Gas-liquid separator, air conditioning system and gas-liquid separation method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of air conditioning technology and discloses a gas-liquid separator, an air conditioning system, and a gas-liquid separation method. The gas-liquid separator includes a shell, an exhaust pipe, and a heating pipe. The top of the shell has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe connects to the evaporator of the air conditioning system, and the outlet pipe connects to the compressor of the air conditioning system, discharging gaseous refrigerant. The exhaust pipe is located inside the shell and connects to the outlet pipe, discharging gaseous refrigerant to the outlet pipe. The heating pipe is located at the bottom of the shell, and the economizer gas-side branch, hot gas bypass branch, and oil drain branch of the air conditioning system are all connected to the heating pipe. This gas-liquid separator increases the contact time and contact area between the gaseous and liquid refrigerants flowing into it, thereby vaporizing the liquid refrigerant, reducing its content, and improving the safety and service life of the compressor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a gas-liquid separator, an air conditioning system, and a gas-liquid separation method. Background Technology

[0002] Air conditioning systems, especially multi-split systems, require a large amount of refrigerant to ensure reliable operation. To ensure the refrigerant entering the compressor is purely gaseous, a gas-liquid separator is typically installed between the evaporator and the compressor suction port. The separator separates the liquid and gaseous refrigerant. Additionally, multi-split systems include a compressor oil drain line, an economizer, and a hot gas bypass branch. Lubricating oil from the compressor oil drain line, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant from the economizer, and high-temperature gaseous refrigerant from the hot gas bypass branch all flow into the gas-liquid separator. Therefore, if the refrigerant charge in the system is excessive, or if the evaporator's heat exchange is insufficient, too much liquid refrigerant will enter the gas-liquid separator. This causes the separator to lose its ability to separate gaseous and liquid refrigerant, leading to liquid refrigerant entering the compressor, damaging it, and ultimately damaging the air conditioner.

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, existing air conditioning systems either employ a heating device to vaporize the liquid refrigerant within the gas-liquid separator, thereby reducing the amount of liquid refrigerant; or they introduce high-temperature gaseous refrigerant from an external system to heat the liquid refrigerant, thus reducing the amount of liquid refrigerant. Both of these methods require additional parts or structures, and introducing high-temperature refrigerant externally or using external electric heating is both energy-wasting and increases costs.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a gas-liquid separator to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a gas-liquid separator that can increase the contact time and contact area between the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator, so as to vaporize the liquid refrigerant, reduce the liquid refrigerant content, and improve the safety and service life of the compressor.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] Gas-liquid separator, including:

[0008] The housing has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe at its top. The inlet pipe is connected to the evaporator of the air conditioning system, and the outlet pipe is connected to the compressor of the air conditioning system. The outlet pipe is used to discharge gaseous refrigerant.

[0009] An exhaust pipe is disposed inside the housing and connected to the outlet pipe, and the exhaust pipe can discharge the gaseous refrigerant to the outlet pipe.

[0010] The heating element is connected to the bottom of the housing, and the economizer gas-side branch, hot gas bypass branch, and oil drain branch of the air conditioning system are all connected to the heating element.

[0011] Optionally, the communication port of the heating tube extending into the housing is positioned downwards.

[0012] Optionally, the gas-liquid separator further includes a partition plate disposed inside the housing and between the heating tube and the top of the housing, and the partition plate is provided with multiple through holes.

[0013] Optionally, two heating tubes are provided, and the two heating tubes are spaced apart on the outer periphery of the housing. One heating tube can be connected to the hot gas bypass branch and the oil drain branch, and the other heating tube can be connected to the gas side branch of the economizer.

[0014] Optionally, the exhaust pipe has a U-shaped structure, with one end connected to the outlet pipe and the other end located near the top of the housing.

[0015] Optionally, the port where the inlet pipe extends into the housing and the other end of the exhaust pipe are separated.

[0016] Optionally, the exhaust pipe is provided with an oil return hole at the bottom.

[0017] Another objective of this invention is to provide an air conditioning system that improves the safety and lifespan of the compressor, thereby increasing the lifespan of the air conditioning system.

[0018] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0019] An air conditioning system includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a gas-liquid separator as described in any of the above embodiments, which are connected in sequence to form a circuit. The air conditioning system also includes an economizer gas-side branch, a hot gas bypass branch, and an oil drain branch, and the economizer gas-side branch, the hot gas bypass branch, and the oil drain branch are all connected to the heating pipe.

