A circulation system and method

Abstract

The application provides a circulating system and method. The circulating system comprises a system circulating assembly, a fluorine pump, and a first four-way valve, the first end and the second end of the first four-way valve are communicated with the first end and the second end of the fluorine pump, the fluorine pump is communicated with the system circulating assembly when the first four-way valve is in a first state, the fluorine pump is not communicated with the system circulating assembly when the first four-way valve is in a second state; a compressor and a control valve, the compressor is communicated with the system circulating assembly when the control valve is in a third state, the compressor is not communicated with the system circulating assembly when the control valve is in a fourth state. The system of the application has simple structure, can reduce the energy consumption of the system in the transition season by using the vapor compression cycle to carry out refrigeration and heating in summer and winter and using the fluorine pump cycle to carry out refrigeration in the transition season, and the use of the four-way valve can realize automatic control and reduce the flow resistance of the refrigerant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and more specifically to a circulation system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional air conditioning systems can meet the cooling needs of the vehicle compartment or other loads in summer and heating needs in winter. However, during transitional seasons, while the ambient air temperature is low, the temperature inside the vehicle compartment or other loads is higher than the ambient temperature due to solar radiation, equipment, and heat dissipation from people. In this case, natural cooling sources can be fully utilized to cool the internal environment of the load, hence the development of a combined compressor and refrigerant pump circulation system. In this system, the refrigerant pump replaces the compressor to drive the refrigerant circulation during the transitional season, thus achieving energy savings. Existing compressor and refrigerant pump combined circulation systems include... Figure 1 As shown, using multiple shut-off valves 6' to switch between different modes makes the system overly complex and unsuitable for automated control and operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems in the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a circulation system and method. The system has a simple structure and enables the use of a refrigerant pump to drive the refrigeration cycle during the transition season, thereby reducing the system's energy consumption and improving the automation control of system operation.

[0004] This invention provides a circulation system, including a system circulation component; a refrigerant pump; a first four-way valve, wherein a first end and a second end of the first four-way valve are respectively connected to a first end and a second end of the refrigerant pump; when the first four-way valve is in a first state, the refrigerant pump is connected to the system circulation component; when the first four-way valve is in a second state, the refrigerant pump is not connected to the system circulation component; a compressor; and a control valve, wherein when the control valve is in a third state, the compressor is connected to the system circulation component; and when the control valve is in a fourth state, the compressor is not connected to the system circulation component.

[0005] In some embodiments, the system circulation component includes a reservoir and a regulating valve, wherein a second end of the reservoir is connected to a fourth end of the first four-way valve, and a first end of the regulating valve is connected to a third end of the first four-way valve.

[0006] In some embodiments, the system circulation assembly further includes a condenser and an evaporator, with a first end of the receiver connected to a second end of the condenser and a second end of the regulating valve connected to the first end of the evaporator.

[0007] In some embodiments, the system further includes a second four-way valve connected to the compressor, and the control valve includes a third four-way valve, wherein a first end of the third four-way valve is connected to a fourth end of the second four-way valve, and a second end of the third four-way valve is connected to a second end of the second four-way valve.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first end of the condenser is connected to the third end of the third four-way valve, and the second end of the evaporator is connected to the fourth end of the third four-way valve.

[0009] In some embodiments, the high-pressure end of the compressor is connected to the first end of the second four-way valve, and the low-pressure end of the compressor is connected to the third end of the second four-way valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, the control valve includes a first solenoid valve or a first shut-off valve, a first end of the first solenoid valve or the first shut-off valve being connected to a second end of the second four-way valve, and a second end of the first solenoid valve or the first shut-off valve being connected to a first end of the condenser.

[0011] In some embodiments, the control valve further includes a second solenoid valve or a second shut-off valve, the second end of which is connected to the second end of the evaporator, and the first end of which is connected to the fourth end of the second four-way valve.

[0012] In some embodiments, the control valve further includes a third solenoid valve or a third shut-off valve, the first end of which is connected to the first end of the condenser, and the second end of which is connected to the second end of the evaporator.

[0013] This invention provides a looping method using the looping system described above, the method comprising:

[0014] In the first working mode, the first four-way valve is in the second state, and the control valve is in the third state;

[0015] In the second operating mode, the first four-way valve is in the first state, and the control valve is in the fourth state.

[0016] In some embodiments, the circulation system further includes a second four-way valve, and the first operating mode includes a first sub-operating mode and a second sub-operating mode, wherein:

[0017] In the first sub-operating mode, the first four-way valve is in the second state, the control valve is in the third state, and the second four-way valve is in the second state;

[0018] In the second sub-operating mode, the first four-way valve is in the second state, the control valve is in the third state, and the second four-way valve is in the first state.

