medium in the energy storage tank into the condensing heat exchanger; the fifth connecting pipe connects the condensing heat exchanger and the energy storage tank to input the third energy storage medium into the energy storage tank.

5. The energy-saving system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The energy storage tank has a liquid storage chamber, which is used to store the second energy storage medium and the third energy storage medium. The third connecting pipe is connected to the lower part of the liquid storage chamber, and the fifth connecting pipe is connected to the upper part of the liquid storage chamber, so that the second energy storage medium and the third energy storage medium form a temperature stratification in the liquid storage chamber.

6. The energy-saving system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The energy-saving system also includes a sixth connecting pipe; The sixth connecting pipe connects the energy storage tank and the preheater to input the third energy storage medium in the energy storage tank into the preheater; The third energy storage medium in the preheater cools down after heat exchange to form the fourth energy storage medium.

7. The energy-saving system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The energy-saving system also includes a first merging pipe, one end of which is connected to the upper part of the energy storage tank; The other end of the first merging pipe is connected to the fifth connecting pipe and the sixth connecting pipe, and valves are provided on the first merging pipe, the fifth connecting pipe and the sixth connecting pipe.

8. The energy-saving system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The energy-saving system also includes a seventh connecting pipe, which connects the preheater and the energy storage tank, for transporting the fourth energy storage medium back into the energy storage tank.

9. The energy-saving system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The energy-saving system also includes a second merging pipe, one end of which is connected to the lower part of the liquid storage chamber; the other end of the second merging pipe is connected to the fourth connecting pipe and the seventh connecting pipe, and valves are provided on the fourth connecting pipe and the seventh connecting pipe.

10. The energy-saving system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The temperature difference between the initial energy storage medium and the first energy storage medium is 30℃±1℃, the temperature difference between the first energy storage medium and the second energy storage medium is 34℃±1℃, the temperature difference between the second energy storage medium and the third energy storage medium is 18℃±1℃, and the temperature difference between the third energy storage medium and the fourth energy storage medium is 18℃±1℃.

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