Heat exchangers and heat pump systems

Abstract

The present application provides a heat exchanger and a heat pump system. The heat exchanger has an evaporator working mode and a condenser working mode, wherein the heat exchanger includes a shell, a heat exchange tube bundle, a first inlet pipe, a second inlet pipe, a first outlet pipe, a second outlet pipe and a fluid guiding structure. The shell has a cavity. The heat exchange tube bundle is accommodated in the cavity. The first inlet pipe, the second inlet pipe, the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are connected to the shell and are in fluid communication with the cavity. The fluid guiding structure is arranged in the cavity and is configured to respectively define different flow paths of the heat exchanger in the condenser working mode and in the evaporator working mode. The heat exchanger of the present application can ensure a high heat exchange efficiency, and can also ensure that the fluid flowing out of the first outlet pipe is free of liquid, and is conducive to the discharge of the lubricant. The heat pump system of the present application does not need to be provided with a refrigerant liquid reservoir, which greatly simplifies the components and connection relationships of the heat pump system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of heat exchangers, and in particular to a heat exchanger in a heat pump system. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a falling film evaporator is an evaporator with high heat exchange efficiency. However, a conventional falling film evaporator cannot be used as a condenser. In a reversible heat pump system, a heat exchanger is required to be used as both an evaporator and a condenser.

[0003] Therefore, a heat exchanger is needed, which can be used as a falling film evaporator and also as a condenser. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to achieve the above object, the present application provides a heat exchanger having an evaporator working mode and a condenser working mode, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a shell, a heat exchange tube bundle, a first inlet pipe, a second inlet pipe, a first outlet pipe, a second outlet pipe and a fluid guiding structure. The shell has a cavity. The heat exchange tube bundle is accommodated in the cavity. The first inlet pipe, the second inlet pipe, the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe are connected to the shell and are in fluid communication with the cavity, wherein the first inlet pipe, the second inlet pipe and the first outlet pipe are located above the heat exchange tube bundle, and the second outlet pipe is located below the heat exchange tube bundle. The fluid guiding structure is arranged in the cavity and is configured to define different flow paths of the heat exchanger in the condenser working mode and in the evaporator working mode, respectively. When the heat exchanger is in the evaporator working mode, the fluid guiding structure guides the fluid flowing in from the first inlet pipe to perform heat exchange with the fluid in the heat exchange tube bundle to evaporate it into gas, and guides the gas formed by evaporation to be discharged from the heat exchanger through the first outlet pipe. When the heat exchanger is in the condenser operation mode, the fluid guiding structure guides the fluid flowing in from the second inlet pipe to exchange heat with the fluid in the heat exchange tube bundle to condense the fluid into liquid, and then the condensed liquid is discharged from the heat exchanger through the second outlet pipe.

[0005] According to the above heat exchanger, the fluid guiding structure includes a main baffle assembly, which is arranged in the cavity and divides the cavity into a first cavity located at the upper part and a second cavity located at the lower part, wherein the heat exchange tube bundle is arranged in the second cavity, the first outlet pipe is connected to the first cavity, and the second outlet pipe is connected to the second cavity. The main baffle assembly is provided with a first communication port and a second communication port, and the first inlet pipe and the second inlet pipe are connected to the second cavity through the first communication port and the second communication port respectively. When the heat exchanger is in the evaporator working mode, the fluid guiding structure guides the fluid flowing in from the first inlet pipe to enter the second cavity through the first communication port, and when the heat exchanger is in the condenser working mode, the fluid guiding structure guides the fluid flowing in from the second inlet pipe to enter the second cavity through the second communication port. The main baffle assembly is provided with a plurality of channels, and the first cavity and the second cavity can be fluidically connected through the plurality of channels.

[0006] According to the above heat exchanger, the fluid guiding structure further includes a distributor, which is arranged between the first inlet pipe and the heat exchange tube bundle. The distributor includes a distributor shell, a distributor cavity defined by the distributor shell, and a distributor inlet and a plurality of distributor outlets provided on the distributor shell, wherein the distributor inlet and the plurality of distributor outlets are both connected to the distributor cavity. The distributor is configured to allow the fluid flowing in from the first inlet pipe to enter the distributor cavity via the distributor inlet, and be distributed to the heat exchange tube bundle from the plurality of distributor outlets.

[0007] According to the above-mentioned heat exchanger, the distributor is arranged below the main baffle assembly, and the first inlet pipe is connected to the distributor inlet through the first connecting port on the main baffle assembly, so that the fluid flowing into the first inlet pipe can flow through the first connecting port, the distributor inlet, the distributor cavity and the distributor outlet in sequence and then enter the second cavity.

[0008] According to the above-mentioned heat exchanger, the fluid guiding structure also includes a buffer, which is arranged in the second cavity and disposed between the main baffle assembly and the heat exchange tube bundle, and the buffer is disposed below the second connecting port and has a first distance from the second connecting port, and the first distance enables the fluid from the second connecting port to enter the second cavity.

[0009] According to the above heat exchanger, the plurality of distributor outlets of the distributor are located below the buffer.

[0010] According to the above heat exchanger, the buffer is a buffer plate, and the buffer plate has a buffer length extending along the length direction of the shell and a buffer width extending along the width of the shell. The buffer plate is connected to the main baffle assembly at both ends of the shell in the width direction, so that the fluid entering the second cavity from the second communication port flows along the length direction of the shell and then flows to the heat exchange tube bundle.

