Indirect evaporative cooling unit and air conditioning system

Abstract

The present invention discloses an indirect evaporative cooling unit and an air conditioning system, which relate to the technical field of air conditioning equipment. The indirect evaporative cooling unit includes: a condenser; an evaporator; a compressor; a valley power cold storage mechanism, including a heat exchanger and a cold storage tank, the heat exchanger having a first channel and a second channel that are isolated from each other for heat exchange, the inlet of the first channel being connected to the refrigerant outlet of the condenser, the outlet of the first channel being connected to the inlet of the compressor, the cold storage tank having a cold storage medium and a flowing medium channel that is isolated from the cold storage medium for heat exchange, a heat exchange liquid being provided in the flowing medium channel, the outlet of the second channel being connected to the inlet of the flowing medium channel, the outlet of the flowing medium channel being connected to the inlet of the second channel; a cold coil, the inlet and outlet of which are respectively connected to the outlet and inlet of the flowing medium channel. The above-mentioned indirect evaporative cooling unit can reduce power consumption and overall operating costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of air-conditioning equipment, and in particular to an indirect evaporative cooling unit and an air-conditioning system. Background Art

[0002] Air conditioning equipment uses two cooling methods: direct evaporative cooling and indirect evaporative cooling. Indirect evaporative cooling units typically utilize a heat exchange core to transfer the cooling energy of the outdoor natural cool air to the indoor return air, thereby cooling the return air. When natural cooling capacity is insufficient, indirect evaporative cooling units are also equipped with a supplemental cooling source.

[0003] Currently, supplemental cooling is typically provided by a compressor, providing supplemental cooling to achieve the required temperature when natural cooling capacity is insufficient. Specifically, the supplemental cooling system typically consists of a condenser, evaporator, and compressor connected in sequence to form a refrigeration cycle and provide the required cooling capacity. However, due to the high power of the compressor, the use of an indirect evaporative cooling system results in higher power consumption and operating costs.

[0004] Based on this, there is an urgent need for an indirect evaporative cooling unit and an air-conditioning system to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an indirect evaporative cooling unit and an air-conditioning system, which can reduce power consumption and lower the overall operating cost of the indirect evaporative cooling unit.

[0006] To achieve this object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] An indirect evaporative cooling unit, comprising:

[0008] A condenser, wherein the condenser is provided with a condenser refrigerant inlet and a condenser refrigerant outlet;

[0009] an evaporator, wherein the evaporator is provided with an evaporator refrigerant inlet and an evaporator refrigerant outlet, and the condenser refrigerant outlet is connected to the evaporator refrigerant inlet;

[0010] a compressor, wherein the inlet of the compressor is connected to the refrigerant outlet of the evaporator, and the outlet of the compressor is connected to the refrigerant inlet of the condenser;

[0011] A valley power cold storage mechanism includes a heat exchanger and a cold storage tank, the heat exchanger having a first channel and a second channel that are isolated from each other for heat exchange, the inlet of the first channel communicating with the refrigerant outlet of the condenser, the outlet of the first channel communicating with the inlet of the compressor, the cold storage tank containing a cold storage medium and a flowing medium channel that is isolated from the cold storage medium for heat exchange, the flowing medium channel being provided with a heat exchange liquid, the outlet of the second channel communicating with the inlet of the flowing medium channel, and the outlet of the flowing medium channel communicating with the inlet of the second channel;

[0012] A cold coil, the inlet of the cold coil is connected to the outlet of the flow medium channel, and the outlet of the cold coil is connected to the inlet of the flow medium channel.

[0013] The indirect evaporative cooling unit further comprises a switch valve, which is arranged on the pipeline between the outlet of the first channel and the inlet of the compressor; and / or

[0014] The switch valve is arranged on the pipeline between the outlet of the flow medium channel and the inlet of the second channel; and / or

[0015] The switch valve is arranged on the pipeline between the outlet of the flow medium channel and the inlet of the cold coil.

[0016] Optionally, a delivery pump is provided at the outlet of the flow medium channel to drive the heat exchange liquid to flow, and the power of the delivery pump is smaller than the power of the compressor.

[0017] Optionally, the freezing point of the cold storage medium is lower than the freezing point of the heat exchange liquid, so that the cold storage medium freezes and stores cold when exchanging heat with the heat exchange liquid.

[0018] Optionally, the heat exchange liquid is water.

