A cold storage temperature and humidity control pipeline system and its temperature and humidity control method

Abstract

This invention discloses a cold storage temperature and humidity control pipeline system and its method, comprising a refrigeration unit, a cooler, a dehumidification and temperature control pipeline, and a control system. The temperature and humidity control pipeline is installed in the pipe connecting the refrigeration unit to the cooler and includes a temperature control pipeline and a dehumidification pipeline, which are connected in parallel. This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing dehumidification equipment by changing the original layout of the cold storage system. It rationally integrates the dehumidification pipeline with the existing temperature control pipeline, enabling the cold storage system to control humidity simultaneously with temperature control. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for additional external hardware or processing methods such as dehumidifiers, air conditioning systems, heating systems, and compressed air systems within the cold storage, freeing up extra space for better utilization. The system is low-cost, simple in structure, maximizes the use of cold storage space, and improves enterprise efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cold storage technology, and more specifically, to a cold storage temperature control and dehumidification pipeline system and its temperature control and dehumidification method. Background Technology

[0002] Cold storage facilities are warehouses that utilize cooling systems to create suitable humidity and low temperature conditions; also known as temperature-controlled warehouses, they are places for processing and storing products. Cold storage can eliminate the influence of climate, extend the storage period of various products, and regulate market supply.

[0003] Cold storage facilities require dehumidification to prevent excessive frost buildup. For cold storage environments with temperatures between 0-15 degrees Celsius, two dehumidification technologies exist: one uses a refrigerated dehumidifier for humidity control, and the other uses a rotary dehumidifier. However, temperatures close to 0 degrees Celsius are already at the critical operating point for refrigerated dehumidifiers, posing a significant stability risk. Furthermore, due to the nature of cold storage operations, shutting down the cooling system before dehumidification can negatively impact the goods inside, while transferring goods and then reheating for dehumidification is excessively time-consuming and labor-intensive. Rotary dehumidifiers are expensive to manufacture and operate, with high ongoing costs and complex, cumbersome associated hardware.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to obtain a device and method for dehumidifying cold storage at the normal operating temperature of the cold storage facility at a low cost. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the primary objective of this invention is to provide a cold storage temperature control and dehumidification pipeline system that has the advantages of dehumidifying the cold storage at its normal operating temperature and at a low cost.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A cold storage temperature and humidity control pipeline system includes:

[0008] The refrigeration unit is located outside the cold storage environment;

[0009] An air cooler is installed in a cold storage environment and is equipped with an air inlet for drawing in air from the cold storage and an air outlet for expelling air from the cold storage. Both the air inlet and the air outlet are equipped with fins. The air inlet, the refrigeration unit, and the air outlet are connected in sequence by pipes.

[0010] A dehumidification and temperature control pipeline is provided between the pipelines of the refrigeration unit and the air cooler and includes a temperature control pipeline and a dehumidification pipeline. A first solenoid valve is provided on the temperature control pipeline and a second solenoid valve is provided on the dehumidification pipeline. The temperature control pipeline and the dehumidification pipeline are connected in parallel.

[0011] The control system includes a processor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor, which are installed inside the cold storage. The input terminal of the processor is connected to the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor, and the output terminal of the processor is connected to a first solenoid valve and a second solenoid valve in the dehumidification and temperature control pipeline.

[0012] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing dehumidification equipment by altering the original layout of cold storage systems. It rationally integrates dehumidification piping with the existing temperature control piping, enabling simultaneous temperature and humidity control. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for additional refrigeration dehumidifiers and their associated pipes and wiring, freeing up extra space for better cold storage utilization. The invention uses a processor to receive data from temperature and humidity sensors. A pre-programmed control system then manages the temperature and dehumidification piping. When humidity is too high, a second solenoid valve opens the dehumidification piping. If dehumidification causes a temperature change that prevents proper storage, a first solenoid valve opens and the dehumidification piping closes to readjust the temperature, achieving temperature and humidity balance within the cold storage. This alternating method effectively saves energy, reduces enterprise costs, and can be widely adopted.

[0013] Furthermore, a throttling valve is installed on the temperature control pipeline, and the throttling valve is connected in series with the first solenoid valve to regulate the temperature of the cold storage.