[0011] According to the above heat exchanger, the buffer length and the buffer width of the buffer plate are configured to cover the second communication port.

[0012] According to the above heat exchanger, the heat exchange tube bundle includes a first group of heat exchange tubes and a second group of heat exchange tubes, and the first group of heat exchange tubes is located above the second group of heat exchange tubes. The first group of heat exchange tubes includes a first number of heat exchange tubes, and the second group of heat exchange tubes includes a second number of heat exchange tubes. The ratio of the first number to the second number is greater than 2:1.

[0013] According to the above heat exchanger, the bottom of the first group of heat exchange tubes and the top of the second group of heat exchange tubes have a second distance. The cross section of the shell is circular and has an inner diameter. The ratio of the second distance to the inner diameter is less than 1:2.

[0014] The present application also provides a heat pump system, which includes the above-mentioned heat exchanger. The heat pump system has a cooling working mode and a heating working mode. When the heat pump system is in the cooling working mode, the heat exchanger works as an evaporator; when the heat pump system is in the heating working mode, the heat exchanger works as a condenser.

[0015] The heat exchanger of the present application has two working modes: an evaporator working mode and a condenser working mode. When it is in the evaporator working mode, it has at least the following advantages: First, the heat exchanger of the present application can realize falling film evaporation heat exchange, which can ensure a high heat exchange efficiency. Second, the heat exchanger of the present application can ensure that the fluid flowing out of the first outlet pipe is free of liquid. Third, the heat exchanger of the present application is conducive to the discharge of lubricant. The heat exchanger of the present application can store the fluid condensed into liquid in the condenser working mode, thereby avoiding the setting of an external storage device.

[0016] The heat pump system of the present application does not require a refrigerant liquid storage device, which greatly simplifies the components and connection relationships of the heat pump system.

[0017] By considering the following specific embodiments, drawings and claims, other features, advantages and embodiments of the present application can be set forth or become apparent. In addition, it should be understood that the above-mentioned summary of the invention and the following specific embodiments are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanations without limiting the scope of the present application for protection. However, the specific embodiments and specific examples only indicate preferred embodiments of the present application. For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present application will become apparent through the specific embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The features and advantages of the present application may be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout, wherein:

[0019] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of the heat exchanger of the present application;

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An axial cross-section of the heat exchanger shown;

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The heat exchanger shown is along Figure 2 Sectional view along line AA;

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The heat exchanger shown is along Figure 2 Sectional view of the middle BB line;

[0023] Figure 5A yes Figure 1 The axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger shown shows the movement trajectory of the fluid on the axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger is in the evaporator working mode;

[0024] Figure 5B yes Figure 1 The heat exchanger shown is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view along the AA line shows the movement trajectory of the fluid on the axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger is in the evaporator working mode;

[0025] Fig. 6A yes Figure 1 The axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger shown shows the movement trajectory of the fluid on the axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger is in the condenser working mode;

[0026] Figure 6B yes Figure 1 The heat exchanger shown is along Figure 2The cross-sectional view along the middle BB line shows the movement trajectory of the fluid on the axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger is in the condenser working mode;

[0027] Figure 7 A system diagram of a heat pump system using the heat exchanger of the present application;

[0028] Fig. 8A yes Figure 7 The system diagram of the heat pump system shown is in cooling mode;

[0029] Figure 8B yes Figure 7 System diagram of the heat pump system in heating mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Various specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings that form a part of this specification. It should be understood that although terms indicating directions, such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc., are used in the present invention to describe various example structural parts and elements of the present invention in a directional or orientational manner, these terms are used here only for the purpose of convenience of description and are determined based on the example orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in the present invention can be set in different directions, these directional terms are only used as illustrations and should not be regarded as limitations. In the following drawings, the same parts use the same figure numbers, and similar parts use similar figure numbers.

[0031] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional diagram of the heat exchanger 100 of the present application, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger 100 is shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The heat exchanger 100 is shown along Figure 2 The cross-section diagram along the AA line. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The heat exchanger 100 is shown along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view along line BB is used to illustrate the specific structure of the heat exchanger 100 .

[0032] like Figure 1-4As shown, the heat exchanger 100 includes a shell 102. The shell 102 includes a cylinder 131, a left partition plate 132, a right partition plate 133, a left end plate 135 and a right end plate 136. Among them, the cylinder 131 has an inner diameter D. The cylinder 131 extends along the length direction of the heat exchanger 100. The left and right ends of the cylinder 131 are respectively closed by the left partition plate 132 and the right partition plate 133 to form a cavity 202. The left end plate 135 is arc-shaped, and the left end plate 135 is connected to the left partition plate 132 to form a connecting cavity 203. The right end plate 136 is also arc-shaped, and the right end plate 136 is connected to the right partition plate 133. The right partition plate 133 also includes a transverse partition plate 211 extending transversely from the right partition plate 133 to the right end plate 136, thereby forming an outlet cavity 212 and an inlet cavity 213.

