Water flow reversing assembly and air energy water heater and control method thereof

Abstract

The application provides a water flow reversing assembly, an air energy water heater and a control method thereof. The water flow reversing assembly comprises a chamber, at least comprising a water inlet, a first inlet, a first water outlet, a second water outlet and a second outlet; a partition is slidably arranged in the chamber, and the chamber is divided into a first chamber and a second chamber which are isolated from each other; the first inlet and the first water outlet are both communicated with the first chamber, and the second water outlet and the second outlet are both communicated with the second chamber; during the movement of the partition, the water inlet is communicated with the first chamber or the second chamber. The application can adjust the water outflow position by moving the partition, so that the water and the refrigerant are always in the state of convection heat exchange when the flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger changes, and the heat exchange efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of air source water heater technology, specifically relating to a water flow reversing component and an air source water heater and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the outdoor unit of an air source heat pump water heater provides heat for hot water production, and typically uses a plate heat exchanger that meets both cooling and heating requirements as the heat exchange device.

[0003] When an air source heat pump water heater is in heating mode, the refrigerant flow path and the water flow path form a convection state, thus achieving high heat exchange efficiency. However, some units also need to cool. During cooling, the four-way valve inside the air source heat pump water heater needs to switch directions, and the refrigerant flow path begins to reverse. However, the water pump in the water flow path is a unidirectional flow device. Therefore, when the refrigerant passes through the plate heat exchanger, it flows in the same direction as the water, resulting in a decrease in heat exchange efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, this application provides a water flow reversing component and an air source water heater and its control method, which can solve the problem in the prior art that the water flow and the refrigerant flow are in the same direction after the refrigerant flow direction is changed, resulting in low heat exchange efficiency.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a water flow reversing component, comprising:

[0006] The chamber includes at least an inlet, a first outlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a second outlet;

[0007] A separator is slidably disposed within the chamber, dividing the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber that are isolated from each other; the first inlet and the first outlet are both connected to the first chamber, and the second outlet and the second inlet and outlet are both connected to the second chamber; during the movement of the separator, the inlet is connected to either the first chamber or the second chamber.

[0008] Optionally, a control valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the first outlet and the second outlet.

[0009] Optionally, the separator includes a baffle.

[0010] Optionally, the water flow reversing assembly further includes a sprayer, one end of which is connected to the second chamber.

[0011] Optionally, a three-way valve is provided on the connecting pipe of the second water outlet, and the sprayer is connected to the three-way valve.

[0012] Optionally, a control valve is provided on the pipeline connected to the sprayer.

[0013] According to another aspect of this application, an air source water heater is provided, including the water flow reversing component as described above.

[0014] Optionally, the air source water heater further includes a heat exchanger, the two ends of which are connected to the first inlet and the second inlet, respectively.

[0015] According to another aspect of this application, a control method for an air source water heater as described above is provided, comprising:

[0016] When the air source water heater is in heating mode, the refrigerant flow direction in the heat exchanger is set to the first direction. The moving partition allows water to flow into the heat exchanger through the inlet, the first chamber, and the first outlet, and then out through the second outlet, the second chamber, and the second outlet.

[0017] When the air source water heater is in cooling mode, the refrigerant flow direction in the heat exchanger is set to the second direction. The moving partition allows water to flow into the heat exchanger through the inlet, the second chamber, and the second inlet / outlet, and then out through the first inlet / outlet, the first chamber, and the first outlet.

[0018] Optionally, when a sprayer is connected to the first chamber, the control method further includes:

[0019] When the evaporator of an air source water heater is frosted, the refrigerant flow direction in the heat exchanger is set to the first direction. The moving partition allows water to flow through the inlet, the first chamber, and the first inlet / outlet into the heat exchanger, and then out through the second inlet / outlet, the second chamber, and the sprayer, which can spray the evaporator to defrost.

[0020] This application provides a water flow reversing component, comprising: a chamber, including at least an inlet, a first inlet / outlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a second inlet / outlet; a separator, slidably disposed within the chamber, dividing the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber that are isolated from each other; the first inlet / outlet and the first outlet are both connected to the first chamber, and the second outlet and the second inlet / outlet are both connected to the second chamber; during the movement of the separator, the inlet is connected to either the first chamber or the second chamber.

[0021] This application allows for adjustment of the water outflow position via a movable separator, thus ensuring that the water remains in a state of convective heat exchange with the refrigerant even when the refrigerant flow direction changes, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow reversing component according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the working state of an air source water heater according to an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Figure 3 This is another working state diagram of the air source water heater according to an embodiment of this application.

