Cooling Tower and Refrigeration System

Abstract

The present invention discloses a cooling tower and a refrigeration system. The cooling tower includes a cooling tower body, as well as a condenser, a spraying device, a packing, and a packing support structure disposed within the cooling tower body. The refrigerant within the condenser exchanges heat with the cooling water sprayed by the spraying device. The packing support structure is used to support the packing and includes a connecting pipe. The connecting pipe is connected between the compressor and the condenser and forms at least part of the refrigerant pipeline between the compressor and the condenser. The cooling water flowing through the packing precools the refrigerant within the connecting pipe. While serving as the support structure for the packing, the packing support structure of the present invention uses the cooling water flowing through the packing to precool the refrigerant before it enters the condenser, reducing the temperature of the refrigerant entering the condenser, thereby slowing down the scaling rate of the condenser. Moreover, reducing the temperature of the refrigerant entering the condenser can increase the subcooling degree of the system and improve the energy efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air conditioners, and particularly to a cooling tower and a refrigeration system. Background Art

[0002] An evaporative condenser enhances heat transfer by spraying cooling water onto the surface of the condenser and utilizing the principle of heat absorption during water evaporation. However, after long-term use of the condenser, scale will form on the surface of the heat exchange tubes due to a large amount of water evaporation leaving impurities, weakening the heat exchange effect. At the same time, since the evaporative condenser is usually fixed on the upper part of the entire module and is not easily disassembled, it is difficult to clean once too much scale accumulates. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a cooling tower and a refrigeration system to reduce scale formation on the surface of the condenser.

[0004] The first aspect of the present invention provides a cooling tower, including a cooling tower body, a condenser, a spraying device, a packing, and a packing support structure arranged in the cooling tower body. The refrigerant in the condenser exchanges heat with the cooling water sprayed by the spraying device. The packing support structure is used to support the packing and includes a connecting pipe. The connecting pipe is connected between the compressor and the condenser and forms at least part of the refrigerant pipeline between the compressor and the condenser. The cooling water flowing through the packing precools the refrigerant in the connecting pipe.

[0005] In some embodiments, the packing support structure includes at least two connecting pipes arranged in parallel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the at least two connecting pipes are spaced apart in the height direction.

[0007] In some embodiments, the inlet of the packing support structure is connected to the compressor, and the outlet of the packing support structure is connected to the condenser. The outlet is located above the inlet.

[0008] In some embodiments, the packing is movably arranged on the packing support structure.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cooling tower further includes a cooling water pump and a water receiving tray located at the bottom of the cooling tower body. The cooling water pump connects the water receiving tray and the spraying device to transport the cooling water in the water receiving tray to the spraying device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cooling tower further includes a drain valve arranged at the water receiving tray.

[0011] In some embodiments, the spraying device includes a plurality of spaced spraying nozzles.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cooling tower further includes a fan, and the fan is located outside the air outlet arranged at the top of the cooling tower body.

[0013] In a second aspect of the present invention, a refrigeration system is provided, which includes a compressor, a throttling device, an evaporator, and a cooling tower as provided in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0014] Based on the cooling tower and the refrigeration system provided by the present invention, the cooling tower includes a cooling tower body, and a condenser, a spraying device, a packing, and a packing support structure disposed within the cooling tower body. The refrigerant within the condenser exchanges heat with the cooling water sprayed by the spraying device. The packing support structure is used to support the packing and includes a connecting pipe. The connecting pipe is connected between the compressor and the condenser and forms at least a part of the refrigerant pipeline between the compressor and the condenser. The cooling water flowing through the packing precools the refrigerant within the connecting pipe. While serving as a support structure for the packing, the packing support structure of the present invention uses the cooling water flowing through the packing to precool the refrigerant before it enters the condenser, reducing the temperature of the refrigerant entering the condenser, thereby slowing down the scaling rate of the condenser. Moreover, reducing the temperature of the refrigerant entering the condenser can increase the subcooling degree of the system and improve the energy efficiency.

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clear through the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. Description of the Drawings

[0016] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and form a part of this application. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0017] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the refrigeration system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a schematic structural diagram of the packing support structure in Detailed Embodiments

[0019] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is actually only illustrative and in no way limits the present invention and its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0020] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements, numerical expressions, and numerical values of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn in actual proportional relationships. Technologies, methods, and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the technologies, methods, and devices should be regarded as part of the authorization specification. In all the examples shown and discussed here, any specific values should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings, and thus, once an item is defined in one drawing, further discussion thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0021] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above", "over", "on the upper surface", "upper" etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of one device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, the device described as "above" or "over" other devices or structures will then be positioned "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both the orientations of "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways, and corresponding interpretations should be made to the spatial relative descriptions used herein.