[0033] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the heat exchanger 100 further includes a first inlet pipe 112, a second inlet pipe 114, a first outlet pipe 124, a second outlet pipe 122 and a discharge pipe 125. The first inlet pipe 112, the second inlet pipe 114, the first outlet pipe 124, the second outlet pipe 122 and the discharge pipe 125 are connected to the shell 102 and are in fluid communication with the chamber 202. The first inlet pipe 112, the second inlet pipe 114 and the first outlet pipe 124 are substantially located at the upper portion of the cylinder 131. Among them, the first outlet pipe 124, the first inlet pipe 112 and the second inlet pipe 114 are arranged along the length direction of the shell 102. The first outlet pipe 124 is located at the left portion of the shell 102, the first inlet pipe 112 is located at the middle portion of the shell 102, and the second inlet pipe 114 is located at the right portion of the shell 102. The second outlet pipe 122 and the discharge pipe 125 are substantially located at the lower portion of the cylinder 131. The second outlet pipe 122 is located at the bottom of the housing 102, and in the length direction of the housing 102, the second outlet pipe 122 is located in the middle of the housing 102. The discharge pipe 125 is located at the lower part of the housing 102, and in the length direction of the housing 102, the discharge pipe 125 is located at the left part of the housing 102, and in the radial direction of the housing 102, it is inclined downward to the vertical direction.

[0034] The heat exchanger 100 of the present application has an evaporator working mode and a condenser working mode. When the heat exchanger 100 is in the evaporator working mode or the condenser working mode, the fluid will have different flow paths after entering the heat exchanger 100 from different inlets. Figure 1-2As shown, the heat exchanger 100 further includes a fluid guiding structure. The fluid guiding structure is disposed in the chamber 202 to define different flow paths when the heat exchanger 100 is in the evaporator working mode and the condenser working mode. Specifically, the fluid guiding structure includes a main baffle assembly 231. The main baffle assembly 231 extends along the length direction of the shell 102 and is horizontally disposed in the chamber 202 to separate the chamber 202 into a first chamber 204 located at the upper part and a second chamber 206 located at the lower part. Figure 3-4 As shown, on the radial cross section of the housing 102, the main baffle assembly 231 is roughly stepped with lower ends and higher middle. The lower parts of the two ends of the main baffle assembly 231 are provided with several channels 241, so that the first volume chamber 204 at the upper part and the second volume chamber 206 at the lower part can be connected through the several channels 241. Specifically, the channel 241 is in a broken line shape. The channel 241 has four adjacent broken line segments, and two adjacent broken line segments are roughly 90 degrees, so that the fluid can change the direction of movement multiple times when moving in the channel 241. The first communication port 281 and the second communication port 282 are provided on the higher middle part of the main baffle assembly 231. In the length direction of the housing 102, the first communication port 281 is roughly located in the middle position, and the second communication port 282 is arranged roughly close to the right end. The first inlet pipe 112 is connected to the first communication port 281, and the outlet of the second inlet pipe 114 is connected to the second communication port 282.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the fluid guiding structure of the heat exchanger 100 also includes a first inlet pipe expander 291. The first inlet pipe expander 291 is arranged in the first volume chamber 204. It is covered on the first connecting port 281 and connected to the first inlet pipe 112 and the main baffle assembly 231. Specifically, the first inlet pipe expander 291 is a pipe with a thicker diameter than the first inlet pipe 112. Its upper part is connected to the first inlet pipe 112, and the opening 292 of its upper part is connected to the outlet of the first inlet pipe 112. Its lower part is covered on the main baffle assembly 231, and the opening 293 of its lower part is connected to the first connecting port 281. As a result, the fluid flowing in from the first inlet pipe 112 can flow into the second volume chamber 206 through the first inlet pipe expander 291 and the first connecting port 281. After the fluid flows out of the first inlet pipe 112, the flow velocity can be reduced in the first inlet pipe expander 291.

[0036] like Figure 2-3As shown, the fluid guiding structure of the heat exchanger 100 also includes a distributor 221. The distributor 221 is arranged below the main baffle assembly 231. The distributor 221 includes a distributor housing 225, which defines a distributor cavity 226. The distributor housing 225 is substantially extended along the length direction of the housing 102. A distributor inlet 222 is provided at the upper portion of the distributor housing 225. Specifically, the distributor inlet 222 is substantially arranged in the middle along the length direction of the housing 102, and is arranged below the first communication port 281 on the main baffle assembly 231, so that the fluid can flow into the distributor cavity 226 through the first communication port 281 and the distributor inlet 222. A plurality of distributor outlets 223 are provided at the lower portion of the distributor housing 225. Specifically, the plurality of distributor outlets 223 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the housing 102, so that the fluid flowing in the distributor cavity 226 can flow along the length direction of the housing 102 and flow into the second cavity 206 through the distributor outlet 223. In the example of the present application, the distributor outlet 223 is in the shape of a narrow strip, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the distributor outlet 223 may be in any shape.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the fluid guiding structure of the heat exchanger 100 also includes a second inlet pipe expander 297. The second inlet pipe expander 297 is arranged in the first volume chamber 204. It is covered on the second connecting port 282 and connected to the second inlet pipe 114 and the main baffle assembly 231. Specifically, the second inlet pipe expander 297 is roughly trumpet-shaped. Its upper part is smaller and its lower part is larger. Its upper part is connected to the second inlet pipe 114, and its upper opening 285 is connected to the outlet of the second inlet pipe 114. Its lower part is covered on the main baffle assembly 231, and its lower opening 286 is connected to the second connecting port 282. . Among them, the upper opening 285 of the second inlet pipe expander 297 has the same size as the outlet of the second inlet pipe 114, and their diameters are both the first diameter d1. The diameter of the lower opening 286 of the second inlet pipe expander 297 is the second diameter d2. The second diameter d2 is greater than the first diameter d1 so that the fluid flowing in from the second inlet pipe 114 can reduce its flow velocity in the second inlet pipe expander 297 .