[0014] Furthermore, a constant pressure device is installed on the dehumidification pipeline, which is connected in series with the second solenoid valve, and the constant pressure device regulates the pressure inside the pipeline.

[0015] This invention uses a processor to achieve linkage between the sensor and the dehumidification and temperature control pipeline. The processor has a judgment and processing program for this system. Based on the real-time temperature and humidity in the cold storage, it realizes the cross-operation of the temperature control pipeline and the dehumidification pipeline, so as to dehumidify the air in the cold storage while ensuring the normal operating temperature of the cold storage.

[0016] Furthermore, the constant pressure device includes one or more of the following: a constant pressure valve, a pressure regulating valve, an electronic expansion valve, and a capillary tube.

[0017] This invention modifies the original system layout of the cold storage facility and uses a constant pressure device to regulate the pressure within the pipelines, ensuring that the evaporation temperature within the pipelines is lower than the dew point temperature inside the cold storage. A cooling fan draws in and expels air from the cold storage, completing the cycle. When the exhaust air passes through the cooling fan's exhaust port, the temperature on the fins is the same as the temperature inside the cold storage, lower than the dew point temperature of the exhaust air. Water droplets condense on the fins, achieving dehumidification. This eliminates the need for additional external hardware or processing methods such as dehumidifiers, air conditioning systems, heating systems, or compressed air in the refrigeration unit and equipment configuration. It is low-cost, simple in structure, maximizes the use of cold storage space, and improves enterprise efficiency.

[0018] This invention is also applicable to processing methods that use similar constant pressure control means such as evaporation pressure regulating valves, electronic expansion valves, and capillary tubes. By switching between two process pipeline solenoid valves, humidity control can be achieved while controlling the storage temperature. The humidity control is based on the appropriate evaporation temperature selected according to the operating conditions inside the storage.

[0019] Furthermore, the exhaust vent is also equipped with a heating component, the input end of which is connected to the temperature sensor, and the output end of which is connected to the processor.

[0020] Due to factors such as the size of the cold storage and the efficiency of the refrigeration unit, the temperature of the cold storage may rise or fall during actual operation as dehumidification proceeds. For example, when the cold storage space is small and the freezing temperature is relatively high, the temperature inside the storage will decrease as dehumidification proceeds.

[0021] The present invention also provides a temperature control and dehumidification method applied to the aforementioned cold storage temperature control and dehumidification pipeline system, comprising the following steps:

[0022] Step 1: Set the upper and lower temperature limits for the temperature sensor and the preset humidity for the humidity sensor in the cold storage.

[0023] Step 2: Start the piping system. At this time, the humidity in the cold storage is normal, but the temperature has not reached the freezing requirements. The upper limit temperature of the temperature sensor is triggered, and the temperature sensor transmits the signal to the processor. The processor controls the first solenoid valve to open, and the refrigeration unit lowers the cold storage temperature through the temperature control piping and the air cooler.

[0024] Step 3: The temperature control pipeline operates, the cold storage temperature drops and the humidity rises, triggering the humidity sensor. The humidity sensor transmits the signal to the processor, which controls the second solenoid valve to open and the first solenoid valve to close. The constant pressure device adjusts the pressure in the pipeline so that the evaporation temperature in the pipeline is lower than the dew point temperature in the cold storage. The air cooler draws in the air in the cold storage and then exhausts it to complete the cycle. When the exhaust air passes through the exhaust port of the air cooler, the temperature on the fins is lower than the dew point temperature of the exhaust air, and water droplets are condensed on the fins, thus achieving dehumidification.

[0025] Step 4: During the continuous dehumidification process, the temperature of the cold storage will change. When the temperature rises to the upper limit of the temperature sensor, the processor controls the first solenoid valve to open and the second solenoid valve to close, thereby regulating the temperature of the cold storage. When the humidity of the cold storage is too high, the processor repeats the process of step 3 to achieve a dynamic balance between temperature and humidity control in the cold storage. When the temperature drops to the lower limit, the processor controls the heating components to heat the exhaust airflow, thereby regulating the temperature of the cold storage.