[0020] Optionally, control valves are provided in the pipelines connecting the compressor and the outlet pipe, the pipelines connecting the evaporator and the inlet pipe, the pipelines connecting the economizer gas-side branch and the heating pipe, the pipelines connecting the hot gas bypass branch and the heating pipe, and the pipelines connecting the oil drain branch and the heating pipe.

[0021] Another objective of this invention is to provide a gas-liquid separation method that increases the contact time and contact area between the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator, thereby vaporizing the liquid refrigerant, reducing the liquid refrigerant content, and improving the safety and service life of the compressor.

[0022] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0023] The gas-liquid separation method, using any of the above-described air conditioning systems, includes the following steps:

[0024] S1: Open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the above-mentioned inlet pipe and the above-mentioned evaporator, open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the above-mentioned outlet pipe and the above-mentioned compressor, open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the above-mentioned economizer gas side branch and the above-mentioned heating pipe, and open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the above-mentioned hot gas bypass branch and the above-mentioned heating pipe.

[0025] S2: A gas-liquid mixture of refrigerant is introduced into the housing through the inlet pipe. The liquid refrigerant descends and deposits, while the gaseous refrigerant rises. High-temperature gaseous refrigerant and high-temperature lubricating oil are introduced and mixed with the liquid refrigerant deposited at the bottom of the housing to vaporize at least a portion of the liquid refrigerant.

[0026] S3: The gaseous refrigerant rises to the above-mentioned exhaust pipe and flows to the above-mentioned outlet pipe to be discharged to the above-mentioned compressor.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0028] This invention provides a gas-liquid separator, an air conditioning system, and a gas-liquid separation method. During gas-liquid separation, the gas-liquid mixture of refrigerant from the evaporator flows into the housing through the inlet pipe. At this time, the gaseous refrigerant rises, while the liquid refrigerant sinks and settles at the bottom of the housing. The gaseous refrigerant flows into the exhaust pipe and then flows out of the outlet pipe to the compressor. The liquid refrigerant settled at the bottom of the housing is heated by the high-temperature gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the economizer gas-side branch through the heating pipe, the high-temperature gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the hot gas bypass branch, and the high-temperature lubricating oil flowing out of the oil drain pipe branch, so that the liquid refrigerant vaporizes and forms a gaseous refrigerant that rises to the exhaust pipe inlet and flows to the outlet pipe, and then flows out of the outlet pipe to the compressor. This gas-liquid separator separates the refrigerant into gas and liquid components without introducing new high-temperature gaseous refrigerant. Instead, it directs the existing branches for the high-temperature gaseous refrigerant and the high-temperature lubricating oil to the bottom of the separator. During the ascent of the gaseous refrigerant, it comes into full contact with and heats the liquid refrigerant, causing at least a portion of the liquid refrigerant to vaporize. This reduces the liquid refrigerant content within the separator, ensuring that the gaseous refrigerant flowing into the compressor is free of liquid refrigerant, thus improving the compressor's safety and lifespan. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front sectional view of the gas-liquid separator provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a top sectional view of the gas-liquid separator provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] In the picture:

[0033] 10. Shell; 20. Inlet pipe; 21. Main pipe; 22. Bent pipe; 30. Outlet pipe; 40. Exhaust pipe; 41. Oil return hole; 50. Heating pipe; 51. Connecting port; 52. First connecting port; 53. Second connecting port; 54. Third connecting port; 60. Partition plate; 61. Through hole;

[0034] 100. Gas-liquid separator; 200. Compressor; 300. Evaporator; 400. Economizer gas-side branch; 500. Oil drain branch; 600. Hot gas bypass branch. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0036] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] 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.