[0038] like Figure 2 and Figure 4As shown, the fluid guiding structure of the heat exchanger 100 also includes a buffer 250. The buffer 250 is arranged below the main baffle assembly 231 and below the second communication port 282. In an embodiment of the present application, the buffer 250 is a buffer plate. The buffer plate has a buffer length extending along the length direction of the shell 102, and has a buffer width extending along the width direction of the shell 102. The shape of the buffer plate is similar to that of the main baffle assembly 231. Specifically, on the radial cross section of the shell 102, the buffer plate is roughly a stepped shape with lower ends and higher in the middle. In addition, on the radial cross section of the shell 102, both sides of the buffer plate in the width direction are tilted upward and connected to the main baffle assembly 231. The buffer length and buffer width of the buffer plate are configured to cover the second communication port 282, so that the fluid flowing in from the second communication port 282 can flow along the direction of the buffer length of the buffer plate to enter the second volume chamber 206. In one example, the width of the buffer plate is d3. Wherein, d3:d2 is greater than or equal to 1:1 and less than or equal to 5:1, so that the buffer plate can cover the second communication port 282. In another example, there is a first distance h1 between the buffer plate and the second communication port 282. In yet another example, in the width direction of the housing 102, the width of the distributor 221 is d4. Wherein, d2:d4 is greater than or equal to 2:1 and less than or equal to 5:1, so that the distributor 221 does not excessively block the flow of the fluid flowing through the opening 286 of the lower portion of the second inlet pipe expander 297.

[0039] It should be noted that the buffer plate is also provided with a channel 401 arranged along its buffer length to accommodate a portion of the distributor 221. The distributor outlet 223 of the distributor 221 is arranged at the lower part of the buffer plate, so that the fluid flowing in from the first inlet pipe 112 can flow into the second volume chamber 206 through the distributor outlet 223 without being affected by the buffer plate.

[0040] like Figure 3-4 As shown, the fluid guiding structure of the heat exchanger 100 further includes a first additional plate 333 and a second additional plate 334. The first additional plate 333 and the second additional plate 334 are respectively connected to the main baffle assembly 231. Specifically, the first additional plate 333 and the second additional plate 334 are extended along the length direction of the shell 102, and are substantially vertically arranged in the second cavity 206. The first additional plate 333 and the second additional plate 334 are respectively connected to the lower part of the stepped main baffle assembly, and are substantially extended downward.

[0041] like Figure 2-4As shown, the heat exchanger 100 further includes a heat exchange tube bundle 210. The heat exchange tube bundle 210 is disposed in the second volume 206 and is located below the first inlet tube 112, the second inlet tube 114 and the first outlet tube 124, and above the second outlet tube 122. Specifically, the heat exchange tube bundle 210 includes a first group of heat exchange tubes 261 and a second group of heat exchange tubes 262. The first group of heat exchange tubes 261 includes a first number of heat exchange tubes, the second group of heat exchange tubes 262 includes a second number of heat exchange tubes, and the ratio of the first number to the second number is greater than 2:1. The first group of heat exchange tubes 261 is roughly arranged in the middle of the second volume 206 and extends along the length direction of the shell 102. The left end of the heat exchange tube in the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 is connected to the connecting cavity 203 on the left side of the heat exchanger 100, and the right end of the heat exchange tube in the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 is connected to the outlet volume 212 on the right side of the heat exchanger 100. The second group of heat exchange tubes 262 is roughly arranged at the lower part of the second volume 206 and extends along the length direction of the shell 102. The left end of the heat exchange tube in the second group of heat exchange tubes 262 is connected to the connecting cavity 203 on the left side of the heat exchanger 100, and the right end of the second group of heat exchange tubes 262 is connected to the inlet volume 213 on the right side of the heat exchanger 100. In this way, the heat exchange fluid can enter the heat exchanger 100 from the inlet volume 213 on the right side of the heat exchanger 100, and flow through the second group of heat exchange tubes 262, the connecting cavity 203 and the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 in sequence, and then flow out of the heat exchanger 100 from the outlet volume 212. When the heat exchange fluid flows in the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 and the second group of heat exchange tubes 262, it can exchange heat with the fluid in the second volume 206. In addition, the inner diameter of the cylinder 131 is D. The bottom of the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 and the top of the second group of heat exchange tubes 262 have a second distance h2. That is, the distance between the bottom of the bottom layer of the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 and the top of the top layer of the second group of heat exchange tubes 262 is the second distance h2, wherein the ratio of the second distance h2 to the inner diameter D is less than 1:2.

[0042] Thus, the fluid guiding structure is configured to define different flow paths of the heat exchanger 100 in the condenser working mode and in the evaporator working mode, respectively. When the heat exchanger 100 is in the evaporator working mode, the fluid guiding structure guides the fluid flowing in from the first inlet pipe 112 to perform heat exchange with the fluid in the heat exchange tube bundle 210 to evaporate it into gas, and guides the evaporated gas to be discharged from the heat exchanger 100 through the first outlet pipe 124. When the heat exchanger 100 is in the condenser working mode, the fluid guiding structure guides the fluid flowing in from the second inlet pipe 114 to perform heat exchange with the fluid in the heat exchange tube bundle 210 to condense it into liquid, and then the condensed liquid is discharged from the heat exchanger 100 through the second outlet pipe 122. This will be described later in conjunction with Figure 5A-5B and Figure 6A-6B The different operating modes shown are described in detail.

