Heat pump system

Abstract

The present application provides a heat pump system. It comprises a first one-way closed pipe assembly and a first discharge pipe assembly. The first discharge pipe assembly comprises a first discharge pipe having a first discharge pipe outlet and a first discharge pipe inlet, the first discharge pipe inlet being connected with the first pipe, and the first discharge pipe outlet being connected with pipes and / or components in the heat pump system except the first one-way closed pipe assembly. The heat pump system enables the refrigerant in the first one-way closed pipe assembly to flow out of the first one-way closed pipe assembly through the first discharge pipe assembly, thereby avoiding damage to the first one-way closed pipe assembly.

Description

heat pump system Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to heat pump systems. Background Technology

[0002] A heat pump system, consisting of a compressor, three heat exchangers, and valves, is capable of providing cooling, heating, or both simultaneously to users. However, such systems are susceptible to pipe rupture during shutdown maintenance. Therefore, a heat pump system is needed that can prevent pipe rupture during maintenance shutdowns. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides a heat pump system. The heat pump system includes a first one-way closed piping assembly and a first discharge piping assembly. The first discharge piping assembly includes a first discharge pipe having a first discharge pipe outlet and a first discharge pipe inlet. The first discharge pipe inlet is connected to the first pipe, and the first discharge pipe outlet is connected to other pipes and / or components in the heat pump system, excluding the first one-way closed piping assembly, thereby discharging refrigerant from the first one-way closed piping assembly.

[0004] According to the aforementioned heat pump system, the first one-way closed piping assembly is configured such that when the heat pump system is shut down, refrigerant can enter and accumulate in the first one-way closed piping assembly. The first one-way closed piping assembly includes a first pipe, a shut-off valve, and at least one first pipe check valve. The first pipe has a first pipe outlet and at least one first pipe inlet. The shut-off valve is located at the first pipe outlet. The at least one first pipe check valve is correspondingly located at the at least one first pipe inlet and is configured to allow fluid to enter the first pipe through the at least one first pipe check valve.

[0005] According to the aforementioned heat pump system, the first discharge pipe assembly further includes a first discharge check valve, which is disposed on the first discharge pipe and configured to allow fluid to flow from the first discharge pipe inlet to the first discharge pipe outlet. The first discharge pipe outlet is connected to at least one of the high-pressure side and the medium-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0006] According to the aforementioned heat pump system, the first discharge line assembly further includes a first pressure relief valve, which is disposed on the first discharge line and configured to allow fluid to flow from the first discharge line inlet to the first discharge line outlet. The first discharge line outlet is connected to the low-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0007] According to the above-described heat pump system, the first pressure relief valve has a first pressure relief valve inlet and a first pressure relief valve outlet. The first pressure relief valve is configured to connect the first pressure relief valve inlet and the first pressure relief valve outlet when the pressure difference between the first pressure relief valve inlet and the first pressure relief valve outlet is equal to a first predetermined pressure difference or when the pressure at the first pressure relief valve inlet is equal to a first predetermined pressure value.

[0008] According to the above-described heat pump system, the heat pump system further includes a second one-way closed-loop piping assembly and a second discharge piping assembly. The second discharge piping assembly includes a second discharge pipe having a second discharge pipe outlet and a second discharge pipe inlet. The second discharge pipe inlet is connected to the second pipe, and the second discharge pipe outlet is connected to pipes and / or components in the heat pump system other than the second one-way closed-loop piping assembly, thereby discharging refrigerant from the second one-way closed-loop piping assembly.

[0009] According to the aforementioned heat pump system, the second one-way closed-loop piping assembly is configured such that when the heat pump system is shut down, refrigerant can enter and accumulate within the second one-way closed-loop piping assembly. The second one-way closed-loop piping assembly includes a second pipe, a throttling device, and at least one second pipe check valve. The second pipe has a second pipe outlet and at least one second pipe inlet. The throttling device is located at the second pipe outlet. The at least one second pipe check valve is correspondingly located at the at least one second pipe inlet and is configured to allow fluid to enter the second pipe through the at least one second pipe check valve.

[0010] According to the aforementioned heat pump system, the second discharge pipe assembly further includes a second discharge check valve, which is disposed on the second discharge pipe and configured to allow fluid to flow from the second discharge pipe inlet to the second discharge pipe outlet. The second discharge pipe outlet is connected to the high-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0011] According to the aforementioned heat pump system, the second discharge line assembly further includes a second pressure relief valve, which is disposed on the second discharge line and configured to allow fluid to flow from the second discharge line inlet to the second discharge line outlet. The second discharge line outlet is connected to the low-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0012] According to the aforementioned heat pump system, the second pressure relief valve has a second pressure relief valve inlet and a second pressure relief valve outlet. The second pressure relief valve is configured such that when the pressure difference between the second pressure relief valve inlet and the second pressure relief valve outlet is equal to a second predetermined pressure difference, or when the pressure at the second pressure relief valve inlet is equal to a second predetermined pressure value, the second pressure relief valve inlet is connected to the second pressure relief valve outlet. The second discharge pipe outlet is connected to the low-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0013] The heat pump system of this application enables the refrigerant in the first one-way closed pipe assembly to flow out of the first one-way closed pipe assembly through the first discharge pipe assembly, thereby avoiding damage to the first one-way closed pipe assembly.