[0019] The circulation system and method provided by this invention have the following advantages:

[0020] The system of this invention is simple to set up and can simultaneously meet the needs of refrigeration using a vapor compression cycle in summer, heating using a vapor compressor cycle in winter, and refrigeration using a refrigerant pump-driven refrigerant cycle during transitional seasons. Furthermore, due to the use of a four-way valve, the system reduces energy consumption during transitional seasons while improving the automation control and operation of the refrigeration system. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration cycle using a combination of a compressor and a refrigerant pump in the prior art;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a looping method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figures 3a to 3c This is a schematic diagram of the circulation mode of the circulation system in Embodiment 1 of the present invention during summer, winter and transitional seasons;

[0025] Figures 4a to 4c This is a schematic diagram of the circulation mode of the circulation system in Embodiment 2 of the present invention during summer, winter and transition seasons.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 1. Fluorine pump 72. Second four-way valve

[0028] 2. Compressor 73, Third Four-Way Valve

[0029] 3 condenser 8 liquid receiver

[0030] 4 Evaporator 91 First Solenoid Valve

[0031] 5. Control valve 92. Second solenoid valve

[0032] 6. Shut-off valve 93. Third solenoid valve

[0033] 71 First Four-Way Valve Detailed Implementation

[0034] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. The words “or” and “or” in the specification may mean “and” or “or”.

[0035] This invention provides a circulation system, including: a system circulation component; a refrigerant pump; a first four-way valve, wherein a first end and a second end of the first four-way valve are respectively connected to a first end and a second end of the refrigerant pump; when the first four-way valve is in a first state, the refrigerant pump is connected to the system circulation component; when the first four-way valve is in a second state, the refrigerant pump is not connected to the system circulation component; a compressor; and a control valve, wherein when the control valve is in a third state, the compressor and the system circulation component form a refrigeration cycle connection; and when the control valve is in a fourth state, the compressor is not connected to the system circulation component.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment of the invention also provides a looping method, employing the above-described looping system, the method comprising:

[0037] S100: In the first working mode, the first four-way valve is in the second state and the control valve is in the third state;

[0038] S200: In the second working mode, the first four-way valve is in the first state, and the control valve is in the fourth state.

[0039] In this embodiment, the circulation system further includes a second four-way valve, and the first operating mode includes a first sub-operating mode and a second sub-operating mode, wherein:

[0040] In the first sub-operating mode, the first four-way valve is in the second state, the control valve is in the third state, and the second four-way valve is in the second state;

[0041] In the second sub-operating mode, the first four-way valve is in the second state, the control valve is in the third state, and the second four-way valve is in the first state.

[0042] The described circulation method involves controlling the circulation system to operate in a first operating mode during summer or winter, in which the compressor is activated to achieve cooling or heating. Specifically, the first sub-operating mode of the first operating mode is cooling, and the second sub-operating mode is heating. During transitional seasons, the circulation system can be controlled to operate in a second operating mode, in which the refrigerant pump is activated to achieve cooling. The refrigerant pump has a lower operating power than the compressor, thus reducing energy consumption. The invention will be explained and described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0043] Example 1

[0044] Figures 3a to 3c This is a schematic diagram illustrating the circulation patterns of the circulation system in Example 1 during summer, winter, and transitional seasons. Figures 3a to 3c As shown, the circulation system includes a refrigerant pump 1, a first four-way valve 71, a compressor 2, a second four-way valve 72, system circulation components, and a control valve. The system circulation components include a condenser 3, an evaporator 4, a regulating valve 5, and a liquid receiver 8. The control valve includes a third four-way valve 73. The compressor 2 is connected to the third four-way valve 73 via the second four-way valve 72. In this embodiment, by using a four-way valve to control the switching of the circulation mode, the number of valves used is reduced, and automatic control is achieved, improving ease of use. Furthermore, compared to conventional solenoid valves, the four-way valve has lower flow resistance, which improves the working performance of the circulation system. Specifically, the second end of the liquid receiver 8 is connected to the fourth end of the first four-way valve 71, and the first end of the liquid receiver 8 is connected to the second end of the condenser 3; the first end of the regulating valve 5 is connected to the third end of the first four-way valve 71; the second end of the regulating valve 5 is connected to the first end of the evaporator 4, and the second end of the evaporator 4 is connected to the fourth end of the third four-way valve 73; the first end of the third four-way valve 73 is connected to the fourth end of the second four-way valve 72; the second end of the third four-way valve 73 is connected to the second end of the second four-way valve 72; the first end of the condenser 3 is connected to the third end of the third four-way valve 73; the high-pressure end (exhaust port) of the compressor 2 is connected to the first end of the second four-way valve 72, and the low-pressure end (inlet port) of the compressor 2 is connected to the third end of the second four-way valve 72.