[0043] Figure 1-4 The heat exchanger 100 shown has an evaporator working mode and a condenser working mode. When the heat exchanger 100 is in the evaporator working mode, the heat exchanger 100 is used as an evaporator. When the heat exchanger 100 is in the condenser working mode, the heat exchanger 100 is used as a condenser. Figure 5A-5B and Figure 6A-6B The flow paths of the fluid in the heat exchanger 100 when the heat exchanger 100 is in the evaporator working mode and the condenser working mode are described respectively.

[0044] Figure 5A yes Figure 1 The axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger shown shows the movement trajectory of the fluid on the axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger 100 is in the evaporator working mode. Figure 5B yes Figure 1 The heat exchanger shown is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view along line AA in the figure shows the movement trajectory of the fluid on the axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger 100 is in the evaporator working mode. Figure 5A-5BAs shown, when the heat exchanger 100 is in the evaporator working mode, the fluid (for example, a gas-liquid mixture) flows into the heat exchanger 100 from the first inlet pipe 112. Then the fluid flows into the distributor cavity 226 of the distributor 221 through the first inlet pipe expander 291, the first connecting port 281 on the main baffle assembly 231 and the distributor inlet 222 in sequence. Since the distributor cavity 226 extends along the length direction of the shell 102, the fluid contained in the distributor cavity 226 will also move along the length direction of the shell 102. In other words, in the length direction of the shell 102, the fluid will flow from the middle to both sides. During the flow process, since the lower part of the distributor 221 is provided with several distributor outlets 223, the fluid will flow downward. It can be seen that since the several distributor outlets 223 are arranged along the length direction of the shell 102, the fluid can flow downward more evenly in the length direction of the shell 102, and flow through the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 from top to bottom. The heat exchange fluid flowing in the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 is a heat exchange fluid with a higher temperature. The fluid contacts the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 and exchanges heat with the heat exchange fluid in the first group of heat exchange tubes 261. Specifically, in the process of the fluid flowing downward and contacting the first group of heat exchange tubes 261, the fluid is distributed in the uppermost row of heat exchange tubes, and forms a liquid film on the uppermost row of heat exchange tubes for evaporation. The unevaporated liquid fluid drips onto the next row of heat exchange tubes and continues to evaporate. The liquid fluid can flow downward all the time and form a liquid film on the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 for evaporation. The fluid that has not evaporated on the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 flows downward and contacts the second group of heat exchange tubes 262, and exchanges heat with the heat exchange fluid in the second group of heat exchange tubes 262, and the temperature rises and evaporates. Since the first additional plate 333 and the second additional plate 334 are arranged on both sides of the first group of heat exchange tubes 261, the fluid evaporated into gas at the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 continues to flow downward until the fluid evaporated into gas passes over the first additional plate 333 and the second additional plate 334, and then the fluid evaporated into gas flows upward. In other words, in the radial direction of the shell 102, the fluid evaporated into gas flows downward over the first group of heat exchange tubes 261, flows to both sides, and then flows upward. The fluid evaporated into gas will enter the first cavity 204 after passing through the several channels 241 on the main baffle assembly 231, and then flow out of the heat exchanger 100 through the first outlet pipe 124. Another part of the fluid evaporated into gas at the second group of heat exchange tubes 262 flows upward and enters the first cavity 204 after passing through the several channels 241 on the main baffle assembly 231, and then flows out of the heat exchanger 100 through the first outlet pipe 124. It should be noted that when the heat exchanger 100 is in the evaporator working mode, the liquid fluid can be deposited at the bottom of the second cavity 206 and evaporated by heat exchange with the second group of heat exchange tubes 262.

[0045] Fig. 6A yes Figure 1The axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger shown shows the movement trajectory of the fluid on the axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger 100 is in the condenser working mode. Figure 6B yes Figure 1 The heat exchanger shown is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view along line BB in the figure shows the movement trajectory of the fluid on the axial cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger when the heat exchanger 100 is in the condenser working mode. Figure 6A-6B As shown, when the heat exchanger 100 is in the condenser working mode, the fluid (for example, a gas with a faster flow rate) flows into the heat exchanger 100 from the second inlet pipe 114. Then the fluid enters the second volume chamber 206 through the second inlet pipe expander 297 and the second connecting port 282 on the main baffle assembly 231 in sequence. Since the fluid has a high movement speed, the fluid flowing into the second volume chamber 206 will directly impact the buffer 250. Since the width direction of the buffer 250 is connected to the main baffle assembly 231, the fluid can move along the length direction of the shell 102 and move downward after passing the buffer 250. Then the fluid flows to the first group of heat exchange tubes 261. The heat exchange fluid with a lower temperature flows in the first group of heat exchange tubes 261. The fluid contacts the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 and exchanges heat with the heat exchange fluid in the first group of heat exchange tubes 261. In the process of the fluid flowing downward and contacting the first group of heat exchange tubes 261, the fluid condenses into liquid and accumulates at the bottom of the second volume chamber 206. When the fluid volume condensed into liquid exists at the bottom of the second volume chamber 206, it can make the second group of heat exchange tubes 262 immersed in liquid. Since the heat exchange fluid with a lower temperature flows in the second group of heat exchange tubes 262, the fluid condensed into liquid will continue to exchange heat with the heat exchange fluid in the second group of heat exchange tubes 262, thereby further reducing the temperature. Subsequently, the fluid condensed into liquid can flow out of the heat exchanger 100 from the second outlet pipe 122.

