Condensing compression integrated unit with gravity feed

Abstract

The application discloses a condensing compression integrated unit realizing gravity liquid supply, and relates to the technical field of industrial refrigeration. The unit comprises a support structure, an evaporative condenser, a compressor, an economizer, a gravity liquid supply barrel and an evaporator. The support structure is designed in layers, the evaporative condenser is arranged in an upper layer cavity, and the compressor is arranged in a lower layer cavity. The economizer is connected with the evaporative condenser and the gravity liquid supply barrel, and the gravity liquid supply barrel is connected with the evaporator. The condensing compression integrated unit realizing gravity liquid supply disclosed by the application can effectively improve the energy efficiency of a refrigeration system by supercooling treatment of refrigerant through the economizer and a full-liquid supply mechanism of the gravity liquid supply barrel, thereby being applicable to the demand of medium and large-sized refrigeration projects. In addition, the evaporative condenser and the compressor are arranged in an up-down mode, and the economizer, the gravity liquid supply barrel and the like are arranged on the base, so that the overall structure of the condensing compression integrated unit is more compact, and transportation and installation are facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of industrial refrigeration technology, and in particular to a condenser-compressor unit that achieves gravity-fed liquid supply. Background Technology

[0002] In the refrigeration industry, integrated condensing compressor units are widely used due to their standardized factory manufacturing and high degree of integration. Related technologies typically employ either air-cooled condensation combined with a direct expansion liquid supply system, or an evaporative condenser tower paired with a small reciprocating compressor.

[0003] However, air-cooled condensation results in high condensation temperatures, leading to low energy efficiency in the refrigeration system. Evaporative condensation towers, on the other hand, are limited by structural layout and oil circuit design challenges, making them unsuitable for medium to large-scale refrigeration projects (e.g., refrigeration projects with a storage capacity exceeding 20,000 tons). Utility Model Content

[0004] This application discloses a gravity-fed condenser-compressor integrated unit. By combining an evaporative condenser with a full-fledged liquid supply and designing a structural layout to form an integrated unit, it meets the needs of medium and large-scale comprehensive refrigeration projects and solves the problems of limited adaptability and low energy efficiency of condenser-compressor integrated units.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application discloses a gravity-fed condenser-compressor unit, comprising:

[0006] A support structure includes a base and a housing disposed on the base. The housing has a first mounting cavity and a second mounting cavity formed inside. Along the thickness direction of the base, the second mounting cavity is located above the first mounting cavity.

[0007] An evaporative condenser is disposed in the second mounting cavity;

[0008] A compressor, wherein the compressor is disposed in the first mounting cavity;

[0009] An economizer is provided, which is mounted on the base and located on one side of the compressor. The inlet pipe of the economizer is connected to the evaporative condenser, and the outlet pipe of the economizer is connected to the gas supply port of the compressor.

[0010] A gravity-fed liquid supply tank, mounted on the base, is provided with a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, a second liquid inlet, and a first air outlet. The outlet of the economizer is connected to the first liquid inlet of the gravity-fed liquid supply tank via a pipe, and the first air outlet of the gravity-fed liquid supply tank is connected to the air inlet of the compressor via a pipe.

[0011] An evaporator, the inlet of which is connected to the first liquid outlet of the gravity supply tank via a pipe, and the outlet of which is connected to the second liquid inlet of the gravity supply tank via a pipe.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the integrated condenser-compressor unit further includes a first throttle valve and a second throttle valve;

[0013] The first throttle valve is installed on the liquid inlet pipe of the economizer so that a portion of the refrigerant flashes into gaseous refrigerant within the economizer.

[0014] The second throttle valve is installed on the liquid outlet pipe of the economizer and is used to regulate the flow rate and pressure of the liquid refrigerant entering the gravity supply tank.

[0015] By setting the first throttle valve, some refrigerant flashes into a gaseous state within the economizer, subcooling the remaining liquid refrigerant. This increases the subcooling degree of the refrigerant, reducing flashing gas in subsequent processes and improving refrigeration efficiency. The second throttle valve regulates the flow rate and pressure of the subcooled liquid refrigerant entering the gravity supply tank, ensuring stable gravity supply and preventing evaporator power fluctuations caused by excessive or insufficient supply.

[0016] It can be seen that, under the combined regulation of the first and second throttle valves, the subcooling effect of the economizer is enhanced, and the liquid supply between the gravity liquid supply tank and the evaporator is kept in balance, so that the refrigeration system can maintain efficient operation under different refrigeration loads, which is conducive to the stability of the refrigeration system operation.

[0017] As an optional implementation, the integrated condenser-compressor unit further includes a control device, which is electrically connected to the first throttle valve and the second throttle valve;

[0018] The gravity supply tank is equipped with a liquid level sensor, which is electrically connected to the control device. The liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the refrigerant in the gravity supply tank and feed it back to the control device. The control device is used to control the opening degree of the first throttle valve and the second throttle valve according to the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor.

