A tee electronic expansion valve, a heat pump system and a load control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of tee electronic expansion valve, heat pump system and its load control method, the scheme is connected by tee expansion electronic valve in the middle part of outdoor heat exchanger, and outdoor heat exchanger is divided into two parts, can be according to the load demand of heat pump system two parts are connected into system.In the load demand of heat pump system is large, tee expansion electronic valve will be connected in the two parts of outdoor heat exchanger, and outdoor heat exchanger is integrated into system, so that system operation is more stable.When the load demand of heat pump system is small, only the upper part of outdoor heat exchanger is connected into heat pump system by tee expansion electronic valve, to achieve energy saving, reduce system pressure loss, improve the purpose of unit energy efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat pump technology, and in particular to a three-way electronic expansion valve, a heat pump system and its load control method. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic expansion valves are widely used in refrigeration systems, primarily to regulate refrigerant flow, enabling the system to better adapt to load changes and ensuring high-efficiency operation. Variable flow path designs in heat exchangers also aim to achieve the same goal. However, current variable flow path designs require complex piping to switch refrigerant flow paths, followed by throttling via electronic expansion valves. This cumbersome piping control and excessive piping can increase pressure loss, reducing unit efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a three-way electronic expansion valve, a heat pump system, and a load control method thereof, which enables the use of a three-way electronic valve to connect to the outdoor unit in the heat pump system, allows for the rational use of pipes on the outdoor unit's heat exchanger according to requirements, simplifies the design of variable flow path pipes, and results in a simpler and more compact structure.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a three-way electronic expansion valve, comprising a valve body, characterized in that: an upper chamber is constructed on the upper inner side of the valve body, and a main chamber is constructed below the upper chamber, the upper chamber and the main chamber being connected by a connecting channel; a first connecting pipe is provided on the side of the upper chamber, the first connecting pipe extending out of the valve body and having a first outlet channel communicating with the upper chamber on its inner side; a second connecting pipe and a third connecting pipe are provided on both sides of the lower part of the valve body, the second connecting pipe and the third connecting pipe having a first inlet channel and a second outlet channel communicating with the main chamber on their inner sides;

[0005] The upper chamber is equipped with a main valve core, which can move up and down to open or close the connection channel; the main chamber is equipped with a one-way valve core located above the connection port between the second outlet channel and the main chamber, which can move downward to connect the main chamber with the second outlet channel or close the connection port between the second outlet channel and the main chamber.

[0006] Preferably, the one-way valve core includes a one-way valve body, a core body, and a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket is disposed at the lower end of the core body, and the diameter of the sealing gasket is larger than the diameter of the connection port between the second outlet channel and the main chamber.

[0007] Preferably, the lower end of the main valve core is tapered.

[0008] A load control method for a heat pump system, wherein the heat pump system has a three-way electronic expansion valve as described in any one of the above, characterized in that: the heat pump system includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor unit, a throttling capillary tube, and an indoor unit arranged sequentially in a refrigerant main circuit; an outdoor temperature sensor is provided on the outside of the outdoor unit; the outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger and an outdoor fan; the indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor fan;

[0009] The outdoor unit heat exchanger includes multiple copper tubes, at least including a first copper tube and a second copper tube located in the middle of the outdoor unit heat exchanger. The first copper tube and the second copper tube are respectively connected to a second connecting pipe and a third connecting pipe. The outdoor unit is connected to a throttling capillary tube via a first pipe, and a liquid equalization two-way valve is provided on the first pipe. The other end of the throttling capillary tube is connected to a flash tank via a second pipe, and a third pipe is connected to the second pipe, which is connected to the first connecting pipe. The control method includes the following steps:

[0010] S1: The heat pump system is running. The controller obtains the outdoor ambient temperature T through the outdoor temperature sensor. If T < T1 or T ≥ T2, the controller controls the main valve core of the three-way electronic valve to close the connection channel, and the one-way valve core moves upward to connect the first inlet channel, the main chamber and the second outlet channel. At this time, the outdoor unit heat exchanger maintains normal full-load operation to ensure the heat exchange of the system.

[0011] S2: If T1≤T<T2, the controller calculates the indoor unit capacity requirement D. If D≥D1, the heat pump system load is large, the outdoor unit heat exchanger maintains normal full-load operation, the controller controls the main valve core of the three-way electronic valve to close the connection channel, and the one-way valve core moves upward to connect the first inlet channel, the main chamber and the second outlet channel.