[0046] Figure 7 1 is a system diagram of a heat pump system using the heat exchanger 100 of the present application, to illustrate the components and their connection relationships in the heat pump system. Figure 1 As shown, the heat pump system includes a compressor 701, a heat exchanger 100, a second heat exchanger 702, a four-way valve 722, a throttling device 703, and several other valves to be introduced below. Figure 7The lines shown between the various components (including the compressor 701, the second heat exchanger 702, the heat exchanger 100, the four-way valve 722, the throttling device 703 and other valves) represent connecting pipelines. Among them, the compressor 701 has an air intake port 711, an exhaust port 712 and a lubricant inlet 713. The second heat exchanger 702 has a first heat exchanger port 741 and a second heat exchanger port 742. The four-way valve 722 has a first port 731, a second port 732, a third port 733 and a fourth port 734. The throttling device 703 has a first throttling device port 743 and a second throttling device port 744. Specifically, the exhaust port 712 of the compressor 701 is connected to the first port 731 of the four-way valve 722 through a connecting pipeline. The second port 732 of the four-way valve 722 is connected to the first heat exchanger port 741 of the second heat exchanger 702 through a connecting pipeline. The heat exchanger second port 742 of the second heat exchanger 702 is connected to the throttling device first port 743 of the throttling device 703 through a connecting pipeline. The throttling device second port 744 of the throttling device 703 is connected to the first inlet pipe 112 and the second outlet pipe 122 of the heat exchanger 100 through a connecting pipeline. The third port 733 of the four-way valve 722 is connected to the suction port 711 of the compressor 701 through a connecting pipeline. The fourth port 734 of the four-way valve 722 is connected to the second inlet pipe 114 and the first outlet pipe 124 of the heat exchanger 100 through a connecting pipeline. The lubricant inlet 713 of the compressor 701 is connected to the discharge pipe 125 of the heat exchanger 100 through a connecting pipeline. The four-way valve 722 has a pair of passages and has a first state and a second state. When the four-way valve 722 is in different states, the pair of passages can connect different ports on the four-way valve 722. When the four-way valve 722 is in the first state, a pair of passages can connect the first port 731 with the fourth port 734, and connect the second port 732 with the third port 733. When the four-way valve 722 is in the second state, a pair of passages can connect the first port 731 with the second port 732, and connect the third port 733 with the fourth port 734.

[0047] In addition, the heat pump system further includes a first one-way valve 751, a second one-way valve 752, a third one-way valve 753 and a fourth one-way valve 754. The first one-way valve 751 is disposed on a connecting pipeline between the throttling device second port 744 of the throttling device 703 and the first inlet pipe 112 of the heat exchanger 100, and is configured to allow the fluid to flow from the throttling device second port 744 to the first inlet pipe 112. The second one-way valve 752 is disposed on a connecting pipeline between the throttling device second port 744 of the throttling device 703 and the second outlet pipe 122 of the heat exchanger 100, and is configured to allow the fluid to flow from the second outlet pipe 122 to the throttling device second port 744. The third one-way valve 753 is disposed on a connecting pipeline between the fourth port 734 of the four-way valve 722 and the second inlet pipe 114 of the heat exchanger 100, and is configured to allow the fluid to flow from the fourth port 734 to the second inlet pipe 114. The fourth check valve 754 is disposed on a connecting pipeline between the fourth port 734 of the four-way valve 722 and the first outlet pipe 124 of the heat exchanger 100 , and is configured to allow fluid to flow from the first outlet pipe 124 to the fourth port 734 .

[0048] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the first one-way valve 751 , the second one-way valve 752 , the third one-way valve 753 and the fourth one-way valve 754 may also be configured as other types of valves that can controllably connect or disconnect the upstream and downstream of the valves.

[0049] The heat pump system can realize cooling mode and heating mode. When the heat pump system is in cooling mode, the heat exchanger 100 is in evaporator working mode. When the heat pump system is in heating mode, the heat exchanger 100 is in condenser working mode. Figures 8A-8B The flow paths of the fluid in the heat pump system when the heat pump system is in cooling mode and heating mode are described respectively.

[0050] Fig. 8A yes Figure 7 The heat pump system shown is in cooling mode. Fig. 8AAs shown, when the heat pump system is in the cooling mode, the four-way valve 722 is in the second state. That is, a pair of passages can connect the first port 731 and the second port 732, and connect the third port 733 and the fourth port 734. Specifically, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the exhaust port 712 of the compressor 701 flows to the second heat exchanger 702 through the first port 731, the second port 732 of the four-way valve 722 and the first port 741 of the heat exchanger 702 in sequence. In the second heat exchanger 702, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, thereby converting the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. After the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows out of the second heat exchanger 702, it flows through the throttling device 703 to become a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, and then flows into the heat exchanger 100 through the first one-way valve 751 and the first inlet pipe 112 of the heat exchanger 100. In the heat exchanger 100, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the fluid with a higher temperature on the user side, thereby reducing the temperature of the fluid on the user side to provide the user side with a fluid with a lower temperature (for example, for providing air-conditioning cold water). The low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant after exchanging heat with the fluid on the user side in the heat exchanger 100. After the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows out of the first outlet pipe 124, it passes through the fourth one-way valve 754, the fourth port 734 of the four-way valve 722, and the third port 733 of the four-way valve 722 in sequence, and then enters the compressor 701 from the suction port 711 of the compressor 701 again, becoming a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to complete the refrigerant cycle.