[0025] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0026] 1. Inlet pipe; 2. First inlet / outlet pipe; 3. Control valve; 4. First outlet pipe; 5. Baffle; 6. Second outlet pipe; 7. Control valve; 8. Three-way valve; 9. Control valve; 10. Sprayer; 11. Second inlet / outlet pipe; 12. Chamber; 121. First chamber; 122. Second chamber; 13. Water pump inlet; 14. Water pump outlet; 15. First water channel interface; 16. First refrigerant interface; 17. Second refrigerant interface; 18. Second water channel interface; 19. Heat exchanger; 20. Water pump. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0028] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0029] See also Figures 1 to 3 As shown, according to an embodiment of this application, a water flow reversing component includes:

[0030] The chamber 12 includes at least an inlet, a first outlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a second outlet;

[0031] A separator is slidably disposed within the chamber 12, dividing the chamber 12 into a first chamber 121 and a second chamber 122 that are isolated from each other; the first inlet and the first outlet are both connected to the first chamber 121, and the second outlet and the second inlet and outlet are both connected to the second chamber 122; during the movement of the separator, the inlet is connected to either the first chamber 121 or the second chamber 122.

[0032] This application allows for adjustment of the water outflow position via a movable separator, thus ensuring that the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 19 remains in a state of convective heat exchange even when the refrigerant flow direction changes, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0033] When the two inlets and outlets of the water flow reversing component of this application form a closed loop, the water will flow out from one inlet and outlet and return through the other inlet and outlet during the movement of the separator. Therefore, since the two inlets and outlets are fixedly connected to the two ports of the water flow channel of the heat exchanger 19, the flow direction of the water in the water flow channel of the heat exchanger 19 can be changed simply by moving the separator. This ensures that the flow direction changes synchronously with the flow direction of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 19, so that the water flow direction is always in a convective state with the refrigerant flow direction, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0034] In some embodiments, a control valve is provided on the pipeline connecting the first outlet and the second outlet.

[0035] By installing a control valve on the pipe connected to the water outlet, the corresponding water outlet can be selectively switched on and off to adapt to different water flow directions.

[0036] In some embodiments, the separator includes a baffle 5.

[0037] The use of plate-shaped partitions reduces the volume occupied in chamber 12 and facilitates operation.

[0038] In some embodiments, the water flow reversing assembly further includes a sprayer 10, one end of which is connected to the second chamber 122.

[0039] When an air source heat pump water heater is heating in winter, the outdoor evaporator heat exchanger absorbs heat, causing its temperature to drop and often resulting in frost buildup on the entire outdoor unit. When frost forms, the air source heat pump water heater will adjust the four-way valve to reverse the flow and heat the frosted heat exchanger (which is now the condenser heat exchanger) to defrost it. However, at this time, the plate heat exchanger 19 is functioning as an evaporator heat exchanger, requiring it to absorb a large amount of heat from the water flow path. This produces cold water that flows into the user's stored hot water tank, causing the hot water temperature to drop and fail to meet customer needs.

[0040] This application connects a sprayer 10 to the second chamber 122 of the water flow reversing component, so that when the air source water heater is heating, the hot water generated can be sprayed onto the frosting component to achieve the purpose of defrosting.

[0041] In the specific connection structure, it is preferable that a three-way valve 8 is provided on the connecting pipe of the second outlet, and the sprayer 10 is connected to the three-way valve 8. More preferably, a control valve 9 is provided on the pipe directly connected to the sprayer 10.

[0042] According to another aspect of this application, an air source water heater is provided, including the water flow reversing component as described above.

[0043] Using the aforementioned water flow reversing component in an air source water heater can ensure that the water flow direction and the refrigerant flow direction in the heat exchanger 19 change synchronously, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0044] In a specific connection, the air source water heater also includes a heat exchanger 19, with the two ends of the water flow channel of the heat exchanger 19 connected to the first inlet and the second inlet respectively.

[0045] According to another aspect of this application, a control method for an air source water heater as described above is provided, comprising:

[0046] When the air source water heater is in heating mode, the refrigerant flow direction in the heat exchanger 19 is set to the first direction. The moving partition allows water to flow through the inlet, the first chamber 121, and the first inlet and outlet into the heat exchanger 19, and then flow out through the second inlet and outlet, the second chamber 122, and the second outlet.

[0047] When the air source water heater is in cooling mode, the refrigerant flow direction in the heat exchanger 19 is set to the second direction. The moving partition allows water to flow through the inlet, the second chamber 122, and the second inlet / outlet into the heat exchanger 19, and then flow out through the first inlet / outlet, the first chamber 121, and the first outlet.

[0048] When the air source heat pump water heater unit is operating in heating mode: At this time, in the outdoor plate heat exchanger 19: the refrigerant of the air source heat pump water heater enters the heat exchanger 19 through the first refrigerant inlet 16 and flows out through the second refrigerant inlet 17 for heat exchange. The operating state of the water flow reversing component at this time is as follows: Figure 2As shown, baffle 5 is moved to the left, and water flows from water pump 20 to the first chamber 121. Control valve 3 on the first outlet pipe 4 is closed, and water flows out from the first inlet pipe 2 and enters the heat exchanger 19 through the first interface 15 of the water channel of the plate heat exchanger 19. It exchanges heat with the refrigerant through convection and flows out from the second interface 18 of the water channel through the second inlet pipe 11 back to the second chamber 122. At this time, control valve 7 on the second outlet pipe 6 is in the open state, and control valve 9 on the sprayer 10 pipeline is in the closed state. The hot water generated by the unit can flow from the second outlet pipe 6 to the user.