[0019] The liquid level sensor installed on the gravity-fed refrigerant tank can monitor the internal refrigerant level in real time and accurately, unaffected by factors such as refrigerant foam or viscosity, and its monitoring accuracy is far superior to that of mechanical level gauges. By feeding back the liquid level information to the control device in real time, the opening of the throttle valve can be adjusted in a timely manner, thereby controlling the supply or discharge of refrigerant. This avoids the risk of overflow due to excessively high liquid levels or insufficient liquid supply to the evaporator due to excessively low liquid levels, allowing the gravity-fed refrigerant tank to maintain a full liquid supply.

[0020] As an optional implementation, the integrated condenser-compressor unit further includes a liquid receiver, which is disposed on the base and located on one side of the economizer. The liquid receiver's outlet pipe is connected to the economizer's inlet pipe, and the liquid receiver's inlet pipe is connected to the evaporative condenser's outlet pipe.

[0021] By incorporating a liquid receiver, the liquid refrigerant output from the evaporative condenser can be stored, balancing the refrigerant supply and demand in the refrigeration system. For example, when the cooling load decreases, excess refrigerant can be temporarily stored in the liquid receiver; conversely, when the cooling load increases, the liquid receiver can release refrigerant to replenish the circulation, ensuring stable liquid supply. Simultaneously, the liquid receiver can perform gas-liquid separation on the incoming refrigerant, ensuring that the refrigerant flowing to the economizer is liquid. This improves the subcooling efficiency of the economizer and enhances the refrigeration system's resistance to cooling load fluctuations.

[0022] As an optional implementation, the integrated condenser-compressor unit further includes an oil cooling device, which is mounted on the base and includes an oil separator, an oil cooler, and a siphon oil cooling liquid supply device.

[0023] The oil separator is connected by pipes to the compressor and the evaporative condenser, and is also connected by pipes to the oil cooler. The oil separator is used to separate refrigerant and lubricating oil.

[0024] The oil cooler is connected by pipes to the compressor and the evaporative condenser, and the oil cooler is used to cool the lubricating oil.

[0025] The siphon oil cooler includes a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet pipe of the siphon oil cooler is connected to the outlet of the evaporative condenser, the first outlet pipe of the siphon oil cooler is connected to the inlet of the oil cooler, and the second outlet pipe of the siphon oil cooler is connected to the inlet of the reservoir, for driving the refrigerant to flow to the reservoir and the oil cooler under siphon action.

[0026] By utilizing the combined operation of an oil separator, oil cooler, and siphon oil-cooled liquid supply unit, the refrigerant and lubricating oil are separated, and the lubricating oil is cooled and circulated. Specifically, the lubricating oil separated by the oil separator is cooled by the oil cooler and then flows back to the compressor, ensuring the compressor's lubrication effect and preventing overheating of the lubricating oil from affecting the compressor's operating efficiency and lifespan. The siphon oil-cooled liquid supply unit utilizes the siphon principle to drive the refrigerant flow without additional power. Simultaneously, the siphon oil-cooled liquid supply unit allows some refrigerant to directly enter the receiver to participate in the main circulation, while some passes through the oil cooler before entering the receiver. This satisfies the oil cooling requirements without affecting the subcooling of the refrigerant in the main circulation, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the refrigeration system.

[0027] As an optional implementation, the oil separator and the oil cooler are both disposed on the base. Along the thickness direction of the base, the compressor is located above the oil separator, the oil cooler is located on one side of the oil separator, and the siphon oil cooling liquid supply device is disposed on the side of the oil cooler opposite to the oil separator.

[0028] The layered and lateral arrangement of the oil separator, oil cooler, and compressor further optimizes the unit's structural compactness. This integrated installation method shortens the piping distance between the compressor and the oil separator, reduces refrigerant pressure loss and heat exchange within the piping, which helps improve the refrigeration efficiency of the refrigeration system, enhances the overall stability of the unit, and saves space occupied by the base, making the unit layout more reasonable, facilitating transportation and installation, and better achieving the integrated design goal of the condensing and compressing unit.

[0029] As an optional implementation, the oil separator is configured as a horizontal oil separator, and the oil separator is provided with a molecular sieve filter layer inside for adsorbing and filtering oil droplet particles in the refrigerant.

[0030] The molecular sieve filter layer inside the horizontal oil separator effectively adsorbs and filters oil droplets from the refrigerant, improving oil separation accuracy. Compared to oil separation structures that rely on density differences, the molecular sieve filter layer can capture finer oil droplets, reducing the amount of lubricating oil carried in the refrigerant. This prevents lubricating oil from entering subsequent components such as the evaporator condenser and economizer, affecting heat exchange efficiency, and also reduces the risk of compressor wear due to insufficient lubrication. This design extends the service life of the compressor and other heat exchange components, reduces the frequency of refrigeration system maintenance, and allows the refrigeration system to operate efficiently for extended periods.

[0031] As an alternative implementation, the first mounting cavity has an opening, the base covers the opening, and the compressor is disposed on the base so as to be located in the first mounting cavity.