[0051] Figure 8B yes Figure 7 The heat pump system in heating mode is shown in the figure. Figure 8BAs shown, when the heat pump system is in the heating mode, the four-way valve 722 is in the first state. That is to say, a pair of passages can connect the first port 731 and the fourth port 734, and connect the second port 732 and the third port 733. Specifically, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the exhaust port 712 of the compressor 701 flows into the heat exchanger 100 through the first port 731 of the four-way valve 722, the fourth port 734 of the four-way valve 722, the third one-way valve 753 and the second inlet pipe 114 of the heat exchanger 100 in sequence. In the heat exchanger 100, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with the fluid with a lower temperature on the user side, thereby raising the temperature of the fluid on the user side to provide the user with a higher temperature fluid (for example, for providing air-conditioning hot water). The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant after heat exchange with the user-side fluid in the heat exchanger 100. After flowing out of the heat exchanger 100, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant passes through the second outlet pipe 122 and the second one-way valve 752 in sequence and then flows through the throttling device 703. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the throttling device 703 to become a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, and then flows to the second heat exchanger 702 through the second heat exchanger port 742 of the second heat exchanger 702. In the second heat exchanger 702, the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, thereby converting the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant into a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the second port 732 and the third port 733 of the four-way valve 722 in sequence and then enters the compressor 701 again from the suction port 711 of the compressor 701, becoming a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to complete the refrigerant cycle.

[0052] Therefore, the heat exchanger 100 of the present application can be used as both an evaporator and a condenser. When the heat exchanger 100 of the present application is used as an evaporator, it has at least the following advantages: First, the heat exchanger 100 of the present application can ensure a high heat exchange efficiency, because it can achieve falling film evaporation with high heat exchange efficiency so that the fluid forms a liquid film in the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 of the second cavity 206. Second, the heat exchanger 100 of the present application can also ensure that the fluid flowing out of the first outlet pipe 124 is free of liquid, because the fluid flow path defined by the fluid guide structure can better separate the gas from the liquid. Specifically, the arrangement of the first additional plate 333, the second additional plate 334 and the plurality of channels 241 can make the movement direction of the fluid evaporated into gas change multiple times. Due to the different densities of liquid and gas, the gas can better flow out of the heat exchanger 100 along the defined path, while the liquid is left in the second cavity 206 for evaporation. Third, the heat exchanger 100 of the present application is conducive to the discharge of the lubricant. Specifically, the fluid flowing in from the first inlet pipe 112 of the heat exchanger 100 includes a refrigerant and a lubricant. On the one hand, when the refrigerant fluid evaporates into gas and flows out of the heat exchanger 100 from the first outlet pipe 124, the lubricant is retained in the second volume chamber 206. The lubricant can be deposited at the bottom of the second volume chamber 206. On the other hand, since the ratio of the first number of heat exchange tubes to the second number of heat exchange tubes is greater than 2:1, the proportion of the full liquid area in the heat exchanger 100 is small, and the amount of liquid (including refrigerant liquid and lubricant) that can be accommodated at the bottom is small. As a result, the lubricant concentration discharged from the heat exchanger 100 is high. When the heat exchanger 100 of the present application is used as a condenser, the heat exchanger 100 can store the fluid condensed into a liquid, thereby avoiding the need to set up an external storage. Specifically, in a conventional heat pump system, the heat pump system needs to be provided with a refrigerant reservoir for storing refrigerant, because the amount of refrigerant stored internally is inconsistent when the heat exchanger is used as a condenser and an evaporator in the heat pump system. However, the heat pump system of the present application does not need to be provided with a refrigerant liquid reservoir. This is because the bottom of the first group of heat exchange tubes 261 and the top of the second group of heat exchange tubes 262 have a second distance h2, so there is enough volume in the second volume 206 to accommodate the refrigerant. The heat exchanger 100 can automatically adjust the amount of refrigerant contained in the second volume 206 according to the demand for refrigerant of the heat pump system in different modes. This greatly simplifies the components and connection relationship of the heat pump system.

[0053] It should be noted that although Figure 7 A basic heat pump system is shown in FIG. 1 , but those skilled in the art will appreciate that the heat pump system may be implemented by a variety of connection relationships, and the heat pump system may also include other components such as an economizer.