[0019] Optionally, a heat exchange core is provided upstream of the evaporator in the direction of air flow, the heat exchange core comprising a fresh air channel and a return air channel for mutual heat exchange, the fresh air channel comprising an outdoor fresh air inlet provided at the lower end of the heat exchange core and an exhaust outlet provided at the upper end of the heat exchange core, the return air channel comprising an indoor return air inlet and an air supply outlet provided at the side of the heat exchange core;

[0020] The heat exchange core is divided into a plurality of sub-heat exchange cores arranged at intervals from top to bottom, and a spray mechanism is provided under each of the sub-heat exchange cores for spraying water mist onto the sub-heat exchange cores.

[0021] Optionally, the spraying direction of the spray mechanism is set downward.

[0022] Optionally, the cold coil and the evaporator are arranged in series along the flow direction of the air.

[0023] Optionally, the heat exchanger is a plate heat exchanger.

[0024] The present invention also provides an air-conditioning system, which includes the indirect evaporative cooling unit described above.

[0025] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0026] By setting up a valley power cold storage mechanism, the condenser, heat exchanger, and compressor are connected to form a refrigerant circulation flow path. During valley power periods, a portion of the refrigerant can flow in this refrigerant circulation flow path, and the cold energy of this refrigerant can be transferred to the heat exchange liquid through the heat exchanger. The heat exchange liquid then enters the cold storage tank through the heat exchanger. Through the cold storage tank, the heat exchange liquid can exchange heat with the cold storage medium, and the cold energy of the heat exchange liquid can be transferred to the cold storage medium, thereby storing the cold energy. Furthermore, during peak power periods, the heat exchange liquid can exchange heat with the cold storage medium again, and the cold energy of the cold storage medium can be transferred to the heat exchange liquid. The heat exchange liquid carrying the cold energy can then enter the cold coil, and the cold energy can be released through the cold coil, thereby cooling the gas to be processed and ultimately obtaining the required cold air.

[0027] Overall, the indirect evaporative cooling unit can reduce or even avoid the use of evaporator and compressor cooling during peak power periods, thereby effectively reducing the operating time of the compressor during peak power periods, reducing the power consumption of the system, and utilizing the peak-valley price difference to reduce electricity costs, ultimately reducing the overall operating costs of the indirect evaporative cooling unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the indirect evaporative cooling unit provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 1. Condenser; 2. Evaporator; 3. Compressor; 4. Throttling mechanism; 5. Heat exchanger; 6. Cold storage tank; 61. Cold storage medium; 62. Flow medium channel; 7. Cold coil; 8. On / off valve; 9. Delivery pump; 10. Heat exchange core; 101. Sub-heat exchange core; 11. Outdoor fresh air filter; 12. Indoor return air filter; 13. Spray mechanism; 14. Water pump; 15. Water tray; 16. Internal circulation fan; 17. External circulation fan. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In order to make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted and the technical effects achieved more clear, the technical solutions of the present invention are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and through specific implementation methods.

[0032] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention in specific circumstances.

[0033] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0034] In the description of this embodiment, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used to refer to positions or locations based on those shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are intended solely to facilitate description and simplify operation, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meaning.

[0035] This embodiment provides an indirect evaporative cooling unit, such as Figure 1 As shown, the indirect evaporative cooling unit includes a condenser 1, an evaporator 2, a compressor 3, a valley power cold storage mechanism, and a cold coil 7. Condenser 1 is provided with a condenser refrigerant inlet and a condenser refrigerant outlet, while evaporator 2 is provided with an evaporator refrigerant inlet and an evaporator refrigerant outlet. The condenser refrigerant outlet is connected to the evaporator refrigerant inlet, the evaporator refrigerant outlet is connected to the inlet of compressor 3, and the outlet of compressor 3 is connected to the condenser refrigerant inlet, thereby forming a first refrigerant circulation path through the evaporator 2, compressor 3, and condenser 1.

[0036] The valley power cold storage mechanism includes a heat exchanger 5 and a cold storage tank 6. The heat exchanger 5 has a first channel and a second channel that are isolated from each other for heat exchange. The cold storage tank 6 contains a cold storage medium 61 and a flow medium channel 62 that is isolated from the cold storage medium 61 for heat exchange. A heat exchange liquid is disposed in the flow medium channel 62. Specifically, the condenser refrigerant outlet is connected to the inlet of the first channel, which in turn is connected to the inlet of the compressor 3. This forms a second refrigerant circulation path through the condenser 1, heat exchanger 5, and compressor 3. The outlet of the second channel is connected to the inlet of the flow medium channel 62, which in turn is connected to the inlet of the second channel. This forms a first heat exchange liquid circulation path through the heat exchanger 5 and the cold storage tank 6. The outlet of the flow medium channel 62 is connected to the inlet of the cold coil 7, which in turn is connected to the inlet of the flow medium channel 62. This forms a second heat exchange liquid circulation path through the cold storage tank 6 and the cold coil 7.