[0032] By opening the bottom of the housing and allowing the side walls of the housing to form the first mounting cavity with the base, the compressor can be mounted on the base, facilitating compressor installation and maintenance. Simultaneously, with the compressor directly mounted on the base, the load is directly borne by the base, preventing deformation of the housing side walls due to weight, enhancing the unit's structural stability, and adapting to vibrations and impacts during transportation and long-term operation. This structure balances the sealing of the mounting cavity (protecting the compressor) with ease of operation.

[0033] As an optional implementation, the integrated condenser-compressor unit also includes a safety valve, which is installed on the inlet and outlet pipes of the evaporative condenser and is used to release refrigerant when the internal pressure of the evaporative condenser is abnormal.

[0034] By installing safety valves on the inlet and outlet pipes of the evaporative condenser, a reliable overpressure protection mechanism is provided for the refrigeration system. When the pressure inside the equipment exceeds the safety threshold due to abnormal operating conditions, the safety valve automatically opens to release refrigerant, preventing accidents such as equipment deformation and rupture caused by continuous pressure increases. This ensures the safe operation of the unit and reduces the risk of property damage and personal injury. This design enhances the fault tolerance of the refrigeration system and improves the safety, reliability, and service life of the unit.

[0035] As an optional implementation, a pressure sensor is provided on the compressor's exhaust pipe to monitor the compressor's exhaust pressure;

[0036] The refrigerant outlet pipe of the economizer is equipped with a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the cooled refrigerant.

[0037] A pressure sensor monitors the compressor's discharge pressure in real time. When the pressure exceeds a safety threshold, it triggers a protection mechanism (such as shutdown or pressure relief) to prevent compressor damage due to overpressure operation and ensure equipment safety. Simultaneously, changes in discharge pressure reflect the compressor's refrigeration load and refrigerant charge status, providing a basis for parameter optimization. A temperature sensor monitors the subcooling of the refrigerant outlet from the economizer. Adjustment via a throttle valve ensures the refrigerant subcooling is within the optimal range (5℃-10℃), reducing flash gas emissions in subsequent stages and improving evaporator heat exchange efficiency. These two sensors provide a basis for optimizing the refrigeration system's operation, ensuring the compressor runs in a stable state and enhancing the system's monitoring and protection capabilities.

[0038] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0039] This application provides a gravity-fed condenser-compressor unit that integrates the support structure, evaporative condenser, compressor, economizer, gravity-fed liquid tank, and evaporator into a single unit. This effectively reduces the condensing temperature. Combined with the subcooling treatment of the economizer and the full-fill liquid supply of the gravity-fed liquid tank, the efficiency of the refrigeration system is improved, meeting the needs of medium to large-scale comprehensive refrigeration projects. This solves the problems of limited adaptability and low energy efficiency of existing condenser-compressor units. Furthermore, by arranging the evaporative condenser and compressor vertically and placing the economizer and gravity-fed liquid tank on the base, the overall structure of the condenser-compressor unit is made more compact, facilitating transportation and installation. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gravity-fed condenser-compressor unit disclosed in an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the integrated condenser-compressor unit (hidden housing) that realizes gravity liquid supply, as disclosed in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A structural diagram from another perspective;

[0044] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A structural diagram from another perspective;

[0045] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged structural diagram of point I.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] Integrated condenser-compressor unit-100; Support structure-1; Base-1a;

[0048] Housing-1b; First mounting cavity-1c; Second mounting cavity-1d;

[0049] Evaporative condenser - 2; Compressor - 3; Economizer - 4;

[0050] Gravity-fed liquid supply tank - 5; First liquid inlet - 51; First liquid outlet - 52; Second liquid inlet - 53; First air outlet - 54;

[0051] Evaporator-6; First throttle valve-7; Second throttle valve-8; Control device-9; Liquid level sensor-10; Liquid receiver-11;

[0052] Oil cooling unit-12; oil separator-121; oil cooler-122; siphon oil cooling liquid supply unit-123; first inlet-1231; first outlet-1232; second outlet-1233;

[0053] Compressor base-13; Safety valve-14; Pressure sensor-15; Temperature sensor-16. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] In this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing this application and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0056] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0057] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setting," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0058] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0059] In related technologies, there are two common configurations for integrated condensing and compressing units: one uses air-cooled condensing combined with a direct expansion liquid supply system, and the other uses an evaporative condenser tower combined with a small reciprocating compressor. However, the air-cooled condensing system with direct expansion liquid supply has a high condensing temperature, which directly leads to low energy efficiency of the refrigeration system. While the evaporative condenser tower configuration improves condensing efficiency, it is limited by its structural layout design and the compatibility of the oil circuit system, and can only be used with small reciprocating compressors. It cannot meet the cooling capacity and stability requirements of medium and large-scale refrigeration projects (such as refrigeration projects with a refrigeration storage capacity of more than 20,000 tons).

[0060] Based on this, this application discloses a condenser-compressor unit that realizes gravity-fed liquid supply. By integrating an evaporative condenser with a flooded liquid supply method and optimizing the structural layout to form an integrated design, the condensation temperature is effectively reduced to improve energy efficiency, thus solving the problems of limited adaptability and low energy efficiency of existing condenser-compressor units.