[0054] Although only some features of the present application have been illustrated and described herein, various modifications and changes may be made to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all the above modifications and changes that fall within the spirit and scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger (100), characterized in that: The heat exchanger (100) has an evaporator operating mode and a condenser operating mode, wherein the heat exchanger (100) comprises: A housing (102), wherein the housing (102) has a cavity (202); A heat exchange tube bundle (210), wherein the heat exchange tube bundle (210) is accommodated in the cavity (202); a first inlet pipe (112), a second inlet pipe (114), a first outlet pipe (124), and a second outlet pipe (122), wherein the first inlet pipe (112), the second inlet pipe (114), the first outlet pipe (124), and the second outlet pipe (122) are connected to the shell (102) and are in fluid communication with the cavity (202), wherein the first inlet pipe (112), the second inlet pipe (114), and the first outlet pipe (124) are located above the heat exchange tube bundle (210), and the second outlet pipe (122) is located below the heat exchange tube bundle (210); and a fluid guiding structure, the fluid guiding structure being arranged in the cavity (202) and being configured to respectively define different flow paths of the heat exchanger (100) in the condenser working mode and in the evaporator working mode; Wherein, when the heat exchanger (100) is in the evaporator working mode, the fluid guiding structure guides the fluid flowing in from the first inlet pipe (112) to perform heat exchange with the fluid in the heat exchange tube bundle (210) to evaporate the fluid into gas, and guides the gas formed by evaporation to be discharged from the heat exchanger (100) through the first outlet pipe (124); When the heat exchanger (100) is in the condenser working mode, the fluid guiding structure guides the fluid flowing in from the second inlet pipe (114) to perform heat exchange with the fluid in the heat exchange tube bundle (210) to condense the fluid into liquid, and the condensed liquid is then discharged from the heat exchanger (100) via the second outlet pipe (122).

2. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fluid guiding structure comprises: a main baffle assembly (231), the main baffle assembly (231) being arranged in the chamber (202) and dividing the chamber (202) into a first chamber (204) located at an upper portion and a second chamber (206) located at a lower portion, wherein the heat exchange tube bundle (210) is arranged in the second chamber (206), the first outlet pipe (124) is in communication with the first chamber (204), and the second outlet pipe (122) is in communication with the second chamber (206); The main baffle assembly (231) is provided with a first communication port (281) and a second communication port (282); the first inlet pipe (112) and the second inlet pipe (114) are respectively connected to the second chamber (206) through the first communication port (281) and the second communication port (282); wherein, when the heat exchanger (100) is in an evaporator working mode, the fluid guiding structure guides the fluid flowing in from the first inlet pipe (112) to enter the second cavity (206) through the first communication port (281), and when the heat exchanger (100) is in a condenser working mode, the fluid guiding structure guides the fluid flowing in from the second inlet pipe (114) to enter the second cavity (206) through the second communication port (282); and The main baffle assembly (231) is provided with a plurality of channels (241), and the first cavity (204) and the second cavity (206) can be fluidically connected through the plurality of channels (241).

3. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The fluid guiding structure further comprises: a distributor (221), the distributor (221) being arranged between the first inlet pipe (112) and the heat exchange tube bundle (210); The distributor (221) comprises a distributor housing (225), a distributor cavity (226) defined by the distributor housing (225), and a distributor inlet (222) and a plurality of distributor outlets (223) provided on the distributor housing (225), wherein the distributor inlet (222) and the plurality of distributor outlets (223) are both in communication with the distributor cavity (226); The distributor (221) is configured to allow the fluid flowing in from the first inlet pipe (112) to enter the distributor cavity (226) through the distributor inlet (222) and be distributed to the heat exchange tube bundle (210) from the plurality of distributor outlets (223).

4. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The distributor (221) is arranged below the main baffle assembly (231), and the first inlet pipe (112) is connected to the distributor inlet (222) through the first connecting port (281) on the main baffle assembly (231), so that the fluid flowing into the first inlet pipe (112) can flow through the first connecting port (281), the distributor inlet (222), the distributor cavity (226) and the distributor outlet (223) in sequence and then enter the second cavity (206).

5. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The fluid guiding structure further comprises: A buffer (250), wherein the buffer (250) is arranged in the second cavity (206) and is disposed between the main baffle assembly (231) and the heat exchange tube bundle (210); the buffer (250) is disposed below the second connecting port (282) and has a first distance with the second connecting port (282); the first distance enables the fluid from the second connecting port (282) to enter the second cavity (206).

6. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The plurality of distributor outlets (223) of the distributor (221) are located below the buffer (250).

7. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The buffer (250) is a buffer plate, the buffer plate having a buffer length extending along the length direction of the shell (102) and a buffer width extending along the width of the shell (102); The buffer plate is connected to the main baffle assembly (231) at both ends of the shell (102) in the width direction, so that the fluid entering the second cavity (206) from the second connecting port (282) flows along the length direction of the shell (102) and then flows to the heat exchange tube bundle (210).

8. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The buffer length and buffer width of the buffer plate are configured to cover the second communication port (282).

9. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange tube bundle (210) comprises a first group of heat exchange tubes (261) and a second group of heat exchange tubes (262), wherein the first group of heat exchange tubes (261) is located above the second group of heat exchange tubes (262); Wherein, the first group of heat exchange tubes (261) includes a first number of heat exchange tubes, and the second group of heat exchange tubes (262) includes a second number of heat exchange tubes; Wherein, the ratio of the first quantity to the second quantity is greater than 2:

1.

10. The heat exchanger (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that: A second distance (h2) is formed between the bottom of the first group of heat exchange tubes (261) and the top of the second group of heat exchange tubes (262); The housing (102) has a circular cross-section and an inner diameter (D); Wherein, the ratio of the second distance (h2) to the inner diameter (D) is less than 1:

2.

11. A heat pump system, characterized in that: The heat pump system comprises a heat exchanger (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; The heat pump system has a cooling working mode and a heating working mode. When the heat pump system is in the cooling working mode, the heat exchanger (100) works as an evaporator; when the heat pump system is in the heating working mode, the heat exchanger (100) works as a condenser.

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