[0045] like Figure 3aAs shown, in summer, the vapor compression cycle refrigeration is activated, and the refrigerant pump circuit is bypassed. The circulation system operates in the first sub-mode of the first operating mode. Specifically, the control valve is in the third state. In this embodiment, the control valve being in the third state means that the third four-way valve 73 is in the first state, the first four-way valve 71 is in the second state, the second four-way valve 72 is in the second state, and the compressor 2 is connected to the system circulation component. (The third four-way valve 73 is in the first state) Above this, the second and third ends of the third four-way valve 73 are connected, and the first and fourth ends of the third four-way valve 73 are connected. The first four-way valve 71 is in the second state, so the third and fourth ends of the first four-way valve 71 are connected, and the first and second ends of the first four-way valve 71 are connected. The second four-way valve 72 is in the second state, so the first and second ends of the second four-way valve 72 are connected, and the third and fourth ends of the second four-way valve 72 are connected. When the system is running, the compressed refrigerant is discharged from the high-pressure end of the compressor 2, enters the first end of the second four-way valve 72, then enters the second end of the third four-way valve 73 through the second end of the second four-way valve 72, and then enters the condenser 3 (outdoor unit) through the third end of the third four-way valve 73 to dissipate heat before entering the receiver 8. The refrigerant coming out of the receiver 8 passes through the fourth end of the first four-way valve 71, then the third end of the first four-way valve 71, and then enters the regulating valve 5 for throttling. After that, it enters the evaporator 4 (indoor unit) to absorb heat from the load and reduce the internal temperature of the load. The refrigerant leaving the evaporator 4 passes sequentially through the fourth end of the third four-way valve 73, the first end of the third four-way valve 73, the fourth end of the second four-way valve 72, and the third end of the second four-way valve 72 before re-entering the low-pressure end of the compressor 2. This refrigeration cycle is repeated to reduce the internal temperature of the load.

[0046] like Figure 3bAs shown, in winter, the vapor compression cycle is activated for heating, and the refrigerant pump circuit is bypassed. The circulation system operates in the second sub-mode of the first operating mode. Specifically, the first four-way valve 71 is in the second state, the second four-way valve 72 is in the first state (and the third four-way valve 73 is in the first state), and the compressor 2 is connected to the system circulation assembly. When the second four-way valve 72 is in the first state, the first end of the second four-way valve 72 is connected to the fourth end of the second four-way valve 72, and the second end of the second four-way valve 72 is connected to the third end of the second four-way valve 72. At this time, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 2 is discharged from the high-pressure end of the compressor 2, and sequentially passes through the first end of the second four-way valve 72, the fourth end of the second four-way valve 72, the first end of the third four-way valve 73, and the fourth end of the third four-way valve 73 into the evaporator 4 (indoor unit) to release heat. Then, after being throttled by the regulating valve 5, it passes through the third end of the first four-way valve 71, the fourth end of the first four-way valve 71, and the liquid receiver 8, and then enters the condenser 3 (outdoor unit). It then sequentially passes through the third end of the third four-way valve 73, the second end of the third four-way valve 73, the second end of the second four-way valve 72, and the third end of the second four-way valve 72 back into the low-pressure end of the compressor 2 to begin a new cycle.