[0038] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, 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 the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0039] This embodiment provides a gas-liquid separator 100, which can increase the contact time and contact area between the gaseous refrigerant and the liquid refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator 100, so as to vaporize the liquid refrigerant, reduce the content of liquid refrigerant, and improve the safety and service life of the compressor 200.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the gas-liquid separator 100 includes a housing 10, an exhaust pipe 40, and a heating pipe 50. The housing 10 is equipped with an inlet pipe 20 and an outlet pipe 30. The inlet pipe 20 is connected to the evaporator 300 of the air conditioning system. The gas-liquid mixture of refrigerant after passing through the evaporator 300 will enter the gas-liquid separator 100 through the inlet pipe 20. The outlet pipe 30 is connected to the compressor 200 of the air conditioning system and is used to discharge gaseous refrigerant. The exhaust pipe 40 is located inside the housing 10 and connected to the outlet pipe 30. The exhaust pipe 40 can discharge gaseous refrigerant to the outlet pipe 30. The heating pipe 50 is connected to the bottom of the housing 10. The economizer gas-side branch 400, the hot gas bypass branch 600, and the oil drain branch 500 of the air conditioning system can all be connected to the heating pipe 50. The high-temperature gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the economizer gas-side branch 400, the high-temperature gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the hot gas bypass branch 600, and the high-temperature lubricating oil flowing out of the oil drain branch 500 all flow to the bottom of the housing 10 through the heating pipe 50.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the gas-liquid separator 100 performs gas-liquid separation, the gas-liquid mixture of refrigerant from the evaporator 300 flows into the housing 10 through the inlet pipe 20. At this time, the gaseous refrigerant rises and the liquid refrigerant sinks and settles at the bottom of the housing 10. The gaseous refrigerant flows into the exhaust pipe 40 and then flows out from the outlet pipe 30 to the compressor 200. The liquid refrigerant deposited at the bottom of the housing 10 is heated by the high-temperature gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the economizer gas-side branch 400 through the heating pipe 50, the high-temperature gaseous refrigerant flowing out of the hot gas bypass branch 600, and the high-temperature lubricating oil flowing out of the oil drain pipe branch 500, so that the liquid refrigerant vaporizes and forms gaseous refrigerant, which then rises to the inlet of the exhaust pipe 40 and flows to the outlet pipe 30, and then flows out from the outlet pipe 30 to the compressor 200. The gas-liquid separator 100 separates the refrigerant into gas and liquid components. This eliminates the need to introduce new, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant. Instead, the existing branches for the high-temperature gaseous refrigerant and the high-temperature lubricating oil are directed to the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 100. During the ascent of the gaseous refrigerant, it comes into full contact with and heats the liquid refrigerant, causing at least a portion of the liquid refrigerant to vaporize. This reduces the liquid refrigerant content within the gas-liquid separator 100, ensuring that the gaseous refrigerant flowing into the compressor 200 is free of liquid refrigerant. This improves the safety and lifespan of the compressor 200.

[0042] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the port of the inlet pipe 20 that extends into the housing 10 and the other end of the exhaust pipe 40 are separated to prevent the gas-liquid mixture of refrigerant entering through the inlet pipe 20 from directly entering the exhaust pipe 40, which would cause the liquid refrigerant to flow to the compressor 200.

[0043] Specifically, the inlet pipe 20 includes a main pipe 21 and a bend pipe 22. The main pipe 21 is connected to the outside, and the bend pipe 22 extends into the housing 10. The opening of the bend pipe 22 is positioned away from the exhaust pipe 40, which ensures that the port of the inlet pipe 20 extending into the housing 10 and the other end of the exhaust pipe 40 are separated, thereby ensuring that only gaseous refrigerant can flow into the exhaust pipe 40.

[0044] It is understood that the separation between the port of the inlet pipe 20 extending into the housing 10 and the other end of the exhaust pipe 40 can also be other structures, which are not specifically limited here. For example, in other embodiments, a baffle plate is provided between the port of the inlet pipe 20 extending into the housing 10 and the other end of the exhaust pipe 40 to prevent the gas-liquid mixture of refrigerant entering the housing 10 through the inlet pipe 20 from directly communicating with the exhaust pipe 40, thereby ensuring that only gaseous refrigerant can flow into the exhaust pipe 40.

[0045] Furthermore, such as Figure 1As shown, the exhaust pipe 40 has a U-shaped structure. One end of the exhaust pipe 40 is connected to the outlet pipe 30, and the other end is located near the top of the housing 10. This ensures that one end of the exhaust pipe 40 is connected to the outlet pipe 30, and the other end can be located in the upper part of the housing 10, further ensuring that only gaseous refrigerant can flow into the exhaust pipe 40.