[0026] By adopting the above technical solution, humidity control can be achieved simultaneously with temperature control; by rationally controlling the logical relationship between the processor and the sensor, temperature control and dehumidification can be alternated, keeping both temperature and humidity within a limited range and ensuring the proper operation of the cold storage.

[0027] In summary, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] 1. Since cold storage requires refrigeration units for cooling, this invention is a technical improvement based on the original system layout of cold storage. Through this technical means, there is no need to add external treatment means or hardware such as dehumidifiers, air conditioning systems, heating systems, compressed air, etc. to the existing refrigeration units and equipment configuration, which is low in cost and simple in structure.

[0029] 2. Compared with traditional refrigeration dehumidifiers, this invention, through the optimization and improvement of the technical system, can control humidity while controlling temperature. There is no need to install refrigeration dehumidifiers and their related pipes and wires in the cold storage, which can free up extra space and make better use of the cold storage.

[0030] 3. Compared with rotary dehumidifiers, this invention can save the expensive initial investment and operating costs of rotary dehumidifiers, thereby improving economic efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a temperature-controlled dehumidification pipeline system as described in the embodiment.

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Refrigeration unit; 2. Second solenoid valve; 3. First solenoid valve; 4. Constant pressure device; 5. Throttling valve; 6. Air cooler. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0034] This specific embodiment is merely an explanation of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can make modifications to this embodiment without contributing any inventive step, but such modifications are protected by patent law as long as they are within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0035] This embodiment provides a cold storage temperature and humidity control pipeline system, such as Figure 1 As shown, the air cooler 6 in the piping system is installed inside the cold storage environment, while the temperature control and dehumidification piping and the refrigeration unit 1 are installed outside the cold storage environment, which can avoid the impact of excessively low ambient temperature on the operation of the piping system. The temperature control and dehumidification piping is installed on the piping between the air inlet and the refrigeration unit 1 (in actual situations, the temperature control and dehumidification piping can be installed between the air inlet and the refrigeration unit 1 or between the exhaust port and the refrigeration unit 1 as needed). The temperature control and dehumidification piping includes a temperature control piping and a dehumidification piping connected in parallel. The temperature control piping includes a first solenoid valve 3 and a throttle valve connected in series.

[0036] The exhaust vent of the evaporative air cooler 6 is also equipped with a heating element, which is controlled by a processor and activates when dehumidification causes a drop in the cold storage temperature to regulate the cold storage temperature. Due to factors such as the size of the cold storage and the efficiency of the refrigeration unit, the actual temperature of the cold storage may rise or fall during dehumidification. For example, when the cold storage space is small and the freezing temperature is relatively high, the temperature inside the storage will drop as dehumidification proceeds. For instance, if the standard temperature inside the cold storage is 10-12℃ and the dew point temperature is 2℃, then the temperature of the gas discharged from the exhaust vent during dehumidification will be 2℃. Due to the small space of the cold storage, the temperature inside the cold storage will drop below 10℃, affecting the storage inside. In this case, the heating element is needed to heat the discharged airflow. When the cold storage space is large and the discharged gas is insufficient to cause a temperature drop, the temperature is regulated through the cross-operation of the temperature control pipeline and the dehumidification pipeline.

[0037] In this invention, the pipeline system is intelligently controlled by a control system (not shown in the figure). The control system includes a processor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor. The temperature sensor and humidity sensor are installed in the cold storage environment to collect environmental data. The output terminals of the temperature sensor and humidity sensor are connected to the processor to transmit the collected signals to the processor. Then, the processor transmits the processed output signal to the first solenoid valve 3 and the second solenoid valve 2 in the dehumidification and temperature control pipeline through a preset processing program, thereby controlling the pipeline system to perform temperature control or dehumidification.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] A method for temperature and humidity control and dehumidification operation using the aforementioned cold storage temperature and humidity control pipeline system is as follows:

[0040] Step 1: Based on the needs of the products stored in the cold storage, set the upper and lower limits of the temperature sensor and the preset humidity of the humidity sensor in the cold storage. In this embodiment, the cold storage is a large cold storage. The temperature sensor is set in the recirculation area of ​​the air cooler, with the temperature probe facing upwards. The upper limit temperature is 3°C and the lower limit temperature is 0°C. The normal temperature is when the temperature is between the upper and lower limits. The preset humidity of the humidity sensor is 55%. The humidity sensor will be triggered when the preset humidity is exceeded.