[0061] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0062] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of a gravity-fed condenser-compressor unit 100 disclosed in an embodiment of this application. The condenser-compressor unit 100 includes: a support structure 1, an evaporative condenser 2, a compressor 3, an economizer 4, a gravity-fed liquid supply tank 5, and an evaporator 6. The support structure 1 includes a base 1a and a housing 1b disposed on the base 1a. The housing 1b has a first mounting cavity 1c and a second mounting cavity 1d formed inside. Along the thickness direction of the base 1a, the second mounting cavity 1d is located above the first mounting cavity 1c. The evaporative condenser 2 is disposed in the second mounting cavity 1d. The compressor 3 is disposed in the first mounting cavity 1c. The economizer 4 is disposed on the base 1a and located to one side of the compressor 3. The inlet pipe of the economizer 4 is connected to the evaporative condenser 2, and the outlet pipe of the economizer 4 is connected to the gas supply port of the compressor 3. A gravity-fed liquid supply tank 5 is mounted on a base 1a. The gravity-fed liquid supply tank 5 has a first liquid inlet 51, a first liquid outlet 52, a second liquid inlet 53, and a first air outlet 54. The outlet of the economizer 4 is connected to the first liquid inlet 51 of the gravity-fed liquid supply tank 5 via a pipe. The first air outlet 54 of the gravity-fed liquid supply tank 5 is connected to the air inlet of the compressor 3 via a pipe. The inlet of the evaporator 6 is connected to the first liquid outlet 52 of the gravity-fed liquid supply tank 5 via a pipe, and the outlet of the evaporator 6 is connected to the second liquid inlet 53 of the gravity-fed liquid supply tank 5 via a pipe.

[0063] Specifically, the support structure 1 adopts a layered design. The first mounting cavity 1c is located at the bottom and is used to accommodate heavier equipment such as the compressor 3. The second mounting cavity 1d is located at the top and provides an independent space for the evaporative condenser 2. This not only avoids heat interference with the compressor below, but also facilitates ventilation and heat dissipation of the evaporative condenser, thereby maximizing its condensation efficiency.

[0064] For the aforementioned integrated condenser-compressor unit, the liquid refrigerant from the evaporative condenser 2 first enters the economizer 4. After refrigeration, its subcooling is increased. The outlet of the economizer 4 returns the flashed gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 3's gas filler port to supplement the power of the compression process and further improve refrigeration efficiency. The gravity-fed liquid supply tank 5 forms a closed-loop circulation through four interfaces. The refrigerant treated by the economizer 4 enters through the first liquid inlet 51 and flows to the evaporator 6 through the first liquid outlet 52 under gravity, ensuring that the evaporator 6 is always in a full liquid state. This method can significantly improve heat exchange efficiency. The refrigerant mixture after heat exchange in the evaporator 6 flows back through the second liquid inlet 53, with the gaseous portion entering the compressor 3 through the first outlet 54 for recompression, forming a stable cycle.

[0065] More specifically, integrating the aforementioned core components into a single unit and designing the piping connections not only enables standardized factory production and allows component commissioning to be completed in the factory, avoiding errors and delays during on-site construction, but also reduces space occupation through a compact layout, enabling the unit to adapt to the site constraints of large projects. Simultaneously, the integrated design reduces the length of exposed piping, lowering cooling capacity and pressure losses, indirectly improving the operating efficiency of the refrigeration system.

[0066] It is worth noting that the installation height of the first liquid outlet 52 of the gravity-fed liquid supply tank 5 is higher than that of the inlet of the evaporator 6. This allows the liquid refrigerant to flow naturally using gravity, eliminating the need for an additional pump unit and reducing the energy consumption of the refrigeration system. Furthermore, gravity-driven operation ensures that the liquid refrigerant fully fills the heat exchange pipes of the evaporator 6, forming a full-liquid evaporation. Compared to direct expansion liquid supply, this avoids the problem of flash gas crowding out the heat exchange space, thereby increasing the effective heat exchange area and heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator 6.

[0067] It is understandable that the aforementioned enclosure 1b may be equipped with detachable side panels or observation windows as needed to facilitate the inspection and maintenance of internal components.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first mounting cavity 1c has an opening, the base 1a covers the opening, and the compressor 3 is disposed on the base 1a so as to be located in the first mounting cavity 1c.

[0069] Specifically, the first mounting cavity 1c at the bottom of the housing 1b has an opening, the outline of which matches the outer perimeter of the base 1a. The base 1a is connected to the bottom edge of the housing 1b by bolts or snap-fit ​​structures. Thus, during factory assembly, the compressor 3 can be directly lifted from the bottom opening of the housing 1b onto the base 1a using hoisting equipment, without disassembling the side walls of the housing 1b. If maintenance or replacement of the compressor 3 or other equipment is required, simply loosening the connection between the base 1a and the housing 1b allows the compressor 3 to be removed from the bottom or side, avoiding the cumbersome operation of disassembling the side walls of the closed housing 1b. Of course, in other embodiments, the opening may not be in the first mounting cavity, but rather in the side wall or top wall of the housing, so that the compressor is not mounted on the base, but directly on the bottom wall of the first mounting cavity.

