A heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor
By combining waste heat recovery from air compressors with a high-temperature heat pump system, the problems of unrecovered heat dissipation from air compressors and high cost and high emissions of traditional boiler systems are solved. This achieves optimized operation of air compressors and efficient and stable steam supply, making it suitable for energy conservation and emission reduction in the industrial sector.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI NUOTONG NEW ENERGY TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing air compressors mainly release heat directly into the air through air-cooled modules or cooling towers, resulting in ineffective heat recovery. Furthermore, traditional boilers and pipeline steam systems are costly and emit large amounts of carbon, making them unsuitable for the low-carbon and environmentally friendly requirements of the industrial sector.
Design a heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor, including an air compressor waste heat recovery system, a flash evaporation pressurization system, and a high-temperature heat pump system. The system recovers waste heat from the air compressor through an oil energy recovery unit to provide a heat source for the high-temperature heat pump system. In case of abnormal conditions, the system starts the air source high-temperature cascade heat pump to ensure stable heating.
It optimizes the operation of air compressors and enables high-efficiency operation of high-temperature heat pump systems, providing a stable supply of high-temperature and high-pressure steam, reducing energy waste and carbon emissions, and meeting the energy conservation and emission reduction needs of the industrial sector.
Smart Images
Figure CN224434355U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of heat pump energy-saving technology, specifically to a heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor. Background Technology
[0002] In the field of energy utilization and energy conservation and emission reduction technology, heat pump energy-saving technology, as an extension and upgrade of traditional heat pump technology, is widely used to meet the industrial sector's demand for high-temperature heat energy. Its core principle is to use a waste heat recovery mechanism to drive a thermodynamic cycle with a small amount of electricity, absorbing heat from a low-temperature heat source and releasing it to a high-temperature environment, thereby achieving energy transfer and upgrading. In this process, zero or low carbon emissions can be achieved, which is of great significance for promoting energy recycling and energy conservation and emission reduction.
[0003] In industrial production scenarios, air compressors are indispensable key equipment in process manufacturing. Currently, air compressors mainly dissipate heat by releasing heat directly into the air through air-cooled modules or cooling towers. While this method can meet the basic cooling requirements of the equipment, a large amount of heat energy is not effectively recovered and utilized, resulting in significant energy waste.
[0004] Meanwhile, industrial processes typically require high-temperature steam for heat supply, currently relying mainly on traditional boilers and pipeline steam systems. This system is not only costly, requiring dedicated boiler rooms and stokers, but also generates significant carbon emissions during operation, contradicting the current trend towards low-carbon and environmentally friendly development and failing to meet the demands of sustainable development in the industrial sector.
[0005] Therefore, a new technology is urgently needed to solve this problem. Utility Model Content
[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this application provides a heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from air compressors. This heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from air compressors can optimize the operating status of air compressors while ensuring the high-efficiency operation of high-temperature heat pump systems, and provide stable high-temperature and high-pressure steam for end users.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor.
[0008] The heat pump steam supply system includes an air compressor waste heat recovery system, a flash evaporation pressurization system, and a high-temperature heat pump system.
[0009] The air compressor waste heat recovery system includes an air compressor, an oil-gas separator, an air cooler, an oil cooler, and an oil energy recovery unit. The air compressor, oil-gas separator, and air cooler are connected in sequence to form an air passage. They are also connected in sequence to form a heat transfer oil circulation loop. The oil-gas separator and oil cooler are connected via a first pipe equipped with a first valve. The oil energy recovery unit includes a heat release pipe and a heat absorption pipe. The inlet of the heat release pipe is connected to the first pipe between the oil-gas separator and the first valve via a second pipe equipped with a second valve. The outlet of the heat release pipe is connected to the first pipe between the first valve and the air cooler via a third pipe equipped with a third valve.
[0010] The flash booster system includes a flash tank and a steam compressor. The outlet of the flash tank is connected to the steam compressor to form a steam passage.
[0011] The high-temperature heat pump system includes a waste water circulation pump, a buffer tank, a water source high-temperature heat pump, and a heating circulation pump. The heat absorption tube of the oil energy recovery unit, the waste water circulation pump, the buffer tank, and the evaporator side of the water source high-temperature heat pump are connected in sequence to form a waste water circulation loop. The condenser side of the water source high-temperature heat pump, the flash tank, and the heating circulation pump are connected in sequence to form a heating water circulation loop.