[0012] S3: If D < D1, the system load is small. The controller controls the main valve core of the three-way electronic valve to move upward to open the connection channel so that the main chamber and the upper chamber are connected. The one-way valve core moves downward to close the connection port between the second outlet channel and the main chamber so that the first inlet channel and the second outlet channel are not connected.

[0013] Preferably, the ambient temperature values ​​T1 and T2 correspond to ultra-low temperature and high temperature ambient temperatures, respectively.

[0014] Preferably, the D value is mainly calculated using the indoor temperature value, the set temperature value, and the rated output capacity of the system, wherein the set value D1 is determined by actual testing according to different models.

[0015] Preferably, the flash tank is provided with a gas supply pipe that is connected to the gas supply port of the compressor, and the gas supply pipe is provided with a two-way gas supply valve.

[0016] Preferably, the flash tank and the indoor unit are connected by a second pipe, and the second pipe is equipped with a secondary throttling electronic expansion valve.

[0017] Preferably, the outdoor fan includes a first outdoor fan disposed above the first copper pipe and a second outdoor fan disposed below the second copper pipe.

[0018] This invention employs the aforementioned technical solution, dividing the outdoor unit heat exchanger into upper and lower parts by connecting a three-way expansion electronic valve to the middle of the heat exchanger. The upper and lower parts can be connected to the system according to the load requirements of the heat pump system. When the heat pump system load demand is high, the three-way expansion electronic valve connects the upper and lower parts of the outdoor unit heat exchanger, integrating the entire heat exchanger into the system, resulting in more stable system operation. When the heat pump system load demand is low, the three-way expansion electronic valve connects only the upper part of the outdoor unit heat exchanger to the heat pump system, achieving energy saving, reducing system pressure loss, and improving unit energy efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure connecting the first inlet channel and the second outlet channel of a three-way expansion electronic valve.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure connecting the first inlet channel and the first outlet channel of a three-way expansion electronic valve.

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram of point A in the middle.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a system diagram of the heat pump system in this case.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the refrigerant flow direction when the heat pump system has a high load demand.

[0024] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating the refrigerant flow direction for a heat pump system under hourly load demand.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the control logic in this case. Implementation

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless explicitly defined otherwise.

[0029] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] like Figures 1-3The diagram shows a three-way electronic expansion valve, comprising a valve body. An upper chamber 22 is formed on the upper inner side of the valve body, and a main chamber 23 is formed below the upper chamber 22. The upper chamber 22 and the main chamber 23 are connected by a connecting channel 24. A first connecting pipe 25 is provided on the side of the upper chamber 22, extending out of the valve body and having a first outlet channel 26 communicating with the upper chamber 22 on its inner side. A second connecting pipe 27 and a third connecting pipe 28 are provided on both sides of the lower part of the valve body. A first inlet channel 29 and a second outlet channel 30 communicating with the main chamber 23 are formed on the inner sides of the second connecting pipe 27 and the third connecting pipe 28.

[0032] The upper chamber 22 is provided with a main valve core 31, which can move up and down to open or close the connecting channel 24; the main chamber 23 is provided with a one-way valve core 32 and is located above the connection port 33 between the second outlet channel 30 and the main chamber 23. The one-way valve core 32 can move down to connect the main chamber 23 with the second outlet channel 30 or close the connection port 33 between the second outlet channel 30 and the main chamber 23.

[0033] Furthermore, the one-way valve core 32 includes a one-way valve body, a core, and a sealing gasket 34. The sealing gasket 34 is disposed at the lower end of the core, and the diameter of the sealing gasket 34 is larger than the diameter of the connection port 33 between the second outlet channel 30 and the main chamber 23. In this technical solution, the sealing gasket is widened below, mainly to increase sealing performance and limit movement, preventing it from retracting into the valve body.

[0034] Furthermore, the lower end of the main valve core 31 is conical. In this technical solution, the main valve core has a conical structure, which reduces the flow area when it moves downward, thus playing a throttling role.