[0070] It is understood that the connection method between the base 1a and the housing 1b is not limited to bolts, but can also adopt detachable structures such as quick snaps and magnetic coupling. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the integrated condenser-compressor unit 100 also includes a first throttle valve 7 and a second throttle valve 8. The first throttle valve 7 is installed on the liquid inlet pipe of the economizer 4 to allow some refrigerant to flash into gaseous refrigerant within the economizer 4. The second throttle valve 8 is installed on the liquid outlet pipe of the economizer 4 to regulate the flow rate and pressure of the liquid refrigerant entering the gravity supply tank 5.

[0072] Specifically, the first throttle valve 7 is installed on the liquid inlet pipe of the economizer 4, which is the connecting pipe between the evaporative condenser 2 and the economizer 4. When the high-pressure liquid refrigerant from the evaporative condenser 2 flows through the first throttle valve 7, the valve reduces the flow cross-section to create a throttling and pressure reduction effect, causing some of the refrigerant to flash into a gaseous state rapidly under the sudden pressure drop. This flashing process absorbs surrounding heat, thus subcooling the remaining liquid refrigerant in the economizer 4. The higher degree of subcooling effectively reduces unnecessary flashing of the refrigerant in the subsequent process of entering the gravity supply tank 5 and the evaporator 6, ensuring that more liquid refrigerant participates in heat exchange, fundamentally improving the cooling efficiency of the evaporator 6. The second throttle valve 8 is installed on the liquid outlet pipe between the economizer 4 and the gravity supply tank 5. Its function is to perform secondary control on the liquid refrigerant after it has been subcooled by the economizer 4. For example, the second throttle valve 8 can flexibly adjust its opening according to the real-time cooling load of the evaporator 6, thereby precisely controlling the flow rate and pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the gravity supply tank 5.

[0073] For example, when the cooling load is high, the opening of the second throttle valve 8 increases, increasing the refrigerant supply; when the cooling load is low, the second throttle valve 8 closes appropriately, reducing the liquid supply. This adjustment avoids situations where excessive liquid supply leads to excessive pressure in the gravity liquid tank 5 and refrigerant overflow, or insufficient liquid supply results in the evaporator 6 heat exchange area not being fully utilized.

[0074] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the condenser-compressor integrated unit 100 also includes a control device 9, which is electrically connected to the first throttle valve 7 and the second throttle valve 8. A liquid level sensor 10 is provided on the gravity supply tank 5, which is electrically connected to the control device 9. The liquid level sensor 10 is used to detect the liquid level of the refrigerant in the gravity supply tank 5 and feed it back to the control device 9. The control device 9 is used to control the opening degree of the first throttle valve 7 and the second throttle valve 8 according to the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor 10.

[0075] In this embodiment, the control device can be an electrical control box or a centralized control circuit, capable of receiving signals and outputting control commands to adjust the valve opening. For example, an optimal liquid level range (such as a maximum liquid level threshold and a minimum liquid level threshold) can be preset for the gravity supply tank 5. When the liquid level data received by the control device exceeds this range, adjustment will be initiated. Specifically, if the liquid level is higher than the maximum liquid level threshold, the control device 9 will simultaneously reduce the opening of the first throttle valve 7 and the second throttle valve 8 to reduce the total amount of refrigerant entering the economizer 4 and the gravity supply tank 5, avoiding the risk of overflow; while if the liquid level is lower than the minimum liquid level threshold, the opening of the two valves will be increased to accelerate the refrigerant replenishment rate and ensure that the evaporator 6 always receives sufficient liquid supply.

[0076] It is worth noting that the liquid level sensor 10 mentioned above can be a radar electronic induction liquid level sensor or a capacitive electronic induction liquid level sensor, and this embodiment does not specifically limit it.

[0077] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, the condenser-compressor integrated unit 100 also includes a liquid receiver 11, which is disposed on the base 1a and located on one side of the economizer 4. The liquid outlet pipe of the liquid receiver 11 is connected to the liquid inlet of the economizer 4, and the liquid inlet pipe of the liquid receiver 11 is connected to the liquid outlet of the evaporative condenser 2.

[0078] Specifically, the receiver 11 has a vertical tank structure, fixed to the base 1a and adjacent to the economizer 4, connected by a short pipe to reduce cooling loss. The inlet of the receiver 11 is connected to the outlet of the evaporative condenser 2 via a pipe, thus receiving the refrigerant condensed by the evaporative condenser. The outlet of the receiver is connected to the inlet of the economizer 4 via a pipe, continuously supplying liquid refrigerant to the economizer 4. When the cooling load decreases, the liquid refrigerant produced by the evaporative condenser 2 exceeds the circulation demand, and the excess flows into the receiver 11 for temporary storage under gravity. When the cooling load increases, the refrigerant in the receiver 11 automatically flows out under pressure difference to replenish the circulation system, preventing interruption of the liquid supply and ensuring that the economizer 4 and the gravity supply tank 5 always have a stable refrigerant source, reducing sudden changes in the liquid supply caused by fluctuations in the cooling load. Meanwhile, the inlet of the liquid receiver 11 is at the top of the tank, while the outlet of the liquid receiver 11 is at the bottom of the tank. If there are incompletely condensed gaseous components in the refrigerant entering the tank, they will rise to the top of the tank due to their lower density, while the liquid refrigerant will settle at the bottom and flow to the economizer 4 only through the outlet at the bottom. This ensures that the refrigerant entering the economizer 4 is pure liquid, avoids the gaseous refrigerant from affecting the subcooling effect, and thus improves the heat exchange efficiency of the economizer 4.