[0037] According to the above configuration, during off-peak hours (usually at night), a portion of the refrigerant can be circulated through the first refrigerant circulation circuit to ensure normal cooling needs. At the same time, another portion of the refrigerant can be circulated through the second refrigerant circulation circuit, entering the first channel. Through the heat exchanger 5, this portion of the refrigerant exchanges heat with the heat exchange liquid, transferring the cold energy of this portion of the refrigerant to the heat exchange liquid. Afterwards, the heat exchange liquid can be circulated through the first heat exchange liquid circulation circuit, and through the cold storage tank 6, the heat exchange liquid exchanges heat with the cold storage medium 61, transferring the cold energy of the heat exchange liquid to the cold storage medium 61, thereby storing the cold energy.

[0038] Furthermore, during peak power periods (usually during the day), the heat exchange liquid is circulated through the second heat exchange liquid circulation path, allowing the heat exchange liquid to exchange heat with the cold storage medium 61, transferring the cold energy of the cold storage medium 61 to the heat exchange liquid, and then allowing the heat exchange liquid carrying the cold energy to enter the cold coil 7, releasing the cold energy through the cold coil 7, thereby cooling the gas to be treated (indoor return air) and ultimately obtaining the required cold air. In this way, during peak power periods, the use of evaporator 2 and compressor 3 for cooling can be reduced or even avoided, thereby effectively reducing the operating time of compressor 3 during peak power periods, reducing the system's power consumption, and utilizing the peak-valley price difference to reduce electricity costs, ultimately reducing the overall operating costs of the indirect evaporative cooling unit.

[0039] In addition, it can be understood that since the heat exchange liquid is always in liquid state, it can flow smoothly in the first heat exchange liquid circulation path or the second heat exchange liquid circulation path, ensuring the normal operation of the cold storage and release processes.

[0040] In this embodiment, the freezing point of the cold storage medium 61 is lower than that of the heat exchange liquid. This allows the cold storage medium 61 to freeze and store cold during heat exchange with the heat exchange liquid, thereby storing cold energy while preventing the heat exchange liquid from freezing. Specifically, in this embodiment, water is used as the heat exchange liquid because it is readily available and inexpensive.

[0041] In this embodiment, condenser 1 is further provided with a condenser air inlet and a condenser air outlet. Outdoor fresh air can enter condenser 1 through the condenser air inlet, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant, thereby cooling the refrigerant entering condenser 1. Furthermore, evaporator 2 is further provided with an evaporator air inlet and an evaporator air outlet. Indoor return air can enter evaporator 2 through the evaporator air inlet, where it exchanges heat with the refrigerant, thereby cooling the indoor return air through the refrigerant in evaporator 2.

[0042] Next, other configurations of the indirect evaporative cooling unit are introduced in detail.

[0043] In this embodiment, a throttling mechanism 4 is provided on the pipeline between the condenser refrigerant outlet and the evaporator refrigerant inlet, and on the pipeline between the condenser refrigerant outlet and the first channel inlet, for throttling and reducing the pressure of the refrigerant. Since the configuration of the throttling mechanism 4 is conventional, it will not be described in detail here.

[0044] Optionally, the heat exchanger 5 is a plate heat exchanger, which has a high heat transfer coefficient, a compact structure, a small volume, and is easy to disassemble, wash and clean. Of course, in other embodiments, other types of heat exchangers 5 can also be selected according to actual needs.

[0045] Optionally, the cold coil 7 and the evaporator 2 are arranged in series along the air flow direction. Thus, when cooling is needed, both the evaporator 2 and the cold coil 7 can be used for combined cooling, thereby enhancing cooling capacity. In this embodiment, the cold coil 7 is arranged downstream of the evaporator 2.

[0046] Alternatively, as Figure 1 As shown, the indirect evaporative cooling unit also includes a switch valve 8. Specifically, the switch valve 8 can be set on the pipeline between the outlet of the first channel and the inlet of the compressor 3 to control the on-off of the second refrigerant circulation flow path, thereby realizing independent control of the second refrigerant circulation flow path. Similarly, a switch valve 8 can be set on the pipeline between the outlet of the flow medium channel 62 and the inlet of the second channel to realize independent control of the first heat exchange liquid circulation flow path, or a switch valve 8 can be set on the pipeline between the outlet of the flow medium channel 62 and the inlet of the cold coil 7 to realize independent control of the second heat exchange liquid circulation flow path. In this embodiment, the switch valve 8 is set on the above pipelines to facilitate use and avoid mutual influence between the circulation flow paths.