[0012] Preferably, the air compressor waste heat recovery system further includes an oil filter, which is installed on the oil outlet of the oil-gas separator and the pipeline connecting the air compressor.
[0013] Preferably, the oil filter is a wire gap filter.
[0014] Preferably, the air compressor waste heat recovery system further includes an energy regulating valve, which is disposed on a third pipeline, and the valve body of the energy regulating valve is connected to the pipeline connecting the oil cooler and the air compressor.
[0015] Preferably, the energy regulating valve is a mechanical energy regulating valve.
[0016] Preferably, the flash booster system further includes a water supply pump, which is connected to the water supply port of the steam compressor and / or the water outlet of the flash tank.
[0017] Preferably, the high-temperature heat pump system further includes an air-source high-temperature cascade heat pump, an air-source high-temperature cascade heat pump, and an air-source high-temperature cascade heat pump connected in parallel with a water-source high-temperature heat pump.
[0018] Preferably, the high-temperature heat pump system includes 2 to 4 air-source high-temperature cascade heat pumps.
[0019] Preferably, the heat pump steam supply system includes a controller connected to a first valve, a second valve, and / or a third valve.
[0020] Preferably, the heat pump steam supply system includes a temperature sensor connected to the controller, which is located in the air compressor, oil-gas separator, air cooler, oil cooler, oil energy recovery unit, flash tank, steam compressor and / or buffer tank.
[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:
[0022] Firstly, the heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from the air compressor utilizes an oil energy recovery unit to recover waste heat from the air compressor while simultaneously cooling it. The oil energy recovery unit absorbs waste heat from the air compressor and provides a heat source for the high-temperature heat pump system, achieving dual utilization of heat and cold. The heat transfer oil cooled by the oil energy recovery unit can, depending on the cooling situation, either re-enter the oil energy recovery unit through an energy regulating valve for secondary cooling or directly recirculate into the air compressor. This heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from the air compressor can optimize the operating status of the air compressor while ensuring the high-efficiency operation of the high-temperature heat pump system.
[0023] Secondly, by incorporating an air-source high-temperature cascade heat pump, the heat pump steam supply system is also equipped with a coupling operation mechanism between the waste heat source and the air source. Once a low load is detected on the air compressor, the system can immediately activate the air-source high-temperature cascade heat pump, ensuring stable heating even under abnormal conditions. This design not only enhances the stability of the heat pump steam supply system but also enables stable recovery of waste heat from the air compressor and supplies high-temperature, high-pressure steam through a flash evaporation pressurization system.
[0024] This heat pump steam supply system can be applied to most industrial scenarios, providing industrial users with a more stable and energy-efficient thermal energy solution. Attached Figure Description
[0025] This application can be better understood by describing its embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor, as described in this application.
[0027] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0028] 10. Air compressor; 11. Oil-gas separator; 12. Air cooler; 13. Oil cooler; 14. Oil energy recovery unit; 15. First pipeline; 16. First valve; 17. Second pipeline; 18. Second valve; 19. Third pipeline; 20. Third valve; 21. Oil filter; 22. Energy regulating valve; 23. Flash tank; 24. Steam compressor; 25. Make-up water pump; 26. Waste water circulation pump; 27. Buffer water tank; 28. Water source high-temperature heat pump; 29. Heating circulation pump; 30. Air source high-temperature cascade heat pump. Detailed Implementation
[0029] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this specification and claims shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this utility model pertains.
[0030] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0031] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., 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. Therefore, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.
[0032] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0033] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0034] This utility model provides a method such as Figure 1 The heat pump steam supply system shown is based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor.
[0035] The heat pump steam supply system includes an air compressor waste heat recovery system, a flash booster system, and a high-temperature heat pump system. The air compressor waste heat recovery system recovers the heat generated during the operation of the air compressor and provides a heat source to the high-temperature heat pump system. The high-temperature heat pump system supplies heat to the flash booster system. The flash booster system is used to increase the temperature and pressure of the steam.