[0014] Other features, advantages, and embodiments of this application may be set forth or become apparent from the following detailed description, accompanying drawings, and claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that the above description and the following detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation, without limiting the scope of the claimed application. However, the detailed description and specific examples only indicate preferred embodiments of this application. Various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this application will become apparent to those skilled in the art through these detailed descriptions. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The features and advantages of this application can be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts, wherein:

[0016] Figures 1A-1B are system diagrams of a first embodiment of the heat pump system of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 is a system diagram of a second embodiment of the heat pump system of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 is a system diagram of a third embodiment of the heat pump system of this application;

[0019] Figure 4 is a system diagram of the fourth embodiment of the heat pump system of this application;

[0020] Figure 5 is a system diagram of the fifth embodiment of the heat pump system of this application;

[0021] Figure 6 is a system diagram of the sixth embodiment of the heat pump system of this application;

[0022] Figure 7 is a system diagram of the seventh embodiment of the heat pump system of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Various specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification. It should be understood that ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" used in this application are merely for distinction and identification and have no other meaning, and do not indicate a specific order or association unless otherwise specified. For example, the term "first heat exchanger" does not imply the existence of a "second heat exchanger," nor does the term "second heat exchanger" imply the existence of a "first heat exchanger."

[0024] Figures 1A and 1B are system diagrams of a first embodiment of the heat pump system of this application, illustrating the components in the heat pump system and their connections. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the heat pump system includes a compressor 108, a first heat exchanger 101, a second heat exchanger 102, a third heat exchanger 103, a four-way valve 140, a gas-liquid separator 106, a first one-way closed piping assembly, a second one-way closed piping assembly, and other piping and several valves that will be described below.

[0025] The four-way valve 140 includes a first port 1401, a second port 1402, a third port 1403, a fourth port 1404, a first connecting channel, and a second connecting channel. The four-way valve 140 has a first state and a second state. When the four-way valve 140 is in the first state (as shown in Figure 1A), the first connecting channel connects the first port 1401 and the second port 1402, and the second connecting channel connects the third port 1403 and the fourth port 1404. When the four-way valve 140 is in the second state (as shown in Figure 1B), the first connecting channel connects the first port 1401 and the fourth port 1404, and the second connecting channel connects the second port 1402 and the third port 1403.

[0026] The first one-way closed piping assembly includes a first pipe 152, a shut-off valve 164, and two first pipe check valves (i.e., a first pipe check valve 1621 and a second pipe check valve 1622). The first pipe 152 has a first pipe outlet 154 and two first pipe inlets (i.e., a first pipe inlet 1561 and a second pipe inlet 1562). The shut-off valve 164 is disposed at the first pipe outlet 154. The first pipe check valve 1621 and the second pipe check valve 1622 are respectively disposed at the first pipe inlet 1561 and the second pipe inlet 1562, and are respectively configured to allow fluid to enter the first pipe 152 through the first pipe check valve 1621 and the second pipe check valve 1622, respectively. More specifically, the first pipe 152 includes a first main pipe and two first branch pipes. The inlets of the two first branch pipes are designated as the first inlet 1561 and the second inlet 1562 of the first pipeline. The outlets of the two first branch pipes are connected to the inlets of the first main pipe. The outlet of the first main pipe is the outlet 154 of the first pipeline.

[0027] The second one-way closed piping assembly includes a second piping 182, a throttling device 131, and two second piping check valves (i.e., a first second piping check valve 1921 and a second second piping check valve 1922). The second piping 182 has a second piping outlet 186 and two second piping inlets (i.e., a first second piping inlet 1841 and a second second piping inlet 1842). The throttling device 131 is located at the second piping outlet 186. The first second piping check valve 1921 and the second second second piping check valve 1922 are respectively located at the first second piping inlet 1841 and the second second piping inlet 1842, and are respectively configured to allow fluid to enter the second piping 182 through the first second second piping check valve 1921 and the second second second piping check valve 1922. More specifically, the second piping 182 includes a second main pipe and two second branch pipes. The inlets of the two second branch pipes are the first second piping inlet 1841 and the second second piping inlet 1842, respectively. The outlets of the two second branch pipes are connected to the inlet of the second main pipe. The outlet of the second main pipe is the second pipe outlet 186.

[0028] The first port 1401 of the four-way valve is connected to the compressor outlet 1082 via pipe 163. A compressor shut-off valve 165 is installed on pipe 163. The second port 1402 of the four-way valve is connected to the first heat exchanger port 1011 of the first heat exchanger 101. The third port 1403 of the four-way valve is connected to the inlet of the first one-way valve 1621 of the first pipeline. The fourth port 1404 of the four-way valve is connected to the first heat exchanger port 1031 of the third heat exchanger 103. The compressor inlet 1081 is connected to the gas-liquid separator outlet 1062 of the gas-liquid separator 106. The gas-liquid separator inlet 1061 of the gas-liquid separator 106 is connected to the outlet of shut-off valve 164. The second port 1012 of the first heat exchanger 101 is connected to the inlet of the first one-way valve 1921 of the second pipeline. The second heat exchanger 1022's second heat exchanger port 1021 is connected to the inlet of the second pipeline's first check valve 1921 via a first connecting pipe 1001. Along the pipeline direction from the second heat exchanger port 1021 to the second pipeline's first check valve 1921, the first connecting pipe 1001 is sequentially equipped with a first electrically controlled valve 1102, a second electrically controlled valve 1104, and a first check valve 1003. The first check valve 1003 is configured to allow fluid to flow from the outlet of the throttling device 131 towards the second pipeline's first check valve 1921. The second heat exchanger port 1022 of the second heat exchanger 102 is connected to the inlet of the first pipeline's second check valve 1622. The third heat exchanger port 1032 is connected to the inlet of the second pipeline's second check valve 1922. The outlet of the throttling device 131 is connected to the first connecting pipe 1001 via the second connecting pipe 1004. More specifically, the outlet of the throttling device 131 is connected between the first solenoid valve 1102 and the second solenoid valve 1104 via the second connecting pipe 1004. Furthermore, the first end of the third connecting pipe 1005 is connected to the second connecting pipe 1004, and the second end is connected to the inlet of the second one-way valve 1922 of the second pipe. Along the pipe direction from the first end to the second end of the third connecting pipe 1005, the third connecting pipe 1005 is sequentially equipped with a third solenoid valve 1106 and a second one-way valve 1007. The second one-way valve 1007 is configured to allow fluid to flow from the first end of the third connecting pipe 1005 towards the second end.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the heat pump system also includes a first discharge piping assembly. The first discharge piping assembly includes a first discharge pipe 172 and a first discharge check valve 178. A first discharge pipe inlet 174 of the first discharge pipe 172 is connected to a first main pipe of the first pipe 152. A first discharge pipe outlet 176 of the first discharge pipe 172 is connected to a second main pipe of the second pipe 182. The first discharge check valve 178 is disposed on the first discharge pipe 172 and configured to allow fluid to flow from the first discharge pipe inlet 174 to the first discharge pipe outlet 176.