[0041] Step 2: Start the piping system. At this time, the humidity in the cold storage is normal and meets the humidity setting of the humidity sensor. The temperature is room temperature and reaches the preset cooling temperature requirement. The upper limit temperature of the temperature sensor is triggered, and the temperature sensor transmits the signal to the processor. The processor controls the first solenoid valve 3 to open. The refrigeration unit 1 reduces the cold storage temperature through the throttling valve 5 on the temperature control pipeline in conjunction with the air cooler 6.

[0042] Step 3: The temperature control pipeline continues to operate. The cold storage temperature drops and the humidity rises, triggering the preset humidity parameter. The humidity sensor transmits the signal to the processor, which controls the second solenoid valve 2 to open and the first solenoid valve 3 to close. The constant pressure device 4 adjusts the pressure in the pipeline so that the evaporation temperature in the pipeline is lower than the dew point temperature in the cold storage. The air cooler 6 draws in and then exhausts the air in the cold storage to complete the cycle. When the exhaust air passes through the exhaust port of the air cooler 6, the temperature on the fins is lower than the dew point temperature of the air in the cold storage. Water droplets are condensed on the fins, thus achieving dehumidification.

[0043] Step 4: During the continuous dehumidification process, the temperature of the cold storage will change. When the temperature rises to the upper limit of the temperature sensor, the processor controls the first solenoid valve to open and the second solenoid valve to close, thereby regulating the temperature of the cold storage. When the humidity of the cold storage is too high, the processor repeats the process of step 3 to achieve a dynamic balance between temperature and humidity control in the cold storage.

[0044] Example 2

[0045] In this embodiment, the cold storage is a small cold storage. The temperature sensor is set in the recirculation area of ​​the air cooler, with the temperature probe facing upwards. The upper limit temperature is 12°C and the lower limit temperature is 10°C. The normal temperature is when the temperature is between the upper limit temperature and the lower limit temperature. The humidity sensor has a preset humidity of 50%. The humidity sensor will be triggered when the preset humidity is exceeded.

[0046] When the piping system is started, the humidity inside the cold storage is normal and meets the humidity setting of the humidity sensor. The temperature is room temperature, which meets the preset cooling temperature requirement. The upper limit temperature of the temperature sensor is triggered, and the temperature sensor transmits a signal to the processor. The processor controls the first solenoid valve 3 to open, and the refrigeration unit 1 lowers the cold storage temperature through the throttling valve 5 on the temperature control pipeline in conjunction with the air cooler 6.

[0047] The temperature control pipeline continues to operate, the cold storage temperature drops, the humidity rises and triggers the preset humidity parameter. The humidity sensor transmits the signal to the processor, which controls the second solenoid valve 2 to open and the first solenoid valve 3 to close. The constant pressure device 4 adjusts the pressure in the pipeline so that the evaporation temperature in the pipeline is lower than the dew point temperature in the cold storage. The air cooler 6 draws in the air in the cold storage and then exhausts it to complete the cycle. When the exhaust air passes through the exhaust port of the air cooler 6, the temperature on the fins is lower than the dew point temperature of the air in the cold storage. Water droplets are condensed on the fins of the air, thus achieving dehumidification.

[0048] In this embodiment, the dew point temperature inside the cold storage is 2°C, and the temperature of the gas discharged from the exhaust port after dehumidification is also 2°C. Due to the small size of the cold storage, the temperature of the cold storage continues to drop after dehumidification, eventually triggering the lower limit temperature of the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor transmits the signal to the processor, which controls the heating component to heat the discharged airflow and regulate the temperature inside the cold storage.

[0049] In summary, this invention addresses the shortcomings of existing dehumidification equipment by altering the original layout of the cold storage system. It rationally integrates the dehumidification piping with the existing temperature control piping, and proposes a temperature and humidity control method for the cold storage system. This allows the cold storage system to control both temperature and humidity simultaneously, ensuring both temperature and humidity are maintained. No additional external hardware or processing methods such as dehumidifiers, air conditioning systems, heating systems, or compressed air systems are needed within the refrigeration unit and equipment configuration, freeing up extra space for better utilization of the cold storage. The invention is cost-effective, has a simple structure, maximizes the use of cold storage space, and improves enterprise efficiency.