[0049] When the air source heat pump water heater unit is operating in cooling mode: In the plate heat exchanger 19, the refrigerant enters through the second refrigerant inlet 17 and flows out through the first refrigerant inlet 16 for heat exchange. The working principle of the water flow reversing device at this time is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, baffle 5 is moved to the right, and water flows from water pump 20 to the second chamber 122. Control valve 7 on the second outlet pipe 6 is closed. Water flows out from the second inlet pipe 11 and enters the heat exchanger 19 through the second interface 18 of the water channel of the plate heat exchanger 19. It exchanges heat with the refrigerant through convection and flows out from the first interface 15 of the water channel and returns to the first chamber 121 through the first inlet pipe 2. At this time, control valve 3 on the first outlet pipe 4 is open, and control valve 9 on the sprayer 10 pipeline is closed. The cold water generated by the unit can flow from the first outlet pipe 4 to the user.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the first chamber 121 is connected to the sprayer 10, the control method further includes:

[0051] When the evaporator of the air source water heater is frosted, the refrigerant flow direction in the heat exchanger 19 is set to the first direction. The moving partition allows water to flow through the inlet, the first chamber 121, and the first inlet and outlet into the heat exchanger 19, and then flow out through the second inlet and outlet, the second chamber 122, and the sprayer 10, which can spray the evaporator for defrosting.

[0052] When the air source heat pump water heater unit is operating in defrost mode: At this time, in the outdoor plate heat exchanger 19: the refrigerant of the air source heat pump water heater enters the heat exchanger 19 through the first refrigerant inlet 16 and flows out through the second refrigerant inlet 17 for heat exchange. The operating state of the water flow reversing component at this time is as follows: Figure 2As shown, baffle 5 is moved to the left, and water flows from water pump 20 to the first chamber 121. Control valve 3 on the first outlet pipe 4 is closed, and water flows out from the first inlet pipe 2 and enters the heat exchanger 19 through the first interface 15 of the water channel of the plate heat exchanger 19. It exchanges heat with the refrigerant through convection and flows out from the second interface 18 of the water channel through the second inlet pipe 11 back to the second chamber 122. At this time, control valve 7 on the second outlet pipe 6 is closed, and control valve 9 on the sprayer 10 is open. The hot water generated by the unit can be sprayed from the sprayer 10 onto the frosted heat exchanger 19 to achieve external defrosting without affecting the user's heated hot water, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0053] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the above embodiments can be freely combined and superimposed without conflict.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of this application, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A water flow reversing component, characterized in that, include: The chamber (12) includes at least an inlet, a first outlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a second outlet; A separator is slidably disposed within the chamber (12), dividing the chamber (12) into a first chamber (121) and a second chamber (122) that are isolated from each other; the first inlet and the first outlet are both connected to the first chamber (121), and the second outlet and the second inlet are both connected to the second chamber (122); during the movement of the separator, the inlet is connected to either the first chamber (121) or the second chamber (122).

2. The water flow reversing component according to claim 1, characterized in that, A control valve is installed on the pipeline connecting the first outlet and the second outlet.

3. The water flow reversing component according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The separator includes a baffle (5).

4. The water flow reversing component according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water flow reversing assembly also includes a sprayer, one end of which is connected to the second chamber (122).

5. The water flow reversing component according to claim 4, characterized in that, A three-way valve (8) is provided on the connecting pipe of the second water outlet, and the sprayer (10) is connected to the three-way valve (8).

6. The water flow reversing component according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, A control valve is provided on the pipeline connected to the sprayer (10).

7. An air source heat pump water heater, characterized in that, Includes the water flow reversing component as described in any one of claims 1-6.

8. The air source heat pump water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The air source water heater also includes a heat exchanger (19), the two ends of the water flow channel of the heat exchanger (19) being connected to the first inlet and the second inlet respectively.

9. A control method for an air source heat pump water heater as described in claim 8, characterized in that, include: When the air source water heater is in heating mode, the refrigerant flow direction in the heat exchanger (19) is set to the first direction. The moving partition allows water to flow through the inlet, the first chamber (121), and the first outlet into the heat exchanger (19), and then through the second outlet, the second chamber (122), and the second outlet to flow out. When the air source water heater is in cooling mode, the refrigerant flow direction in the heat exchanger (19) is set to the second direction. The moving partition allows water to flow through the inlet, the second chamber (122), and the second inlet and outlet into the heat exchanger (19), and then flow out through the first inlet and outlet, the first chamber (121), and the first outlet.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the first chamber (121) is connected to a sprayer (10), the control method further includes: When the evaporator of the air source water heater is frosted, the refrigerant flow direction in the heat exchanger (19) is set to the first direction. The partition is moved so that water flows through the inlet, the first chamber (121), and the first inlet and outlet into the heat exchanger (19), and then flows out through the second inlet and outlet, the second chamber (122), and the sprayer (10), which can spray the evaporator for defrosting.

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