[0047] like Figure 3c As shown, during the transitional season, cooling is often required for the load due to heat dissipation from solar radiation, personnel, and equipment. At this time, using a refrigerant pump to drive the circulation system and fully utilizing natural cold sources to cool the load can reduce system energy consumption. The circulation system operates in the second operating mode. In this mode, the refrigerant pump circuit is activated, and the compressor is bypassed. Specifically, the second four-way valve 72 is in the second state, the first four-way valve 71 is in the first state, the third four-way valve 73 is in the second state (and above), the regulating valve 5 is fully open with no throttling effect, and the refrigerant pump 1 is connected to the system circulation components. The refrigerant from the outlet of the refrigerant pump 1 sequentially passes through the second and third ends of the first four-way valve 71, then through the fully open regulating valve 5 into the evaporator 4 (indoor unit) to absorb heat. It then passes through the fourth and third ends of the third four-way valve 73 before entering the condenser 3 (outdoor unit) to exchange heat with the external environment. After passing through the receiver 8, it returns to the refrigerant pump 1 through the fourth and first ends of the first four-way valve 71, repeating this cycle to cool the load. In this cycle mode, the operating power of the refrigerant pump is lower than that of the compressor, thus reducing system energy consumption.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] Figures 4a to 4c This diagram illustrates the circulation system of this embodiment in summer, winter, and transitional seasons. The control valves in this embodiment are solenoid valves, including a first solenoid valve 91, a second solenoid valve 92, and a third solenoid valve 93. Specifically, the first end of the first solenoid valve 91 is connected to the second end of the second four-way valve 72, and the second end of the first solenoid valve 91 is connected to the first end of the condenser 3; the second end of the second solenoid valve 92 is connected to the second end of the evaporator 4, and the first end of the second solenoid valve 92 is connected to the fourth end of the second four-way valve 72; the first end of the third solenoid valve 93 is connected to the first end of the condenser 3, and the second end of the third solenoid valve 93 is connected to the second end of the evaporator 4. The first solenoid valve 91, the second solenoid valve 92, and the third solenoid valve 93 are used to control whether the compressor 2 and the system circulation components are connected to form a loop. In other embodiments, the control valves may also be shut-off valves. The choice of control valve type can be made according to actual needs. This embodiment is only illustrative and not specifically limited.

[0050] like Figure 4a As shown, in summer, the vapor compression cycle is activated for cooling, and the cycle system operates in the first sub-mode of the first operating mode. Specifically, the first four-way valve 71 is in the second state, the second four-way valve 72 is in the second state, and the control valve is in the third state, which is manifested as the first solenoid valve 91 and the second solenoid valve 92 being open, and the third solenoid valve 93 being closed. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 2 is discharged from the high-pressure port of the compressor 2, passes through the first and second ends of the second four-way valve 72 and the first solenoid valve 91, enters the condenser 3 to release heat, passes through the liquid receiver 8, the fourth and third ends of the first four-way valve 71, enters the regulating valve 5 for throttling, enters the evaporator 4 (indoor unit) to absorb heat, and then passes through the second solenoid valve 92 to the fourth end of the second four-way valve 72, and returns from the third end of the second four-way valve 72 to the low-pressure port of the compressor 2. This cycle is repeated to cool the load.

[0051] like Figure 4b As shown, a vapor compression cycle is activated for heating in winter, with the refrigerant pump circuit bypassed. The circulation system operates in the second sub-mode of the first operating mode. Specifically, the first four-way valve 71 is in the second state, the second four-way valve 72 is in the first state (the first solenoid valve 91 and the second solenoid valve 92 are open, and the third solenoid valve 93 is closed). Figure 4b Zhongyu Figure 4aCompared to the previous version, the difference lies in that the second four-way valve 72 is in the first state at this time. This allows the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 2 to enter the evaporator 4 (indoor unit) through the first end, the fourth end, and the second solenoid valve 92. After releasing heat inside the load, it passes through the regulating valve 5, the first four-way valve 71, and the liquid receiver 8 to enter the condenser 3 (outdoor unit) for heat absorption, finally returning to the low-pressure section of the compressor 2 for a new round of compression. This cycle repeats to heat the load. In this embodiment, the number of solenoid valves used is reduced compared to the previous technology, simplifying the setup of the circulation system and improving the convenience of the refrigeration cycle.

[0052] like Figure 4c As shown, during the transition season, a refrigerant pump is used to circulate and cool the load, reducing system energy consumption. The circulation system operates in the second working mode. Specifically, the control valve is in the fourth state, which means that the first solenoid valve 91 and the second solenoid valve 92 are closed, and the third solenoid valve 93 is open. The first four-way valve 71 is in the first state, the regulating valve 5 is fully open with no throttling effect, and the second four-way valve 72 is in the second state. The refrigerant pump 1 pumps liquid refrigerant from the second end (refrigerant pump 1 outlet) of the refrigerant pump 1 to the second end of the first four-way valve 71, then through the third end of the first four-way valve 71 and the regulating valve 5 into the evaporator 4 (indoor unit) for heat absorption, then through the third solenoid valve 93 into the condenser 3 for heat release, and then sequentially through the liquid receiver 8, the fourth end of the first four-way valve 71, and the first end of the first four-way valve 71 before returning to the refrigerant pump 1, thus repeating the cycle to cool the load. The operating power of a refrigerant pump is lower than that of a compressor. Therefore, using a refrigerant pump to regulate the internal temperature of the load during the transitional season can reduce energy consumption in the refrigeration cycle.