[0047] Optionally, a delivery pump 9 is provided at the outlet of the flow medium channel 62. This delivery pump 9 can drive the heat exchange liquid to flow in both the first heat exchange liquid circulation path and the second heat exchange liquid circulation path, thereby improving system operating efficiency, achieving multi-purpose use, and saving costs. Furthermore, the power of the delivery pump 9 is less than that of the compressor 3, so that when the delivery pump 9 is used during peak power periods, the overall power consumption of the system can always be guaranteed to be less than that when the compressor 3 is used.

[0048] Optionally, a heat exchange core 10 is provided upstream of the evaporator 2 along the air flow direction for natural cooling. Specifically, the heat exchange core 10 includes a fresh air duct and a return air duct, which exchange heat with each other. The fresh air duct has an outdoor fresh air inlet located at the lower end of the heat exchange core 10 and an exhaust outlet located at the upper end of the heat exchange core 10. The return air duct has an indoor return air inlet and an air supply outlet located on the side of the heat exchange core 10. In this case, when the indoor return air enters the return air duct, the outdoor fresh air in the fresh air duct cools the indoor return air.

[0049] Furthermore, in this indirect evaporative cooling unit, an outdoor fresh air filter 11 is provided upstream of the outdoor fresh air inlet for filtering the outdoor fresh air entering the heat exchange core 10. An indoor return air filter 12 is provided upstream of the indoor return air inlet for filtering the indoor return air entering the heat exchange core 10. Since the structures of the outdoor fresh air filter 11 and the indoor return air filter 12 are both conventional, they will not be described in detail here.

[0050] In this embodiment, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency and the overall energy efficiency of the indirect evaporative cooling unit, the heat exchange core 10 is also configured. Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchange core 10 is divided into a plurality of sub-heat exchange cores 101 arranged at intervals from top to bottom. A spray mechanism 13 is provided under each sub-heat exchange core 101, and the spray mechanism 13 is used to spray water mist to the sub-heat exchange core 101.

[0051] In this manner, after outdoor fresh air enters the fresh air duct, the mist sprayed by the spray mechanism 13 is blown upwards by the outdoor fresh air, blowing the mist onto the heat exchange core 10. The mist evaporates, exchanging heat and moisture with the indoor return air passing through the heat exchange core 10. Compared to the conventional method of using spray water, the mist evaporates more easily, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, since the heat exchange core 10 is divided into multiple sub-heat exchange cores 101, each of which is provided with a spray mechanism 13, the mist can more fully cover the entire heat exchange core 10, fully utilizing the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchange core 10 and further improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0052] Furthermore, the spraying direction of the spray mechanism 13 is set downward, so that the water mist sprayed by the spray mechanism 13 can form a countercurrent with the outdoor fresh air, thereby further expanding the coverage area of ​​the water mist and improving the heat exchange effect.

[0053] Optionally, each spray mechanism 13 includes multiple nozzles to facilitate rapid spraying of water mist. In this embodiment, for each spray mechanism 13, the multiple nozzles thereon are evenly distributed below the sub-heat exchange core 101 opposite to the spray mechanism 13, so that the water mist more evenly covers the heat exchange core 10.

[0054] Optionally, the indirect evaporative cooling unit further includes a water pump 14. The inlet of the water pump 14 is connected to a water supply mechanism (not shown in the figure), and the outlet of the water pump 14 is connected to the inlet of the spray mechanism 13, so that water can be supplied to the spray mechanism 13 through the water pump 14, which is convenient for use.

[0055] Optionally, the indirect evaporative cooling unit further comprises a water receiving tray 15 , which is arranged at the lower part of the lowest spray mechanism 13 , so that dripping water can be collected by the water receiving tray 15 to ensure the cleanliness of the site.

[0056] Optionally, an internal circulation fan 16 is provided downstream of the cooling coil 7 to deliver the cold air generated during the refrigeration process to the indoor space, thereby providing a supply of cold air. Simultaneously, an external circulation fan 17 is provided downstream of the condenser 1 to exhaust the hot air generated during the refrigeration process to the outside of the room. Since the structures of the internal circulation fan 16 and the external circulation fan 17 are both conventional, they will not be described in detail here.