[0050] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principles of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cold storage temperature control and dehumidification pipeline system, characterized in that, include: Refrigeration unit (1), wherein the refrigeration unit (1) is located outside the cold storage environment; The air cooler (6) is installed in the cold storage environment and is provided with an air inlet for drawing in air from the cold storage and an air outlet for expelling air from the cold storage. Both the air inlet and the air outlet are provided with fins. The air inlet, the refrigeration unit (1) and the air outlet are connected in sequence by pipelines. The temperature and humidity control pipeline is arranged between the pipelines of the refrigeration unit (1) and the air cooler (6). The temperature and humidity control pipeline includes a temperature control pipeline and a dehumidification pipeline. A first solenoid valve (3) is provided on the temperature control pipeline, and a second solenoid valve (2) is provided on the dehumidification pipeline. The temperature control pipeline and the dehumidification pipeline are physically independent and connected in parallel. The control system includes a processor, a temperature sensor, and a humidity sensor, which are installed inside the cold storage. The input terminal of the processor is connected to the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor, and the output terminal of the processor is connected to the first solenoid valve (3) and the second solenoid valve (2) in the dehumidification and temperature control pipeline. A throttle valve (5) is installed on the temperature control pipeline. The throttle valve (5) is connected in series with the first solenoid valve (3). The throttle valve (5) regulates the temperature of the cold storage. A constant pressure device (4) is installed on the dehumidification pipeline. The constant pressure device (4) is connected in series with the second solenoid valve (2). The constant pressure device (4) regulates the pressure in the pipeline. The processor independently controls the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve (3) and the second solenoid valve (2) according to preset temperature and humidity thresholds, thereby achieving hard switching between the temperature control pipeline and the dehumidification pipeline. When the temperature exceeds the upper limit, only the first solenoid valve (3) is opened, and the temperature is reduced by combining the temperature control pipeline with the air cooler (6); When the humidity exceeds the preset value, only the second solenoid valve (2) is opened, and the temperature of the fins of the air cooler is lower than the dew point temperature of the air through the dehumidification pipeline to achieve water separation and dehumidification; the constant pressure device (4) is a constant pressure valve; the exhaust port is also equipped with a heating component.

2. The cold storage temperature control and dehumidification pipeline system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating component is connected to the processor.

3. A method for temperature and humidity control applied to a cold storage temperature and humidity control pipeline system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Set the upper and lower temperature limits for the temperature sensor and the preset humidity for the humidity sensor in the cold storage. Step 2: Start the pipeline system. The humidity in the cold storage is normal, but the temperature has not reached the freezing requirements. The upper limit temperature of the temperature sensor is triggered. The temperature sensor transmits the signal to the processor. The processor controls the first solenoid valve (3) to open. The refrigeration unit (1) reduces the temperature of the cold storage through the temperature control pipeline combined with the air cooler (6). Step 3: The temperature control pipeline is running. The temperature of the cold storage decreases and the humidity increases, triggering the humidity sensor. The humidity sensor transmits the signal to the processor. The processor controls the second solenoid valve (2) to open and the first solenoid valve (3) to close. The constant pressure device (4) adjusts the pressure in the pipeline so that the evaporation temperature in the pipeline is lower than the dew point temperature in the cold storage. The air cooler (6) draws in the air in the cold storage and then exhausts it to complete the cycle. When the exhaust air passes through the exhaust port of the air cooler (6), the temperature on the fins is lower than the dew point temperature of the exhaust air. Water droplets are precipitated on the fins of the air, thus achieving dehumidification. Step 4: The temperature of the cold storage changes. When the temperature rises to the upper limit of the temperature sensor, the processor controls the first solenoid valve (3) to open and the second solenoid valve (2) to close. The temperature control pipeline regulates the temperature of the cold storage. When the humidity of the cold storage is too high, the processor repeats the content of step 3 to complete the dynamic balance between temperature control and humidity control of the cold storage. When the temperature drops to the lower limit, the processor controls the heating component to heat the exhaust airflow and regulate the temperature of the cold storage.

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