[0030] The state of the four-way valve 140 in this application, as well as the connection and disconnection of the other valves mentioned above, can all be controlled by a control system (not shown). By adjusting the state of the four-way valve 140 and the connection and disconnection of the other valves mentioned above, the various components (e.g., compressor 108, first heat exchanger 101, second heat exchanger 102, third heat exchanger 103, four-way valve 140, and gas-liquid separator 106) can be controllably connected and disconnected. The heat pump system can achieve at least three operating conditions, respectively for providing cooling, heating, or simultaneously providing cooling and heating.

[0031] The flow of refrigerant in the pipeline when the heat pump system provides cooling capacity is described below with reference to Figure 1A. In this figure, the four-way valve 140 is in the first state, the second solenoid valve 1104 and the third solenoid valve 1106 are closed, and the first solenoid valve 1102, the shut-off valve 164, and the compressor shut-off valve 165 are open. As shown in Figure 1A, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing from the compressor outlet 1082 flows sequentially through the compressor shut-off valve 165, the first port 1401 of the four-way valve, and the second port 1402 of the four-way valve before reaching the first heat exchanger 101. In the first heat exchanger 101, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, thus becoming a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. After flowing out of the first heat exchanger 101, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows sequentially through the first one-way valve 1921 in the second pipeline to the throttling device 131. After passing through the throttling device 131, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant. It then passes through the first electrically controlled valve 1102 and enters the second heat exchanger 102 from the first port 1021. In the second heat exchanger 102, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the higher-temperature fluid on the user side, thereby lowering the temperature of the user-side fluid to provide a lower-temperature fluid (i.e., providing cooling capacity). After exchanging heat with the user-side fluid in the second heat exchanger 102, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows out from the second port 1022 of the second heat exchanger and passes through the second one-way valve 1622, the shut-off valve 164, and the gas-liquid separator 106 in the first pipeline before re-entering the compressor 108 from the compressor inlet 1081, becoming a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to complete the refrigerant cycle.

[0032] In the refrigerant cycle described above, the pipeline from compressor outlet 1082 through the first heat exchanger 101 to the throttling device 131 is the high-pressure side of the heat pump system. The pipeline from throttling device 131 through the second heat exchanger 102 to the compressor inlet 1081 is the low-pressure side of the heat pump system. In the refrigerant cycle described above, the first heat exchanger 101 is the condenser, and the second heat exchanger 102 is the evaporator. In other words, the pipeline from compressor outlet 1082 through the condenser to the throttling device 131 is the high-pressure side of the heat pump system. The pipeline from throttling device 131 through the evaporator to the compressor inlet 1081 is the low-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0033] The flow of refrigerant in the pipeline when the heat pump system provides heat is described below with reference to Figure 1B. In this figure, the four-way valve 140 is in its second state, the third solenoid valve 1106 and the first solenoid valve 1102 are closed, and the second solenoid valve 1104, the shut-off valve 164, and the compressor shut-off valve 165 are open. As shown in Figure 1B, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing from the compressor outlet 1082 passes sequentially through the compressor shut-off valve 165, the first port 1401 of the four-way valve, and the fourth port 1404 of the four-way valve before flowing to the first port 1031 of the third heat exchanger. In the third heat exchanger 103, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with the lower-temperature fluid on the user side, thereby increasing the temperature of the user-side fluid (i.e., providing heat). After exchanging heat with the user-side fluid in the third heat exchanger 103, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. High-pressure liquid refrigerant flows out of the third heat exchanger 103 and then through the second one-way valve 1922 in the second pipeline to the throttling device 131. After passing through the throttling device 131, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, and then passes through the second electrically controlled valve 1104 and the first one-way valve 1003 before entering the first heat exchanger 101. In the first heat exchanger 101, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the air, thus becoming a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows out of the first port 1011 of the first heat exchanger and then passes through the second port 1402 of the four-way valve, the third port 1403 of the four-way valve, the first one-way valve 1621 in the first pipeline, the shut-off valve 164, and the gas-liquid separator 106 before entering the compressor 108 again through the compressor inlet 1081, becoming a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to complete the refrigerant cycle.