[0079] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the integrated condenser-compressor unit 100 also includes an oil cooling device 12, which is mounted on the base 1a. The oil cooling device 12 includes an oil separator 121, an oil cooler 122, and a siphon oil cooling liquid supply device 123. The oil separator 121 is connected to the compressor 3 and the evaporative condenser 2 via pipes, and is also connected to the oil cooler 122 via pipes. The oil separator 121 is used to separate refrigerant and lubricating oil. The oil cooler 122 is connected to the compressor 3 and the evaporative condenser 2 via pipes, and is used to cool the lubricating oil. The siphon oil-cooled liquid supply unit 123 includes a first inlet 1231, a first outlet 1232, and a second outlet 1233. The first inlet 1231 of the siphon oil-cooled liquid supply unit 123 is connected to the liquid outlet of the evaporative condenser 2, the first outlet 1232 of the siphon oil-cooled liquid supply unit 123 is connected to the liquid inlet of the oil cooler 122, and the second outlet 1233 of the siphon oil-cooled liquid supply unit 123 is connected to the liquid inlet of the liquid receiver 11. It is used to drive the refrigerant to flow to the liquid receiver 11 and the oil cooler 122 under the action of siphon.

[0080] In this embodiment, the inlet of the oil separator 121 is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 3 via a pipe to receive high-temperature refrigerant vapor containing lubricating oil. The outlet of the oil separator 121 is connected to the inlet of the evaporative condenser 2 via a pipe to transport the separated refrigerant vapor to the condenser. The oil outlet at the bottom of the oil separator is connected to the inlet of the oil cooler 122 via a pipe, allowing the separated lubricating oil to enter the oil cooler for cooling.

[0081] Optionally, the oil cooler 122 adopts a plate or shell-and-tube heat exchange structure. Its liquid inlet is connected to the first outlet 1232 of the siphon oil cooler 123 via a pipe to receive low-temperature liquid refrigerant. The oil outlet of the oil cooler returns to the compressor 3 via a pipe to provide cooled lubricating oil to the compressor 3. The siphon oil cooler 123 adopts a cavity structure, forming a liquid supply cavity inside. The first inlet 1231 of the siphon oil cooler 123 is connected to the outlet of the evaporative condenser 2, thereby receiving condensed high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The first outlet 1232 of the siphon oil cooler is connected to the inlet of the oil cooler 122, and the second outlet 1233 is connected to the inlet of the receiver 11. The internal flow channel design of the siphon oil cooler is designed to split the flow, so that part of the refrigerant enters the oil cooler 122 to cool the lubricating oil, and after exchanging heat with the lubricating oil, it flows into the evaporative condenser 2 for condensation again, while the other part of the refrigerant flows directly into the receiver 11 to participate in the main circulation.

[0082] It is worth noting that the siphon oil cooler 123 utilizes the pressure difference between the evaporative condenser 2, the liquid receiver 11, and the oil cooler 122 to create a siphon effect. Specifically, the siphon oil cooler 123 has a hollow internal structure and three interfaces: a first inlet 1231, a first outlet 1232, and a second outlet 1233. When refrigerant enters the supply chamber of the siphon oil cooler 123 from the first inlet 1231, under the influence of gravity and the pressure difference between the evaporative condenser 2 and the oil cooler 122, it preferentially flows into the oil cooler 122 from the bottom first outlet 1232. This is because the height of the bottom first outlet 1232 is lower than that of the second outlet 1233, and the refrigerant naturally flows to the lower position, ensuring that the oil cooler 122 is always full of refrigerant to complete the cooling task of the lubricating oil. As refrigerant continues to enter, when the oil cooler is full and no more refrigerant can flow in, the liquid level in the siphon oil cooler chamber gradually rises. When the liquid level exceeds the height of the second outlet 1233, based on the siphon principle, the excess refrigerant will overflow from the second outlet 1233 to the receiver 11 and participate in the main circulation. Through the siphon oil-cooled liquid supply unit 123, refrigerant diversion can be achieved without additional power devices, which satisfies the oil cooling requirements and ensures a stable flow rate of refrigerant in the main circulation.

[0083] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the oil separator 121 and the oil cooler 122 are both mounted on the base 1a. Along the thickness direction of the base 1a, the compressor 3 is located above the oil separator 121, the oil cooler 122 is located on one side of the oil separator 121, and the siphon oil cooling liquid supply device 123 is located on the side of the oil cooler 122 away from the oil separator 121.