[0053] The circulation system and method provided by this invention have the following advantages:

[0054] The circulation system provided by this invention can save the number of valves used and simplify the setup of the circulation system. By using vapor compression circulation in summer and winter and refrigerant pump circulation in transitional seasons, energy consumption during refrigeration circulation in transitional seasons can be reduced. Furthermore, the use of a four-way valve can achieve automatic control without causing significant flow resistance.

[0055] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of the present invention. It should not be construed that the specific implementation of the present invention is limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all such modifications and substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A circulation system, characterized by, The system comprises a system circulation assembly, a fluorine pump, a first four-way valve, a compressor, a second four-way valve and a control valve. The system circulation assembly comprises a liquid accumulator, a regulating valve, a condenser and an evaporator. The first end and the second end of the first four-way valve are respectively connected with the first end and the second end of the fluorine pump. The first end of the liquid accumulator is connected with the second end of the condenser. The second end of the liquid accumulator is connected with the fourth end of the first four-way valve. The first end of the regulating valve is connected with the third end of the first four-way valve. The second end of the regulating valve is connected with the first end of the evaporator.

2. A circulation system characterized by, When the first four-way valve is in the first state, the fluorine pump is connected with the system circulation assembly. When the first four-way valve is in the second state, the fluorine pump is not connected with the system circulation assembly. The high-pressure end of the compressor is connected with the first end of the second four-way valve. The low-pressure end of the compressor is connected with the third end of the second four-way valve. The control valve comprises a third four-way valve. The first end of the third four-way valve is connected with the fourth end of the second four-way valve. The second end of the third four-way valve is connected with the second end of the second four-way valve. The first end of the condenser is connected with the third end of the third four-way valve. The second end of the evaporator is connected with the fourth end of the third four-way valve. When the control valve is in the third state, the compressor is connected with the system circulation assembly. When the control valve is in the fourth state, the compressor is not connected with the system circulation assembly. The system comprises a system circulation assembly, a fluorine pump, a first four-way valve, a compressor, a second four-way valve and a control valve. The system circulation assembly comprises a liquid accumulator, a regulating valve, a condenser and an evaporator. The first end and the second end of the first four-way valve are respectively connected with the first end and the second end of the fluorine pump. The first end of the liquid accumulator is connected with the second end of the condenser. The second end of the liquid accumulator is connected with the fourth end of the first four-way valve. The first end of the regulating valve is connected with the third end of the first four-way valve. The second end of the regulating valve is connected with the first end of the evaporator. When the first four-way valve is in the first state, the fluorine pump is connected with the system circulation assembly. When the first four-way valve is in the second state, the fluorine pump is not connected with the system circulation assembly. The high-pressure end of the compressor is connected with the first end of the second four-way valve. The low-pressure end of the compressor is connected with the third end of the second four-way valve. The control valve comprises a first electromagnetic valve or a first shut-off valve. The first end of the first electromagnetic valve or the first shut-off valve is connected with the second end of the second four-way valve. The second end of the first electromagnetic valve or the first shut-off valve is connected with the first end of the condenser. The control valve further comprises a second electromagnetic valve or a second shut-off valve. The second end of the second electromagnetic valve or the second shut-off valve is connected with the second end of the evaporator. The first end of the second electromagnetic valve or the second shut-off valve is connected with the fourth end of the second four-way valve. The control valve further comprises a third electromagnetic valve or a third stop valve, a first end of the third electromagnetic valve or the third stop valve being connected with the first end of the condenser, and a second end of the third electromagnetic valve or the third stop valve being connected with the second end of the evaporator; When the control valve is in the third state, the compressor is in communication with the system circulation assembly, and when the control valve is in the fourth state, the compressor is not in communication with the system circulation assembly.

3. A recycling method characterized by, The method comprises the circulation system of claim 1 or 2, and the method comprises: In the first working mode, the first four-way valve is in the second state, and the control valve is in the third state; In the second working mode, the first four-way valve is in the first state, and the control valve is in the fourth state.

4. The recycling method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The circulation system further comprises a second four-way valve, and the first working mode comprises a first sub-working mode and a second sub-working mode, wherein: In the first sub-working mode, the first four-way valve is in the second state, the control valve is in the third state, and the second four-way valve is in the second state; In the second sub-working mode, the first four-way valve is in the second state, the control valve is in the third state, and the second four-way valve is in the first state.

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