[0035] like Figures 4-6 The heat pump system shown includes a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, an outdoor unit, a throttling capillary tube 3, and an indoor unit, which are arranged in sequence to form the refrigerant main circuit. An outdoor temperature sensor 4 is provided on the outside of the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger 5 and an outdoor fan. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger 6 and an indoor fan 7.

[0036] The outdoor unit heat exchanger 5 includes multiple copper tubes, including at least a first copper tube 8 and a second copper tube 9 located in the middle of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 5. The first copper tube 8 and the second copper tube 9 are respectively connected to a second connecting pipe 27 and a third connecting pipe 28. The outdoor unit is connected to the throttling capillary tube 3 through a first pipe 10, and a liquid equalization two-way valve 11 is provided on the first pipe 10. The other end of the throttling capillary tube 3 is connected to the flash tank 13 through a second pipe 12, and a third pipe 14 is connected to the second pipe 12. The third pipe 14 is connected to the first connecting pipe 25.

[0037] like Figure 7 The control method for the heat pump system shown includes the following steps:

[0038] S1: The heat pump system is running. The controller obtains the outdoor ambient temperature T through the outdoor temperature sensor 4. If T < T1 or T ≥ T2, the controller controls the main valve core 31 of the three-way electronic valve to close the connection channel 24, and the one-way valve core 32 moves upward to connect the first inlet channel 29, the main chamber 23 and the second outlet channel 30. At this time, the outdoor unit heat exchanger 5 maintains normal full-load operation to ensure the heat exchange of the system.

[0039] S2: If T1≤T<T2, the controller calculates the indoor unit capacity requirement D. If D≥D1, the heat pump system load is large, the outdoor unit heat exchanger 5 maintains normal full-load operation, the controller controls the main valve core 31 of the three-way electronic valve to close the connection channel 24, and the one-way valve core 32 moves upward to connect the first inlet channel 29, the main chamber 23 and the second outlet channel 30.

[0040] S3: If D < D1, the system load is small. The controller controls the main valve core 31 of the three-way electronic valve to move upward to open the connection channel 24 so that the main chamber 23 is connected to the upper chamber 22. The one-way valve core 32 moves downward to close the connection port 33 between the second outlet channel 30 and the main chamber 23 so that the first inlet channel 29 and the second outlet channel 30 are not connected.

[0041] Furthermore, the ambient temperature values ​​T1 and T2 correspond to ultra-low temperature and high temperature ambient temperatures, respectively.

[0042] Furthermore, the D value is mainly calculated using the indoor temperature value, the set temperature value, and the system's rated output capacity, wherein the set value D1 is determined by actual testing for different models.

[0043] Furthermore, the flash tank 13 is connected to a gas supply pipe 15, which is connected to the gas supply port of the compressor 1, and the gas supply pipe 15 is equipped with a two-way gas supply valve 16.

[0044] Furthermore, the flash tank 13 is connected to the indoor unit via a fourth pipe 17, and the fourth pipe 17 is equipped with a secondary throttling electronic expansion valve 18.

[0045] Furthermore, the outdoor fan includes a first outdoor fan 19 correspondingly disposed above the first copper pipe 8 and a second outdoor fan 20 correspondingly disposed below the second copper pipe 9.

[0046] In this specific embodiment, addressing the issues of complex piping design, high pressure loss, and energy inefficiency inherent in existing variable flow path heat exchanger designs, the above solution divides the outdoor unit heat exchanger into upper and lower sections by connecting a three-way expansion electronic valve in the middle. The upper and lower sections can be connected to the system according to the load demand of the heat pump system. When the heat pump system load demand is high, the three-way expansion electronic valve connects the upper and lower sections of the outdoor unit heat exchanger, integrating the entire outdoor unit heat exchanger into the system, resulting in more stable system operation. When the heat pump system load demand is low, the three-way expansion electronic valve connects only the upper section of the outdoor unit heat exchanger to the heat pump system, achieving energy savings, reducing system pressure loss, and improving unit energy efficiency.