[0034] In the refrigerant cycle described above, the pipeline from compressor outlet 1082 through the third heat exchanger 103 to the throttling device 131 is the high-pressure side of the heat pump system. The pipeline from throttling device 131 through the first heat exchanger 101 to the compressor inlet 1081 is the low-pressure side of the heat pump system. In the refrigerant cycle described above, the third heat exchanger 103 is the condenser, and the first heat exchanger 101 is the evaporator. In other words, the pipeline from compressor outlet 1082 through the condenser to the throttling device 131 is the high-pressure side of the heat pump system. The pipeline from throttling device 131 through the evaporator to the compressor inlet 1081 is the low-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0035] Furthermore, the heat pump system can simultaneously provide both cooling and heating. Referring again to Figure 1B, the four-way valve 140 is in the second state, the third electrically controlled valve 1106 is closed, the second electrically controlled valve 1104 is closed, and the first electrically controlled valve 1102, shut-off valve 164, and compressor shut-off valve 165 are open. As shown in Figure 1B, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant flowing from the compressor outlet 1082 flows sequentially through the compressor shut-off valve 165, the first port 1401 of the four-way valve, and the fourth port 1404 of the four-way valve before reaching the first port 1031 of the third heat exchanger. In the third heat exchanger 103, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with the lower-temperature fluid on the user side, thereby increasing the temperature of the user-side fluid (i.e., providing heat). After exchanging heat with the user-side fluid in the third heat exchanger 103, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. High-pressure liquid refrigerant flows out of the third heat exchanger 103 and then through the second one-way valve 1922 in the second pipeline to the throttling device 131. After passing through the throttling device 131, the high-pressure liquid refrigerant becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant and enters the second heat exchanger 102 after passing through the first electrically controlled valve 1102. In the second heat exchanger 102, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the higher-temperature fluid on the user side, thereby lowering the temperature of the fluid on the user side to provide a lower-temperature fluid (i.e., providing cooling capacity) to the user side. After exchanging heat with the user-side fluid in the second heat exchanger 102, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant becomes a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant flows out of the second port 1022 of the second heat exchanger and then passes sequentially through the second one-way valve 1622 in the first pipeline, the shut-off valve 164, and the gas-liquid separator 106 before re-entering the compressor 108 through the compressor inlet 1081, becoming a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to complete the refrigerant cycle.

[0036] In the refrigerant cycle described above, the pipeline from compressor outlet 1082 through the third heat exchanger 103 to the throttling device 131 is the high-pressure side of the heat pump system. The pipeline from throttling device 131 through the first heat exchanger 101 and the second heat exchanger 102 to the compressor inlet 1081 is the low-pressure side of the heat pump system. In the refrigerant cycle described above, the third heat exchanger 103 is the condenser, and the second heat exchanger 102 is the evaporator. In other words, the pipeline from compressor outlet 1082 through the condenser to the throttling device 131 is the high-pressure side of the heat pump system. The pipeline from throttling device 131 through the evaporator to the compressor inlet 1081 is the low-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0037] It should be noted that in the operating conditions of the above three heat pump systems, the pressure of the first main pipe of the first pipe 152 is less than the pressure of the second main pipe of the second pipe 182. Therefore, the refrigerant will not flow from the first pipe 152 to the second pipe 182 through the first discharge pipe assembly.

[0038] In existing heat pump systems, refrigerant leakage sometimes occurs in the first pipe 152 of the first one-way closed pipe assembly after the heat pump system stops operating (i.e., the heat pump system shuts down). The inventors of this application have discovered that this is caused by the expansion of liquid refrigerant in the one-way closed pipe due to refrigerant migration within the heat pump system. Specifically, after the heat pump system shuts down, the shut-off valve 164 and compressor shut-off valve 165 in the heat pump system need to be closed. However, due to the presence of the first one-way closed pipe assembly (e.g., a first one-way valve is provided at the inlet of the first pipe, and a shut-off valve 164 is provided at the outlet of the first pipe 154), refrigerant continuously migrates towards the first one-way closed pipe assembly and accumulates in the first pipe 152. When the ambient temperature rises, the liquid refrigerant in the one-way closed pipe assembly expands and ruptures the pipe, resulting in refrigerant leakage.

[0039] The first discharge piping assembly of this application can prevent damage to the first one-way closed piping assembly. Specifically, when the heat pump system is shut down, the throttling device 131 is in the open state, and one of the second solenoid valve 1104, the first solenoid valve 1102, and the third solenoid valve 1106 is in the open state, while the other two are in the closed state. As refrigerant continuously enters the first one-way closed piping assembly and gradually accumulates in the first pipe 152, the pressure of the refrigerant in the first pipe 152 increases and exceeds the pressure of the refrigerant in the second main pipe of the second pipe 182. The refrigerant located in the first pipe 152 can flow through the first discharge piping assembly to the second main pipe, and then sequentially flow through the throttling device 131 and the valve in the open state of the second solenoid valve 1104, the first solenoid valve 1102, and the third solenoid valve 1106 into the first heat exchanger 101, the second heat exchanger 102, or the third heat exchanger 103. More specifically, when the second solenoid valve 1104 is open, the refrigerant flowing to the second main pipe can flow into the first heat exchanger 101 through the throttling device 131, the second solenoid valve 1104, and the first check valve 1003 in sequence. When the first solenoid valve 1102 is open, the refrigerant flowing to the second main pipe can flow into the second heat exchanger 102 through the throttling device 131 and the first solenoid valve 1102 in sequence. When the third solenoid valve 1106 is open, the refrigerant flowing to the second main pipe can flow into the third heat exchanger 103 through the throttling device 131, the third solenoid valve 1106, and the second check valve 1007 in sequence. Because the heat exchangers (i.e., the first heat exchanger 101, the second heat exchanger 102, and the third heat exchanger 103) have a large refrigerant capacity, the refrigerant can flow in and be contained within the heat exchangers. Therefore, the refrigerant in the first one-way closed piping assembly can flow out of the first one-way closed piping assembly, thereby preventing damage to the first one-way closed piping assembly.