[0084] Specifically, the oil separator 121 can be fixed to the base 1a, for example, with anchor bolts. Meanwhile, a compressor base 13 is located on top of the oil separator. This compressor base 13 is made of welded or cast steel. The compressor 3 can be bolted to the compressor base 13, creating a vertically corresponding relationship between the compressor and the oil separator along the thickness direction of the base 1a. In other words, the oil separator 121 is directly below the center of gravity of the compressor 3. This vertically corresponding arrangement maximizes the use of vertical space, resulting in a more even distribution of space between the base and the housing, avoiding localized congestion, and facilitating pipe layout and future maintenance. This design also allows the overall structural layout to be adapted to the evaporative condenser 2, maintaining the efficiency of the refrigeration system while maintaining integrated functionality. The vertically corresponding arrangement of the compressor 3 and the oil separator 121 shortens the length of the connecting pipes between them, thus reducing the path of gaseous refrigerant from the compressor 3 discharge port to the oil separator 121 inlet. This reduces pressure loss and heat exchange within the pipes, allowing high-temperature vapor to enter the separation stage more quickly, which is beneficial for improving oil separation efficiency.

[0085] In some embodiments, the oil separator 121 is configured as a horizontal oil separator 121, and the oil separator 121 has a molecular sieve filter layer inside for adsorbing and filtering oil droplet particles in the refrigerant.

[0086] It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the horizontal oil separator 121 adopts a horizontally placed cylindrical shell with refrigerant inlet and outlet at both ends and lubricating oil outlet at the bottom. The overall structure is adapted to the compact layout of the unit. The oil separator 121 contains a molecular sieve filter layer. The working principle of the molecular sieve filter layer is based on the densely distributed nanoscale pores within the material. The size of these pores matches the size of oil droplets (especially fine oil droplets with a diameter of less than 1 micrometer). When refrigerant vapor carrying oil droplets flows through the filter layer, the oil droplets are adsorbed or trapped by the pores, while the refrigerant gas can pass through smoothly, thus achieving deep separation. Compared to separation methods relying solely on gravity or centrifugal force, this filtration mechanism has a higher capture efficiency for fine oil droplets and can reduce the residual oil content in the refrigerant to a lower level.

[0087] In some embodiments, the condenser-compressor unit 100 also includes a safety valve 14, which is disposed on the inlet and outlet pipes of the evaporative condenser 2 and is used to release refrigerant when the internal pressure of the evaporative condenser 2 is abnormal.

[0088] Optionally, the safety valve can be, for example, a spring-loaded safety valve or a lever-type safety valve. Taking a spring-loaded safety valve as an example, by installing safety valves 14 on the inlet and outlet pipes of the evaporative condenser 2, a reliable overpressure protection mechanism can be provided for the refrigeration system. For example, when the pressure inside the evaporative condenser 2 exceeds a preset threshold due to abnormal operating conditions (such as blockage of heat exchange tubes leading to obstructed refrigerant flow, or increased pressure caused by rising ambient temperature), the valve core of the safety valve 14 will overcome the spring force and lift upward under pressure, opening the pressure relief channel: the safety valve 14 on the inlet pipe can directly release the high-pressure refrigerant, while the safety valve 14 on the outlet pipe releases the high-pressure medium accumulated inside the evaporative condenser. The two work together to quickly reduce the internal pressure. Once the pressure drops to a safe range, the valve core automatically resets under the spring force, closing the pressure relief channel and ensuring that the refrigeration system returns to normal operation. Compared to refrigeration systems without safety valve 14, this effectively prevents deformation, leakage, or even explosion of the evaporative condenser due to overpressure, extends the service life of the evaporative condenser 2, and provides operators with more reliable safety protection.

[0089] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a pressure sensor 15 is installed on the discharge pipe of compressor 3 to monitor the discharge pressure of compressor 3. A temperature sensor 16 is installed on the liquid outlet pipe of economizer 4 to monitor the temperature of the cooled refrigerant.

[0090] Understandably, the pressure sensor and temperature sensor can be electrically connected to the control device. The pressure sensor 15 monitors the discharge pressure of the compressor 3 in real time. When the pressure exceeds the safety threshold, the control device can trigger a protection mechanism (such as shutdown) to prevent the compressor 3 from being damaged due to overpressure operation and ensure equipment safety. At the same time, changes in discharge pressure can reflect the refrigeration load and refrigerant charging status of the compressor 3, providing a basis for parameter optimization. The temperature sensor 16 focuses on the subcooling control of the refrigerant: the temperature of the liquid outlet of the economizer 4 reflects the subcooling of the refrigerant to a certain extent (wherein, subcooling is the difference between the condensing temperature and the liquid outlet temperature). Insufficient subcooling will cause the refrigerant to flash prematurely before entering the gravity supply tank 5, reducing the effective heat exchange area of ​​the evaporator 6. Excessive subcooling may increase the energy consumption of the refrigeration system. Therefore, the pressure sensor and temperature sensor can provide a basis for optimizing the adjustment of the refrigeration system, so that the compressor 3 operates in a stable state.

[0091] It is understood that the pressure sensor 15 described above can be either piezoelectric or capacitive. The temperature sensor 16 can be a thermocouple or a resistance temperature detector (RTD), and this embodiment does not specifically limit its use.