[0047] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A load control method for a heat pump system, characterized in that: The heat pump system has a three-way electronic expansion valve, which includes a valve body. An upper chamber (22) is constructed on the upper inner side of the valve body, and a main chamber (23) is constructed below the upper chamber (22). The upper chamber (22) and the main chamber (23) are connected by a connecting channel (24). A first connecting pipe (25) is provided on the side of the upper chamber (22). The first connecting pipe (25) extends out of the valve body and forms a first outlet channel (26) communicating with the upper chamber (22) on its inner side. A second connecting pipe (27) and a third connecting pipe (28) are provided on both sides of the lower part of the valve body. A first inlet channel (29) and a second outlet channel (30) communicating with the main chamber (23) are formed on the inner side of the second connecting pipe (27) and the third connecting pipe (28). The upper chamber (22) is provided with a main valve core (31), which can move up and down to open or close the connecting channel (24); the main chamber (23) is provided with a one-way valve core (32) and is located above the connection port (33) between the second outlet channel (30) and the main chamber (23). The one-way valve core (32) can move down to connect the main chamber (23) with the second outlet channel (30) or close the connection port (33) between the second outlet channel (30) and the main chamber (23). The heat pump system also includes a compressor (1), a four-way valve (2), an outdoor unit, a throttling capillary tube (3), and an indoor unit that form the refrigerant main circuit in sequence. An outdoor temperature sensor (4) is provided on the outside of the outdoor unit. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger (5) and an outdoor fan. The indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger (6) and an indoor fan (7). The outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) includes multiple copper tubes, including at least a first copper tube (8) and a second copper tube (9) located in the middle of the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5). The first copper tube (8) and the second copper tube (9) are respectively connected to the second connecting pipe (27) and the third connecting pipe (28). The outdoor unit is connected to the throttling capillary tube (3) through a first pipe (10). A liquid equalization two-way valve (11) is provided on the first pipe (10). The other end of the throttling capillary tube (3) is connected to the flash tank (13) through a second pipe (12). A third pipe (14) is connected to the second pipe (12). The third pipe (14) is connected to the first connecting pipe (25). The control method includes the following steps: S1: The heat pump system is running. The controller obtains the outdoor ambient temperature T through the outdoor temperature sensor (4). If T < T1 or T ≥ T2, the controller controls the main valve core (31) of the three-way electronic expansion valve to close the connection channel (24). The one-way valve core (32) moves upward to connect the first inlet channel (29), the main chamber (23), and the second outlet channel (30). At this time, the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) maintains normal full-load operation to ensure the heat exchange of the system. S2: If T1≤T<T2, the controller calculates the indoor unit capacity requirement D. If D≥D1, the heat pump system load is large, the outdoor unit heat exchanger (5) maintains normal full-load operation, the controller controls the main valve core (31) of the three-way electronic expansion valve to close the connection channel (24), and the one-way valve core (32) moves upward to connect the first inlet channel (29), the main chamber (23), and the second outlet channel (30); S3: If D < D1, the system load is small. The controller controls the main valve core (31) of the three-way electronic expansion valve to move upward to open the connection channel (24) so ​​that the main chamber (23) is connected to the upper chamber (22). The one-way valve core (32) moves downward to close the connection port (33) between the second outlet channel (30) and the main chamber (23) so that the first inlet channel (29) and the second outlet channel (30) are not connected.

2. The load control method for a heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one-way valve core (32) includes a one-way valve body, a core body and a sealing gasket (34). The sealing gasket (34) is located at the lower end of the core body. The diameter of the sealing gasket (34) is larger than the diameter of the connection port (33) between the second outlet channel (30) and the main chamber (23).

3. The load control method for a heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the main valve core (31) is conical.

4. The load control method for a heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outdoor ambient temperature values ​​T1 and T2 correspond to ultra-low temperature and high temperature ambient temperatures, respectively.

5. The load control method for a heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The D value is calculated using the indoor temperature value, the set temperature value, and the system's rated output capacity. The set value D1 is determined based on actual testing for different models.

6. The load control method for a heat pump system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flash tank (13) is connected to a gas supply pipe (15) which is connected to the gas supply port of the compressor (1). The gas supply pipe (15) is equipped with a two-way gas supply valve (16).

7. A load control method for a heat pump system according to claim 6, characterized in that: The flash tank (13) is connected to the indoor unit via a fourth pipe (17), and a secondary throttling electronic expansion valve (18) is provided on the fourth pipe (17).

8. A load control method for a heat pump system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outdoor fan includes a first outdoor fan (19) correspondingly installed above the first copper pipe (8) and a second outdoor fan (20) correspondingly installed below the second copper pipe (9).

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