[0040] Figure 2 is a system diagram of a second embodiment of the heat pump system of this application. The similarities between the second embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 2 and the first embodiment shown in Figures 1A-1B will not be repeated. The main difference between the second embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 2 and the first embodiment shown in Figures 1A-1B is that, in the second embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 2, the first discharge pipe outlet 176 of the first discharge pipe assembly is connected to the compressor outlet 1082. More specifically, the first discharge pipe outlet 176 is located on the pipe 163 between the compressor outlet 1082 and the first port 1401 of the four-way valve. When the heat pump system is shut down, the first port 1401 of the four-way valve is connected to the first heat exchanger 101 through the first connecting channel or to the third heat exchanger 103 through the second connecting channel, thereby allowing the refrigerant accumulated in the first one-way closed pipe assembly to flow out of the first one-way closed pipe assembly and into the first heat exchanger 101 or the third heat exchanger 103, thus preventing damage to the first one-way closed pipe assembly.

[0041] It should be noted that although the first discharge pipe outlet 176 in the first embodiment of the heat pump system of this application is connected to the second main pipe of the second pipe 182, and the first discharge pipe outlet 176 in the second embodiment of the heat pump system of this application is connected to the compressor outlet 1082, in other embodiments, the first discharge pipe outlet 176 can be connected to the high-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0042] Figure 3 is a system diagram of a third embodiment of the heat pump system of this application. The similarities between the third embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 3 and the first embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figures 1A-1B will not be repeated. The main differences between the third embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 3 and the first embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figures 1A-1B are: First, in the third embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 3, the first discharge pipe outlet 176 of the first discharge pipe assembly is connected to the gas-liquid separator inlet 1061 of the gas-liquid separator 106; Second, in the third embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 3, the first discharge pipe assembly includes a first pressure relief valve 302. The first pressure relief valve 302 is disposed on the first discharge pipe 172 and configured to allow fluid to flow from the first discharge pipe inlet 174 to the first discharge pipe outlet 176 when the pressure difference across the first pressure relief valve 302 is equal to a first predetermined pressure difference or when the pressure at the first pressure relief valve inlet 3021 reaches a first predetermined pressure value. More specifically, the first pressure relief valve 302 has a first pressure relief valve inlet 3021 and a first pressure relief valve outlet 3022. The first pressure relief valve 302 is configured to connect the first pressure relief valve inlet 3021 and the first pressure relief valve outlet 3022 when the pressure at the first pressure relief valve inlet 3021 is greater than the pressure at the first pressure relief valve outlet 3022, and the pressure difference between the first pressure relief valve inlet 3021 and the first pressure relief valve outlet 3022 is equal to a first predetermined pressure difference or the pressure at the first pressure relief valve inlet 3021 is equal to a first predetermined pressure value (e.g., the first predetermined pressure value is 45 atmospheres). This allows fluid to flow unidirectionally from the first pressure relief valve inlet 3021 to the first pressure relief valve outlet 3022. When the heat pump system is shut down, refrigerant continuously migrates into the first one-way closed piping assembly and gradually accumulates in the first piping 152. When the pressure difference between the inlet 3021 and the outlet 3022 of the first pressure relief valve is equal to a first predetermined pressure difference, or when the pressure at the inlet of the first pressure relief valve is equal to a first predetermined pressure value, the inlet 3021 and the outlet 3022 of the first pressure relief valve are connected, allowing the refrigerant accumulated in the first one-way closed piping assembly to flow into the gas-liquid separator 106. Since the gas-liquid separator 106 has a large refrigerant capacity, the refrigerant can flow in and be contained within it. Thus, the refrigerant in the first one-way closed piping assembly can flow out, thereby preventing damage to the first one-way closed piping assembly.

[0043] It should be noted that although the first discharge pipe outlet 176 in the third embodiment of the heat pump system of this application is connected to the gas-liquid separator inlet 1061, in other embodiments, the first discharge pipe outlet 176 can be connected to the low-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0044] Figure 4 is a system diagram of a fourth embodiment of the heat pump system of this application. The similarities between the fourth embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 4 and the second embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 2 will not be repeated. The main difference between the fourth embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 4 and the second embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 2 is that the fourth embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 4 further includes a second discharge piping assembly. The second discharge piping assembly includes a second discharge piping 402 and a second discharge check valve 412. The second discharge piping inlet 404 of the second discharge piping 402 is connected to the second main pipe of the second piping 182. The second discharge piping outlet 406 of the second discharge piping 402 is connected to the pipe 163 between the compressor outlet 1082 and the first port 1401 of the four-way valve. The second discharge check valve 412 is disposed on the second discharge piping 402 and configured to allow fluid to flow from the second discharge piping inlet 404 to the second discharge piping outlet 406.

[0045] In existing heat pump systems, refrigerant leakage sometimes occurs in the second pipe 182 of the second one-way closed pipe assembly after the heat pump system stops operating (i.e., the heat pump system shuts down). The inventors of this application have discovered that this is caused by the expansion of liquid refrigerant in the one-way closed pipe due to refrigerant migration in the heat pump system. Specifically, after the heat pump system shuts down, the throttling device 131 in the heat pump system is closed. However, due to the presence of the second one-way closed pipe assembly (e.g., a second pipe one-way valve is provided at the second pipe inlet, and a throttling device 131 is provided at the second pipe outlet 186), as the refrigerant continuously migrates towards the second one-way closed pipe assembly and accumulates in the second pipe 182, and when the ambient temperature rises, the liquid refrigerant in the one-way closed pipe assembly expands and ruptures the pipe, resulting in refrigerant leakage.