[0092] Taking R404A as an example, the following table shows the temperature and pressure parameters of various nodes in the gravity-fed condenser-compressor unit 100 of this application, which uses R404A as the refrigerant.

[0093]

[0094] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A condenser-compressor integrated unit for gravity-fed liquid supply, characterized in that, include: A support structure includes a base and a housing disposed on the base. The housing has a first mounting cavity and a second mounting cavity formed inside. Along the thickness direction of the base, the second mounting cavity is located above the first mounting cavity. An evaporative condenser is disposed in the second mounting cavity; A compressor, wherein the compressor is disposed in the first mounting cavity; An economizer is provided, which is mounted on the base and located on one side of the compressor. The inlet pipe of the economizer is connected to the evaporative condenser, and the outlet pipe of the economizer is connected to the gas supply port of the compressor. A gravity-fed liquid supply tank, mounted on the base, is provided with a first liquid inlet, a first liquid outlet, a second liquid inlet, and a first air outlet. The outlet of the economizer is connected to the first liquid inlet of the gravity-fed liquid supply tank via a pipe, and the first air outlet of the gravity-fed liquid supply tank is connected to the air inlet of the compressor via a pipe. An evaporator, the inlet of which is connected to the first liquid outlet of the gravity supply tank via a pipe, and the outlet of which is connected to the second liquid inlet of the gravity supply tank via a pipe.

2. The condenser-compressor unit for gravity-fed liquid supply according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated condenser-compressor unit also includes a first throttle valve and a second throttle valve; The first throttle valve is installed on the liquid inlet pipe of the economizer so that a portion of the refrigerant flashes into gaseous refrigerant within the economizer. The second throttle valve is installed on the liquid outlet pipe of the economizer and is used to regulate the flow rate and pressure of the liquid refrigerant entering the gravity supply tank.

3. The condenser-compressor unit for gravity-fed liquid supply according to claim 2, characterized in that, The integrated condenser-compressor unit also includes a control device, which is electrically connected to the first throttle valve and the second throttle valve; The gravity supply tank is equipped with a liquid level sensor, which is electrically connected to the control device. The liquid level sensor is used to detect the liquid level of the refrigerant in the gravity supply tank and feed it back to the control device. The control device is used to control the opening degree of the first throttle valve and the second throttle valve according to the liquid level detected by the liquid level sensor.

4. The condenser-compressor unit for gravity-fed liquid supply according to claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated condenser-compressor unit also includes a liquid receiver, which is mounted on the base and located on one side of the economizer. The liquid receiver's outlet pipe is connected to the economizer's inlet pipe, and the liquid receiver's inlet pipe is connected to the outlet of the evaporative condenser.

5. The condenser-compressor unit for gravity-fed liquid supply according to claim 4, characterized in that, The integrated condenser-compressor unit also includes an oil cooling device, which is mounted on the base and includes an oil separator, an oil cooler, and a siphon oil cooling liquid supply device. The oil separator is connected by pipes to the compressor and the evaporative condenser, and is also connected by pipes to the oil cooler. The oil separator is used to receive the mixture of refrigerant and lubricating oil discharged from the compressor, so as to separate the refrigerant and lubricating oil. The oil cooler is connected by pipes to the compressor and the evaporative condenser, and the oil cooler is used to cool the lubricating oil. The siphon oil cooler includes a first inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The first inlet pipe of the siphon oil cooler is connected to the outlet of the evaporative condenser, the first outlet pipe of the siphon oil cooler is connected to the inlet of the oil cooler, and the second outlet pipe of the siphon oil cooler is connected to the inlet of the reservoir, for driving the refrigerant to flow to the reservoir and the oil cooler under siphon action.

6. The condenser-compressor unit for gravity-fed liquid supply according to claim 5, characterized in that, The oil separator and the oil cooler are both mounted on the base. Along the thickness direction of the base, the compressor is located above the oil separator, the oil cooler is located on one side of the oil separator, and the siphon oil cooling liquid supply device is located on the side of the oil cooler away from the oil separator.

7. The condenser-compressor unit for gravity-fed liquid supply according to claim 5, characterized in that, The oil separator is constructed as a horizontal oil separator, and a molecular sieve filter layer is provided inside the oil separator to adsorb and filter oil droplet particles in the refrigerant.

8. The condenser-compressor unit for gravity-fed liquid supply according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mounting cavity has an opening, the base covers the opening, and the compressor is disposed on the base so as to be located in the first mounting cavity.

9. The condenser-compressor unit for gravity-fed liquid supply according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The integrated condenser-compressor unit also includes a safety valve, which is installed on the inlet and outlet pipes of the evaporative condenser and is used to release refrigerant when the internal pressure of the evaporative condenser is abnormal.

10. The condenser-compressor unit for gravity-fed liquid supply according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, A pressure sensor is installed on the exhaust pipe of the compressor to monitor the exhaust pressure of the compressor. The refrigerant outlet pipe of the economizer is equipped with a temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the cooled refrigerant.

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