[0036] The air compressor waste heat recovery system includes an air compressor 10, an oil-gas separator 11, an air cooler 12, an oil cooler 13, and an oil energy recovery unit 14. The air compressor 10, oil-gas separator 11, and air cooler 12 are connected in sequence to form an air passage. The air compressor 10, oil-gas separator 11, and oil cooler 13 are also connected in sequence to form a heat transfer oil circulation loop. The oil-gas separator 11 and oil cooler 13 are connected via a first pipe 15, on which a first valve 16 is installed. The oil energy recovery unit 14 includes a heat-releasing pipe and a heat-absorbing pipe. The inlet of the heat-releasing pipe is connected to the first pipe 15 between the oil-gas separator 11 and the first valve 16 via a second pipe 17, on which a second valve 18 is installed. The outlet of the heat-releasing pipe is connected to the first pipe 15 between the first valve 16 and the air cooler 12 via a third pipe 19, on which a third valve 20 is installed.
[0037] In some embodiments, the air compressor waste heat recovery system further includes an oil filter 21, which is disposed on the pipe connecting the oil outlet of the oil-gas separator 11 and the air compressor 10. The oil filter 21 can be used to filter impurities and extend the service life of the air compressor 10. The oil filter 21 can be a wire-gap filter.
[0038] In some embodiments, the air compressor waste heat recovery system further includes an energy regulating valve 22, which is disposed on a third pipe 19, and the valve body of the energy regulating valve 22 is connected to a pipe connecting the oil cooler 13 and the air compressor 10. The energy regulating valve 22 can be a mechanical energy regulating valve.
[0039] like Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve 16 is normally closed. When the heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from the air compressor is started, low-temperature heat transfer oil can enter the air compressor 10, absorbing heat and helping to cool it. The heat transfer oil and high-temperature air then enter the oil-gas separator 11 together. After separation by the oil-gas separator 11, the heat transfer oil passes through the second valve 18 into the oil energy recovery unit 14 and releases heat. Subsequently, the heat transfer oil passes through the energy regulating valve 22 and the oil filter 21 for filtration before returning to the air compressor 10 to complete the cycle. If the heat transfer oil is not cooled to the set temperature after passing through the oil energy recovery unit 14, the third valve 20 can be opened. The heat transfer oil then passes through the energy regulating valve 22 and the third valve 20 before entering the oil cooler 13 for further cooling, ensuring the normal operation of the air compressor 10 and preventing high-temperature alarms from damaging the air compressor 10. The waste heat temperature of the air compressor 10 can typically reach 50°C to 60°C, ensuring high-quality waste heat and high energy efficiency of the water source high-temperature heat pump 28.
[0040] The flash booster system includes a flash tank 23 and a steam compressor 24. The outlet of the flash tank 23 is connected to the steam compressor 24 to form a steam passage. The flash booster system may further include a water supply pump 25, which is connected to the water supply port of the steam compressor 24 and / or the outlet of the flash tank 23. The water supply pump 25 can be used to supply pure water to the steam compressor 24 and / or the flash tank 23 to maintain system balance.
[0041] In such Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the circulating hot water is heated to 115–125°C by the water source high-temperature heat pump 28 in the high-temperature heat pump system, and then enters the flash tank 23. Approximately 1–2% of the hot water is flash-evaporated into low-pressure saturated steam at 110–120°C. The remaining hot water is cooled to 110–120°C and, together with pure water supplied by the makeup water pump 25, re-enters the water source high-temperature heat pump 28 for reheating, forming a cycle. The low-pressure saturated steam at 110–120°C enters the steam compressor 24 for further heating and pressurization, generating high-temperature, high-pressure steam at 150–180°C, which is then supplied to the user side.
[0042] The high-temperature heat pump system includes a waste hot water circulation pump 26, a buffer water tank 27, a water source high-temperature heat pump 28, and a heating circulation pump 29. The heat absorption tube of the oil energy recovery unit 14, the waste hot water circulation pump 26, the buffer water tank 27, and the evaporator side of the water source high-temperature heat pump 28 are connected in sequence to form a waste hot water circulation loop. The condenser side of the water source high-temperature heat pump 28, the flash tank 23, and the heating circulation pump 29 are connected in sequence to form a hot water circulation loop.