[0022] The main reason for the fouling of the condenser is that the temperature of the refrigerant entering the condenser is too high, and the heat exchange temperature difference between the cooling water and the condenser tube wall is too large, resulting in an excessive evaporation rate per unit time. Once the evaporation rate per unit time is excessive, too much cooling water impurities such as calcium and magnesium compounds will precipitate and adhere to the outer tube wall, forming scale. Therefore, to slow down the fouling process, it is necessary to reduce the temperature of the refrigerant entering the condenser, thereby reducing the evaporation rate.

[0023] Based on the above reasons, the present invention proposes a refrigeration system as shown in Figure 1 The refrigeration system includes a cooling tower. The cooling tower includes a cooling tower body 12 and a condenser 9, a spray device 10, a packing 8, and a packing support structure 6 disposed within the cooling tower body 12. The refrigerant in the condenser 9 exchanges heat with the cooling water sprayed by the spray device 10. The packing support structure 6 is used to support the packing 8 and includes a connecting pipe 61. The connecting pipe 61 is connected between the compressor 1 and the condenser 9 and forms at least part of the refrigerant pipeline between the compressor 1 and the condenser 9. The cooling water flowing through the packing 8 cools the refrigerant in the connecting pipe 61.

[0024] While the packing support structure 6 of the embodiment of the present invention serves as a support structure for the packing 8, the cooling water flowing through the packing 8 is used to pre-cool the refrigerant before entering the condenser 9, reducing the temperature of the refrigerant entering the condenser 9, thereby slowing down the scaling rate of the condenser 9. Moreover, reducing the temperature of the refrigerant entering the condenser 9 can increase the subcooling degree of the system and improve the energy efficiency. In addition, the refrigeration system of this embodiment uses the cooling water flowing through the packing 8 to pre-cool the refrigerant without specially setting other cooling media, effectively utilizing the cooling water resources.

[0025] As Figure 1 shown, the refrigeration system of this embodiment further includes a compressor 1, an evaporator 2, and a throttling device 3.

[0026] As Figure 2 shown, the packing support structure 6 of this embodiment includes at least two communicating pipes 61 arranged in parallel. In this way, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 is split into at least two communicating pipes 61 and then flows into the condenser 9. The refrigerant in at least two communicating pipes 61 can all exchange heat with the cooling water, thus increasing the heat exchange area and improving the cooling effect on the refrigerant.

[0027] At least two communicating pipes 61 of this embodiment are arranged at intervals in the height direction. In this way, the cooling water sprayed down from the top will contact each communicating pipe 61 under the action of gravity after flowing through the packing 8 for heat exchange cooling.

[0028] As Figure 2 shown, the inlet 62 of the packing support structure 6 of this embodiment is connected to the compressor 1, and the outlet 63 of the packing support structure 6 is connected to the condenser 9. The outlet 63 is located above the inlet 62. The exhaust gas of the compressor 1 enters the interior of the packing support structure 6 from the inlet 62, then is split into multiple communicating pipes 61, and then converges and flows out from the outlet 63. The inlet 62 is located at the lower end and the outlet 63 is located at the upper end. In this way, the overall flow direction of the refrigerant is upward, while the overall flow direction of the cooling water is downward, further improving the cooling effect on the refrigerant.

[0029] Specifically, the structural form of the packing support structure 6 of this embodiment is not unique and can be modified according to the shape and size of the condenser 9 and the specifications of the packing 8, including data such as the number, pipe diameter of each communicating pipe 61, and the distance between two adjacent communicating pipes 61, etc., which need to ensure the smooth flow of the refrigerant while effectively supporting the packing.

[0030] The packing 8 of this embodiment is movably arranged on the packing support structure 6. During the heat exchange process between the cooling water and the refrigerant in the communication pipe 61 of the packing support structure 6, the surface of the communication pipe 61 will also scale. When it is necessary to clean the scale on the surface of the communication pipe 61, only by moving the packing 8 can the surface of the communication pipe 61 be easily cleaned.

[0031] As Figure 1 shown, the cooling tower of this embodiment further includes a cooling water pump 4 and a water receiving tray 7 located at the bottom of the cooling tower body 12. The cooling water pump 4 connects the water receiving tray 7 and the spraying device 10 to convey the cooling water in the water receiving tray 7 to the spraying device 10.

[0032] The cooling tower of this embodiment further includes a drain valve 5 arranged at the water receiving tray 7.

[0033] The spraying device 10 includes a plurality of spray nozzles arranged at intervals.

[0034] The cooling tower of this embodiment further includes a fan 11, and the fan 11 is located outside the air outlet arranged at the top of the cooling tower body 12. The upward air flow formed by the operation of the fan 11 will reduce the air pressure inside the cooling tower body 12, and draw in the relatively cold fresh air from the side and bottom of the condenser 9 to cool the cooling water in the packing 8, reducing its temperature. After the cooling water flows through the packing, it returns to the water receiving tray 7 to complete the cooling water circuit cycle.