[0046] The second discharge piping assembly of this application prevents damage to the second one-way closed piping assembly. Specifically, when the heat pump system is shut down and the throttling device 131 is closed, the pressure of the refrigerant accumulated in the second piping 182 increases and exceeds the pressure of the refrigerant in the piping 163. The refrigerant in the second piping 182 can flow through the second discharge piping assembly into the piping 163, and then enter the first heat exchanger 101 or the third heat exchanger 103 through the four-way valve 140. The first heat exchanger 101 and the third heat exchanger 103 have large refrigerant capacities, so the refrigerant can flow in and be contained within the heat exchangers. Thus, the refrigerant in the second one-way closed piping assembly can flow out, thereby preventing damage to the second one-way closed piping assembly.

[0047] It should be noted that although in the fourth embodiment of the heat pump system of this application, the second discharge pipe outlet 406 is connected to the pipe 163 between the compressor outlet 1082 and the first port 1401 of the four-way valve, in other embodiments, the second discharge pipe outlet 406 can be connected to the high-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0048] Figure 5 is a system diagram of a fifth embodiment of the heat pump system of this application. The similarities between the fifth embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 5 and the fourth embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 4 will not be repeated. The main differences between the fifth embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 5 and the fourth embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 4 are: First, in the fifth embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 5, the second discharge pipe outlet 406 of the second discharge pipe assembly is connected to the gas-liquid separator inlet 1061 of the gas-liquid separator 106; Second, in the fifth embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 5, the second discharge pipe assembly includes a second pressure relief valve 502. The second pressure relief valve 502 is disposed on the second discharge pipe 402 and configured to allow fluid to flow from the second discharge pipe inlet 404 to the second discharge pipe outlet 406 when the pressure difference across the second pressure relief valve 502 is equal to a second predetermined pressure difference or when the pressure at the second pressure relief valve inlet 5021 is equal to a second predetermined pressure value. More specifically, the second pressure relief valve 502 has a second pressure relief valve inlet 5021 and a second pressure relief valve outlet 5022. The second pressure relief valve 502 is configured to connect the second pressure relief valve inlet 5021 and the second pressure relief valve outlet 5022 when the pressure at the second pressure relief valve inlet 5021 is greater than the pressure at the second pressure relief valve outlet 5022, and the pressure difference between the second pressure relief valve inlet 5021 and the second pressure relief valve outlet 5022 is equal to a second predetermined pressure difference or the pressure at the second pressure relief valve inlet 5021 is equal to a second predetermined pressure value (e.g., the second predetermined pressure value is 45 atmospheres). This allows fluid to flow unidirectionally from the second pressure relief valve inlet 5021 to the second pressure relief valve outlet 5022. When the heat pump system is shut down, the refrigerant migrates into the second one-way closed piping assembly and gradually accumulates in the second piping 182. When the pressure difference between the inlet 5021 and outlet 5022 of the second pressure relief valve is equal to a second predetermined pressure difference, or when the pressure at the inlet 5021 of the second pressure relief valve is equal to a second predetermined pressure value, the inlet 5021 and outlet 5022 of the second pressure relief valve are connected, allowing the refrigerant accumulated in the second one-way closed piping assembly to flow into the gas-liquid separator 106. Since the gas-liquid separator 106 has a large refrigerant capacity, the refrigerant can flow in and be contained within it. Consequently, the refrigerant in the second one-way closed piping assembly can flow out, thus preventing damage to the second one-way closed piping assembly.

[0049] It should be noted that although the second discharge pipe outlet 406 in the fifth embodiment of the heat pump system of this application is connected to the gas-liquid separator inlet 1061, in other embodiments, the second discharge pipe outlet 406 can be connected to the low-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0050] It should be noted that although the second discharge pipe outlet 406 in the fourth and fifth embodiments of the heat pump system of this application is connected to the high-pressure side and low-pressure side of the heat pump system, respectively, in other embodiments, the second discharge pipe outlet 406 is connected to pipes and / or components in the heat pump system other than the second one-way closed pipe assembly, thereby discharging the refrigerant in the second one-way closed pipe assembly. For example, in another embodiment, the second discharge pipe outlet 406 can be connected to the first one-way closed pipe assembly, so that the refrigerant in the first one-way closed pipe assembly and the refrigerant in the second one-way closed pipe assembly are discharged from the first one-way closed pipe assembly and the second one-way closed pipe assembly via the first discharge assembly.

[0051] In the heat pump system of this application, the pipes and / or components other than the second one-way closed pipe assembly are configured such that, when the heat pump system is shut down, the refrigerant in the second one-way closed pipe assembly is discharged into a receiving component (e.g., a heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator) with a large refrigerant capacity.

[0052] Furthermore, the outlet of the second discharge pipe assembly in this application (i.e., the second discharge pipe outlet 406) is connected to the pipes and / or components in the heat pump system other than the second one-way closed pipe assembly, which enables the refrigerant in the heat pump system to be stored in the heat pump system without the need to release the refrigerant from the heat pump system, thus avoiding the waste of refrigerant.