[0043] In some embodiments, the high-temperature heat pump system further includes an air-source high-temperature cascade heat pump 30, which is connected in parallel with a water-source high-temperature heat pump 28. The high-temperature heat pump system may include 2 to 4 air-source high-temperature cascade heat pumps 30. The air-source high-temperature cascade heat pumps 30 can be activated when the waste heat from the air compressor 10 is insufficient, ensuring stable heat supply. By setting up air-source high-temperature cascade heat pumps 30, the flexibility, reliability, and versatility of the heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from the air compressor can be improved.
[0044] In some embodiments, the heat pump steam supply system includes a controller connected to a first valve 16, a second valve 18, and / or a third valve 20. The heat pump steam supply system may further include a temperature sensor connected to the controller, which is located within the air compressor 10, oil-gas separator 11, air cooler 12, oil cooler 13, oil energy recovery unit 14, flash tank 23, steam compressor 24, and / or buffer tank 27. By including the controller and sensor, the controller can monitor key parameters in real time and adjust the system accordingly, thereby achieving automated control without the need for dedicated personnel.
[0045] The above specific embodiments further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above are only specific embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor, characterized by, The heat pump steam supply system includes an air compressor waste heat recovery system, a flash evaporation pressurization system, and a high-temperature heat pump system, wherein... The waste heat recovery system for the air compressor includes an air compressor, an oil-gas separator, an air cooler, an oil cooler, and an oil energy recovery unit. The air compressor, the oil-gas separator, and the air cooler are connected in sequence to form an air passage. The air compressor, the oil-gas separator, and the oil cooler are also connected in sequence to form a heat transfer oil circulation loop. The oil-gas separator and the oil cooler are connected via a first pipe, on which a first valve is installed. The oil energy recovery unit includes a heat release pipe and a heat absorption pipe. The inlet of the heat release pipe is connected to the first pipe between the oil-gas separator and the first valve via a second pipe, on which a second valve is installed. The outlet of the heat release pipe is connected to the first pipe between the first valve and the air cooler via a third pipe, on which a third valve is installed. The flash evaporation pressurization system includes a flash tank and a steam compressor; the outlet of the flash tank is connected to the steam compressor to form a steam passage; The high-temperature heat pump system includes a waste hot water circulation pump, a buffer tank, a water source high-temperature heat pump, and a heating circulation pump. The heat absorption tube of the oil energy recovery unit, the waste hot water circulation pump, the buffer tank, and the evaporator side of the water source high-temperature heat pump are connected in sequence to form a waste hot water circulation loop. The condenser side of the water source high-temperature heat pump, the flash tank, and the heating circulation pump are connected in sequence to form a heating water circulation loop.
2. The heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waste heat recovery system for the air compressor further includes an oil filter, which is installed on the oil outlet of the oil-gas separator and the pipeline connecting the air compressor.
3. The heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The oil filter is a wire gap filter.
4. The heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waste heat recovery system of the air compressor further includes an energy regulating valve, which is disposed on the third pipeline, and the valve body of the energy regulating valve is connected to the pipeline connecting the oil cooler and the air compressor.
5. The heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The energy regulating valve is a mechanical energy regulating valve.
6. The heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flash pressurization system further includes a water supply pump, which is connected to the water supply port of the steam compressor and / or the water outlet of the flash tank.
7. The heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high-temperature heat pump system further includes an air-source high-temperature cascade heat pump, wherein the air-source high-temperature cascade heat pump is connected in parallel with a water-source high-temperature heat pump.
8. The heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor according to claim 5, characterized in that, The high-temperature heat pump system includes 2 to 4 air-source high-temperature cascade heat pumps.
9. The heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat pump steam supply system includes a controller, which is connected to the first valve, the second valve and / or the third valve.
10. The heat pump steam supply system based on waste heat recovery from an air compressor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The heat pump steam supply system includes a temperature sensor connected to the controller, and the temperature sensor is installed in the air compressor, oil-gas separator, air cooler, oil cooler, oil energy recovery unit, flash tank, steam compressor and / or buffer tank.