[0035] The working process of the refrigeration system of this embodiment is as follows:

[0036] The gaseous refrigerant discharged from the exhaust port of the compressor 1 enters the condenser 9. The cooling water sprayed by the spraying device 10 is sprayed onto the condenser 9, and the cooling water exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the condenser 9. The water after absorbing heat changes from liquid to gas, and the heat is discharged to the outside of the unit by the air flow generated by the fan 11 along with the water vapor. The forced convection heat transfer generated by the fan 11 will further enhance the heat exchange effect. The high-temperature gaseous refrigerant leaves the condenser 9 after condensation, and after being throttled by the throttling device 3, it is sent to the evaporator 2 for refrigeration, and then changes back to the low-temperature gaseous refrigerant and returns to the compressor 1 for compression to complete the whole cycle.

[0037] In the cooling water system, the cooling water pump 4 pumps water from the water receiving tray 7 and sends it to the spraying device 10 located at the top of the condenser 9 for spraying. Part of the cooling water evaporates on the surface of the heat exchanger and becomes gaseous and leaves the unit, and the remaining cooling water is heated and then flows down through the packing 8 from top to bottom. The upward air flow formed by the operation of the fan 11 will reduce the air pressure inside the cooling tower body 12, and draw in the relatively cold fresh air from the side and bottom of the condenser 9 to cool the cooling water in the packing, reducing its temperature. After flowing through the packing, the cooling water returns to the water receiving tray 7 to complete the cooling water circuit cycle.

[0038] In this embodiment, a part of the exhaust pipe of the compressor 1 is changed to Figure 2 the shown bracket cooler, which, while serving as a packing support structure, is also the cooling section of the exhaust pipe. Before the cooling water flowing through the packing enters the water receiving tray, it will first flow through this bracket cooler. The cooling water at this stage is used to pre-cool the exhaust pipe section, reduce the exhaust gas temperature entering the top condenser 9, reduce the fouling amount of the heat exchanger while ensuring the condensation heat transfer amount, and delay the attenuation of the heat transfer capacity of the heat exchanger. At the same time, due to the reduction of the heat transfer load of the condenser, the subcooling degree of the system will increase, improving the energy efficiency of the unit.

[0039] Since the exhaust gas temperature entering the bracket cooler is relatively high, evaporation will also occur to the cooling water here, and some impurities will also remain on its surface. In addition, impurities in the liquid water will accumulate on the surface area, forming scale. In this way, the impurity content of the cooling water entering the water receiving tray 7 is reduced, which is also beneficial to slowing down the scaling rate on the surface of the condenser. And the scale accumulated on the surface of the bracket cooler is located below the condenser, and it can be easily cleaned by simply removing the packing, reducing the difficulty of daily maintenance of the unit.

[0040] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that it is still possible to modify the specific implementation manners of the present invention or perform equivalent replacements for some technical features; without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, they should all be covered by the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the present invention.

Claims

1. A cooling tower, characterized in that, It includes a cooling tower body (12), as well as a condenser (9), a spraying device (10), a packing (8) and a packing support structure (6) arranged inside the cooling tower body (12). The refrigerant in the condenser (9) exchanges heat with the cooling water sprayed by the spraying device (10). The packing support structure (6) is used to support the packing (8) and includes a connecting pipe (61). The connecting pipe (61) is connected between the compressor (1) and the condenser (9) and forms at least part of the refrigerant pipeline between the compressor (1) and the condenser (9). The cooling water flowing through the packing (8) precools the refrigerant in the connecting pipe (61). The packing (8) is movably arranged on the packing support structure (6).

2. The cooling tower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The packing support structure (6) includes at least two connecting pipes (61) arranged in parallel.

3. The cooling tower according to claim 2, wherein, The at least two connecting pipes (61) are arranged at intervals in the height direction.

4. The cooling tower according to claim 3, wherein, The inlet (62) of the packing support structure (6) is connected to the compressor (1), and the outlet (63) of the packing support structure (6) is connected to the condenser (9). The outlet (63) is located above the inlet (62).

5. The cooling tower according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The cooling tower further includes a cooling water pump (4) and a water receiving tray (7) located at the bottom of the cooling tower body (12). The cooling water pump (4) connects the water receiving tray (7) and the spraying device (10) to convey the cooling water in the water receiving tray (7) to the spraying device (10).

6. The cooling tower according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cooling tower further includes a drain valve (5) arranged at the water receiving tray (7).

7. The cooling tower according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The spraying device (10) includes a plurality of spraying nozzles arranged at intervals.

8. The cooling tower according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The cooling tower further includes a fan (11). The fan (11) is located outside the air outlet arranged at the top of the cooling tower body (12).

9. A refrigeration system, characterized in that, It includes a compressor (1), a throttling device (3), an evaporator (2) and the cooling tower according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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