[0053] Figure 6 is a system diagram of a sixth embodiment of the heat pump system of this application. The similarities between the sixth embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 6 and the first embodiment shown in Figures 1A-1B will not be repeated. The main difference between the sixth embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 6 and the first embodiment shown in Figures 1A-1B is that the sixth embodiment includes an auxiliary heat exchanger 601, an auxiliary throttling device 603, and an auxiliary valve 605. The auxiliary heat exchanger 601 has an auxiliary heat exchanger first port 6011, an auxiliary heat exchanger second port 6012, an auxiliary heat exchanger third port 6013, and an auxiliary heat exchanger fourth port 6014. The auxiliary heat exchanger first port 6011 is connected to the second pipe outlet 186 of the second pipe 182. The auxiliary heat exchanger second port 6012 is connected to the inlet of the throttling device 131. The auxiliary heat exchanger third port 6013 is connected to the compression chamber (not shown) in the compressor 108 via a first auxiliary pipe 611. An auxiliary valve 605 is disposed on the first auxiliary pipeline 611. The fourth port 6014 of the auxiliary heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the throttling device 131 via the second auxiliary pipeline 613. The auxiliary throttling device 603 is disposed on the second auxiliary pipeline 613. It should be noted that in the auxiliary heat exchanger 601, the first port 6011 and the second port 6012 are in fluid communication, forming a first flow path within the auxiliary heat exchanger 601; the third port 6013 and the fourth port 6014 are in fluid communication, forming a second flow path within the auxiliary heat exchanger 601. The fluid in the first flow path can exchange heat with the fluid in the second flow path. The first discharge pipe outlet 176 of the first discharge pipeline assembly is connected to the first auxiliary pipeline 611 and is disposed between the auxiliary valve 605 and the third port 6013 of the auxiliary heat exchanger. Among them, the first additional pipeline 611 from the third port 6013 of the additional heat exchanger to the compression chamber of the compressor 108 is the medium-pressure side of the heat pump system.

[0054] The first discharge piping assembly of this application can prevent damage to the first one-way closed piping assembly. Specifically, when the heat pump system is shut down, the auxiliary valve 605 is closed, the auxiliary throttling device 603 and the throttling device 131 are open, and one of the second solenoid valve 1104, the first solenoid valve 1102 and the third solenoid valve 1106 is open while the other two are closed. As refrigerant continuously enters the first one-way closed piping assembly and gradually accumulates in the first piping 152, the pressure of the refrigerant in the first piping 152 increases and exceeds the pressure of the refrigerant in the first auxiliary piping 611. The refrigerant in the first pipe 152 can flow into the first heat exchanger 101, the second heat exchanger 102, or the third heat exchanger 103 through the first discharge pipe assembly via the first auxiliary pipe 611, the auxiliary throttling device 603, the throttling device 131, and the valve in the open state of the second solenoid valve 1104, the first solenoid valve 1102, and the third solenoid valve 1106. Thus, the refrigerant in the first one-way closed pipe assembly can flow out, thereby preventing damage to the first one-way closed pipe assembly.

[0055] It should be noted that although the first discharge pipe outlet 176 in the first to sixth embodiments of the heat pump system of this application is respectively connected to specific locations on the high-pressure side, medium-pressure side, or low-pressure side of the heat pump system, in other embodiments, the first discharge pipe outlet 176 is connected to pipes and / or components in the heat pump system other than the first one-way closed pipe assembly, thereby discharging the refrigerant from the first one-way closed pipe assembly. In this application, the pipes and / or components in the heat pump system other than the first one-way closed pipe assembly are configured to discharge the refrigerant from the first one-way closed pipe assembly to a receiving component (e.g., a heat exchanger, a gas-liquid separator) with a large refrigerant capacity when the heat pump system is shut down. The connection of the outlet of the first discharge pipe assembly (i.e., the first discharge pipe outlet 176) in this application to pipes and / or components in the heat pump system other than the first one-way closed pipe assembly allows the refrigerant in the heat pump system to be stored within the system, eliminating the need to release the refrigerant and avoiding refrigerant waste.

[0056] Figure 7 is a system diagram of the seventh embodiment of the heat pump system of this application. The similarities between the seventh embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 7 and the first embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figures 1A-1B will not be repeated. The main differences between the seventh embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figure 7 and the first embodiment of the heat pump system shown in Figures 1A-1B are: first, no shut-off valve 164 is provided at the first pipe outlet 154; second, the heat pump system further includes a first auxiliary shut-off valve 702 and a second auxiliary shut-off valve 704. Specifically, the first auxiliary shut-off valve 702 and the second auxiliary shut-off valve 704 are located at the two first pipe inlets. More specifically, the first auxiliary shut-off valve 702 is located on the pipe between the first one-way valve 1621 and the third port 1403 of the four-way valve in the first pipe. The second auxiliary shut-off valve 704 is located on the pipe between the second one-way valve 1622 and the second port 1022 of the second heat exchanger in the first pipe.

[0057] When the heat pump system is shut down and the first auxiliary shut-off valve 702 and the second auxiliary shut-off valve 704 are closed, the throttling device 131 is opened, thereby preventing the formation of a pipeline in the heat pump system where refrigerant can continuously enter and accumulate in one direction. This avoids damage to the pipeline in the heat pump system caused by liquid seals (i.e., the accumulation of liquid refrigerant in the pipeline leading to rupture).

[0058] It should be noted that although the first one-way closed conduit assembly in this application includes two first conduit inlets, any first one-way closed conduit assembly including at least one first conduit inlet is within the scope of protection of this application. Similarly, although the second one-way closed conduit assembly in this application includes two second conduit inlets, any second one-way closed conduit assembly including at least one second conduit inlet is within the scope of protection of this application.