[0046] Optionally, the exhaust pipe 40 is provided with an oil return hole 41 at the bottom. The oil return hole 41 is provided to remove the lubricating oil at the bottom of the gas-liquid separator 100, so as to avoid the phenomenon of lubricating oil clogging the exhaust pipe 40.

[0047] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, there are two heating tubes 50. The two heating tubes 50 are spaced apart on the outer periphery of the housing 10. One heating tube 50 can be connected to the hot gas bypass branch 600 and the oil drain branch 500, and the other heating tube 50 can be connected to the economizer gas side branch 400. Separating the pipelines makes it easier to arrange the pipeline layout.

[0048] Specifically, one of the two heating tubes 50 is provided with a first connecting port 52, and the other is provided with a second connecting port 53 and a third connecting port 54. The first connecting port 52 is connected to the gas side branch 400 of the economizer, and the second connecting port 53 and the third connecting port 54 are respectively connected to the hot gas bypass branch 600 and the oil drain branch 500, so as to realize the connection between the three and the housing 10.

[0049] It is understandable that the specific number of heating elements 50 can be changed according to actual needs, and no specific limit is made here.

[0050] Furthermore, the heating tube 50 is positioned so that the end of the tube extending into the housing 10 faces downwards, i.e., when the high-temperature fluid flows into the housing 10, it faces the bottom of the housing 10. This further increases the contact area and time between the high-temperature fluid and the liquid refrigerant, allowing for sufficient heat exchange between the two. This prevents the introduced high-temperature gaseous refrigerant or high-temperature lubricating oil from rapidly entering the upper part of the gas-liquid separator 100, which could cause fluctuations in the gas-liquid separation liquid level.

[0051] Specifically, the port of the heating tube 50 that extends into the housing 10 is the connecting port 51. The connecting port 51 is bent from the main pipeline to ensure that the connecting port 51 faces downward and extends deep into the top of the bottom of the housing 10, thus ensuring the contact area and time between the high-temperature fluid and the liquid refrigerant, so that the two can exchange heat fully.

[0052] To slow the spread of the high-temperature fluid flowing from the heating pipe 50 into the housing 10, in this embodiment, as follows: Figure 2As shown, the gas-liquid separator 100 also includes a partition 60, which is disposed inside the housing 10 and between the heating tube 50 and the top of the housing 10. The partition 60 is provided with multiple through holes 61, that is, the high-temperature gaseous refrigerant flowing in from the heating tube 50 is blocked by the partition 60 during its ascent and flows through the multiple through holes 61 to the top of the housing 10, which can increase the contact area and time between the high-temperature fluid and the liquid refrigerant, so that the two can fully exchange heat.

[0053] This embodiment also provides an air conditioning system, such as Figure 3 As shown, the system includes a compressor 200, a condenser, an evaporator 300, and a gas-liquid separator 100 as described in any of the above embodiments, all connected in sequence to form a circuit. The air conditioning system also includes an economizer gas-side branch 400, a hot gas bypass branch 600, and an oil drain branch 500, all of which are connected to the heating element 50. By using the gas-liquid separator 100, the safety and service life of the compressor 200 are improved, thereby extending the service life of the air conditioning system.

[0054] Furthermore, control valves are provided in the pipelines connecting the compressor 200 and the outlet pipe 30, the pipeline connecting the evaporator 300 and the inlet pipe 20, the pipeline connecting the economizer gas-side branch 400 and the heating pipe 50, the pipeline connecting the hot gas bypass branch 600 and the heating pipe 50, and the pipeline connecting the oil drain branch 500 and the heating pipe 50. The installation of control valves facilitates the connection and configuration of the various pipelines of the gas-liquid separator 100 by the air conditioning system.

[0055] This embodiment also provides a gas-liquid separation method, using any of the above-described air conditioning systems, including the following steps:

[0056] S1: Open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the inlet pipe 20 and the evaporator 300, open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the outlet pipe 30 and the compressor 200, open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the gas side branch of the economizer 400 and the heating pipe 50, open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the oil drain branch 500 and the heating pipe 50, and open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the hot gas bypass branch 600 and the heating pipe 50, so as to connect all the pipelines and allow the liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant to flow into the gas-liquid separator 100 through the corresponding pipelines.