[0057] This embodiment also provides an air conditioning system, which includes the indirect evaporative cooling unit as described above.

[0058] In summary, this embodiment provides an indirect evaporative cooling unit and air-conditioning system, which can store cold energy during off-peak hours through the off-peak electricity storage mechanism, and release the cold energy during peak hours through the cold coil 7 for users to use, thereby effectively reducing the operating time of the compressor 3 during peak hours, reducing the power consumption of the system, and utilizing the peak-valley price difference of electricity to reduce electricity charges, thereby ultimately reducing the overall operating cost of the indirect evaporative cooling unit.

[0059] Furthermore, by dividing the heat exchange core 10 from top to bottom into a plurality of sub-heat exchange cores 101 arranged at intervals, and providing a spray mechanism 13 under each sub-heat exchange core 101, the water mist can fully cover the entire heat exchange core 10, fully exerting the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchange core 10, improving the heat exchange efficiency, further improving the energy efficiency ratio of the indirect evaporative cooling unit, and also helping to reduce operating costs.

[0060] The above contents are only preferred embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, according to the concept of the present invention, there may be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scopes. The contents of this specification should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. An indirect evaporative cooling unit, characterized in that: include: A condenser (1), wherein the condenser (1) is provided with a condenser refrigerant inlet and a condenser refrigerant outlet; an evaporator (2), wherein the evaporator (2) is provided with an evaporator refrigerant inlet and an evaporator refrigerant outlet, wherein the condenser refrigerant outlet is connected to the evaporator refrigerant inlet; a compressor (3), wherein the inlet of the compressor (3) is connected to the evaporator refrigerant outlet, and the outlet of the compressor (3) is connected to the condenser refrigerant inlet; a valley electricity cold storage mechanism, comprising a heat exchanger (5) and a cold storage tank (6), wherein the heat exchanger (5) has a first channel and a second channel for mutually isolated heat exchange, wherein the inlet of the first channel is connected to the condenser refrigerant outlet, and the outlet of the first channel is connected to the inlet of the compressor (3), and the cold storage tank (6) contains a cold storage medium (61) and a cold storage medium (61) connected to the cold storage medium (61) The cold storage medium (61) isolates the flow medium channel (62) for heat exchange, a heat exchange liquid is provided in the flow medium channel (62), the outlet of the second channel is connected to the inlet of the flow medium channel (62), and the outlet of the flow medium channel (62) is connected to the inlet of the second channel; a cold coil (7), the inlet of the cold coil (7) is connected to the outlet of the flow medium channel (62), and the outlet of the cold coil (7) is connected to the inlet of the flow medium channel (62), the indirect evaporative cooling unit also includes a switch valve (8), the switch valve (8) is provided on the pipeline between the outlet of the first channel and the inlet of the compressor (3); and / or the switch valve (8) is provided on the pipeline between the outlet of the flow medium channel (62) and the inlet of the second channel; And / or the switch valve (8) is arranged on the pipeline between the outlet of the flow medium channel (62) and the inlet of the cold coil (7), and a heat exchange core (10) is arranged upstream of the evaporator (2) along the air flow direction, and the heat exchange core (10) includes a fresh air channel and a return air channel for mutual heat exchange, the fresh air channel has an outdoor fresh air inlet arranged at the lower end of the heat exchange core (10) and an exhaust port arranged at the upper end of the heat exchange core (10), and the return air channel has an indoor return air inlet and an air supply port arranged on the side of the heat exchange core (10); the heat exchange core (10) is divided into a plurality of sub-heat exchange cores (101) arranged at intervals from top to bottom, and a spray mechanism (13) is arranged below each sub-heat exchange core (101), and the spray mechanism (13) is used to spray water mist onto the sub-heat exchange core (101).

2. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: A delivery pump (9) is provided at the outlet of the flow medium channel (62) to drive the heat exchange liquid to flow, and the power of the delivery pump (9) is less than the power of the compressor (3).

3. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The freezing point of the cold storage medium (61) is lower than the freezing point of the heat exchange liquid, so that the cold storage medium (61) freezes and stores cold when exchanging heat with the heat exchange liquid.

4. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heat exchange liquid is water.

5. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spraying direction of the spray mechanism (13) is downward.

6. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Along the flow direction of air, the cold coil (7) and the evaporator (2) are arranged in series.

7. The indirect evaporative cooling unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The heat exchanger (5) is a plate heat exchanger.

8. An air conditioning system, characterized in that: It comprises the indirect evaporative cooling unit as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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