[0059] It should be noted that although the first one-way closed piping assembly in this application includes a shut-off valve and a check valve disposed at its outlet and inlet, and the second one-way closed piping assembly includes a throttling device and a check valve disposed at its outlet and inlet, thereby forming a one-way closed piping assembly, in other embodiments, the first one-way closed piping assembly and the second one-way closed piping assembly are configured such that when the heat pump system is turned off, the refrigerant can enter the first one-way closed piping assembly and the second one-way closed piping assembly and accumulate in the first one-way closed piping assembly and the second one-way closed piping assembly.

[0060] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents, whether known or currently or soon to be foreseen, will likely be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the technical effects and / or technical problems described herein are exemplary and not limiting; therefore, the disclosures herein may be used to solve other technical problems and have other technical effects and / or can solve other technical problems. Accordingly, the examples of embodiments of this disclosure as set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to include all known or previously developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalents.

Claims

1. A heat pump system, characterized in that: The heat pump system includes: a first one-way closed-loop piping assembly, configured such that when the heat pump system is shut down, refrigerant can enter and accumulate in the first one-way closed-loop piping assembly, the first one-way closed-loop piping assembly including: a first pipe (152) having a first pipe outlet (154) and at least one first pipe inlet; a shut-off valve (164) disposed at the first pipe outlet (154); and at least one first pipe check valve correspondingly disposed at the at least one first pipe inlet. It is configured to allow fluid to enter the first pipeline (152) through the at least one first pipeline check valve; and a first discharge pipeline assembly, the first discharge pipeline assembly including a first discharge pipeline (172) having a first discharge pipeline outlet (176) and a first discharge pipeline inlet (174), the first discharge pipeline inlet (174) being connected to the first pipeline (152) of the first one-way closed pipeline assembly, the first discharge pipeline outlet (176) being connected to pipelines and / or components in the heat pump system other than the first one-way closed pipeline assembly, thereby discharging refrigerant from the first one-way closed pipeline assembly.

2. The heat pump system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first discharge line assembly further includes a first discharge check valve (178), which is disposed on the first discharge line (172) and configured to allow fluid to flow through the first discharge line inlet (174) to the first discharge line outlet (176); the first discharge line outlet (176) is connected to at least one of the high-pressure side and the medium-pressure side of the heat pump system.

3. The heat pump system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The first discharge line assembly further includes a first pressure relief valve (302), which is disposed on the first discharge line (172) and configured to allow fluid to flow through the first discharge line inlet (174) to the first discharge line outlet (176); the first discharge line outlet (176) is connected to the low-pressure side of the heat pump system.

4. The heat pump system as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The first pressure relief valve (302) has a first pressure relief valve inlet (3021) and a first pressure relief valve outlet (3022). The first pressure relief valve (302) is configured to connect the first pressure relief valve inlet (3021) and the first pressure relief valve outlet (3022) when the pressure difference between the first pressure relief valve inlet (3021) and the first pressure relief valve outlet (3022) is equal to a first predetermined pressure difference or the pressure at the first pressure relief valve inlet (3021) is equal to a first predetermined pressure value.

5. The heat pump system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The heat pump system further includes: a second one-way closed-loop pipeline assembly; and a second discharge pipeline assembly, the second discharge pipeline assembly including a second discharge pipeline (402), the second discharge pipeline (402) having a second discharge pipeline outlet (406) and a second discharge pipeline inlet (404), the second discharge pipeline inlet (404) being connected to the second one-way closed-loop pipeline assembly, and the second discharge pipeline outlet (406) being connected to pipelines and / or components in the heat pump system other than the second one-way closed-loop pipeline assembly, thereby discharging the refrigerant in the second one-way closed-loop pipeline assembly from the second one-way closed-loop pipeline assembly.

6. The heat pump system as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The second one-way closed conduit assembly is configured such that when the heat pump system is turned off, refrigerant can enter the second one-way closed conduit assembly and accumulate in the second one-way closed conduit assembly; The second unidirectional closed conduit assembly includes: a second conduit (182) having a second conduit outlet (186) and at least one second conduit inlet; A throttling device (131) is disposed at the outlet (186) of the second pipeline; and at least one second pipeline check valve is disposed correspondingly at the inlet of the at least one second pipeline and configured to allow fluid to enter the second pipeline (182) through the at least one second pipeline check valve.

7. The heat pump system as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The second discharge pipeline assembly further includes a second discharge check valve (412), which is disposed on the second discharge pipeline (402) and configured to allow fluid to flow through the second discharge pipeline inlet (404) to the second discharge pipeline outlet (406); the second discharge pipeline outlet (406) is connected to the high-pressure side of the heat pump system.

8. The heat pump system as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The second discharge line assembly also includes a second pressure relief valve (502), which is disposed on the second discharge line (402) and configured to allow fluid to flow through the second discharge line inlet (404) to the second discharge line outlet (406); the second discharge line outlet (406) is connected to the low-pressure side of the heat pump system.

9. The heat pump system as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The second pressure relief valve (502) has a second pressure relief valve inlet and a second pressure relief valve outlet. The second pressure relief valve (502) is configured such that when the pressure difference between the second pressure relief valve inlet and the second pressure relief valve outlet is equal to a second predetermined pressure difference or when the pressure at the second pressure relief valve inlet is equal to a second predetermined pressure value, the second pressure relief valve inlet is connected to the second pressure relief valve outlet; the second discharge pipe outlet (406) is connected to the low-pressure side of the heat pump system.

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