[0057] S2: A gas-liquid mixture of refrigerant is introduced into the housing 10 through the inlet pipe 20. The liquid refrigerant descends and deposits, while the gaseous refrigerant rises. High-temperature gaseous refrigerant and high-temperature lubricating oil are introduced through the heating pipe 50 and mixed with the liquid refrigerant deposited at the bottom of the housing 10 to vaporize at least a portion of the liquid refrigerant.

[0058] S3: The gaseous refrigerant rises to the exhaust pipe 40 and flows to the outlet pipe 30 to be discharged to the compressor 200.

[0059] This gas-liquid separation scheme allows high-temperature gaseous refrigerant and high-temperature lubricating oil flowing into the gas-liquid separator 100 to enter the interior of the housing 10 from the bottom end using only existing devices and pipelines within the air conditioning system. These components then flow separately from the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant flowing into the gas-liquid separator 100. Simultaneously, the liquid refrigerant that has already deposited inside the housing 10 is heated and vaporized, achieving the vaporization of at least a portion of the liquid refrigerant. This reduces the liquid refrigerant content and improves the safety and service life of the compressor 200.

[0060] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separator, characterized by, include: The housing (10) has an inlet pipe (20) and an outlet pipe (30) at its top. The inlet pipe (20) is connected to the evaporator (300) of the air conditioning system, and the outlet pipe (30) is connected to the compressor (200) of the air conditioning system. The outlet pipe (30) is used to discharge gaseous refrigerant. An exhaust pipe (40) is disposed inside the housing (10) and connected to the outlet pipe (30). The exhaust pipe (40) can discharge the gaseous refrigerant to the outlet pipe (30). Heating tube (50) is connected to the bottom of the housing (10). The economizer gas side branch (400), hot gas bypass branch (600) and oil drain branch (500) of the air conditioning system can all be connected to the heating tube (50). A partition (60) is disposed inside the housing (10) and between the heating tube (50) and the top of the housing (10), and is located below the inlet tube (20). The partition (60) is provided with a plurality of through holes (61).

2. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating tube (50) extends into the housing (10) with its communication port (51) facing downwards.

3. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two heating tubes (50) are provided, and the two heating tubes (50) are spaced apart on the outer periphery of the housing (10). One heating tube (50) can be connected to the hot gas bypass branch (600) and the oil drain branch (500), and the other heating tube (50) can be connected to the economizer gas side branch (400).

4. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe (40) has a U-shaped structure. One end of the exhaust pipe (40) is connected to the outlet pipe (30), and the other end is located near the top of the housing (10).

5. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inlet pipe (20) is separated from the other end of the housing (10) by the port of the inlet pipe (20) and the exhaust pipe (40).

6. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe (40) is provided with an oil return hole (41) at the bottom.

7. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, The air conditioning system includes a compressor (200), a condenser, an evaporator (300), and a gas-liquid separator (100) as described in any one of claims 1-6, which are connected in sequence to form a circuit. The air conditioning system also includes an economizer gas-side branch (400), a hot gas bypass branch (600), and an oil drain branch (500), and the economizer gas-side branch (400), the hot gas bypass branch (600), and the oil drain branch (500) are all connected to the heating pipe (50).

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Control valves are provided in the pipelines connecting the compressor (200) and the outlet pipe (30), the pipelines connecting the evaporator (300) and the inlet pipe (20), the pipelines connecting the economizer gas side branch (400) and the heating pipe (50), the pipelines connecting the hot gas bypass branch (600) and the heating pipe (50), and the pipelines connecting the oil drain branch (500) and the heating pipe (50).

9. A gas-liquid separation method, characterized in that, The air conditioning system as described in claim 7 or 8 includes the following steps: S1: Open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the inlet pipe (20) and the evaporator (300), open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the outlet pipe (30) and the compressor (200), open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the economizer gas side branch (400) and the heating pipe (50), and open the control valve on the pipeline connecting the hot gas bypass branch (600) and the heating pipe (50); S2: A gas-liquid mixture of refrigerant is introduced into the housing (10) through the inlet pipe (20). The liquid refrigerant descends and deposits, while the gaseous refrigerant rises. High-temperature gaseous refrigerant and high-temperature lubricating oil are introduced and mixed with the liquid refrigerant deposited at the bottom of the housing (10) to vaporize at least a portion of the liquid refrigerant. S3: The gaseous refrigerant rises to the exhaust pipe (40) and flows to the outlet pipe (30) to be discharged to the compressor (200).

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