Energy-saving device for heat exchanger drainage and air source heat pump unit

Abstract

The present application relates to a kind of heat exchanger drainage energy-saving device, including the guide rail installed on the outer surface of heat exchanger, brush plate assembly and spray assembly, the brush plate assembly is coupled with the guide rail connection and can slide along the guide rail, the brush plate assembly in the process of sliding breaks the water bead tension adhered to the outer surface of heat exchanger and guides water bead along brush plate assembly and separates from heat exchanger;The spray assembly is connected with the brush plate assembly by waterway, and the spray assembly atomizes the water of external water source and is sprayed to the outer surface of heat exchanger by brush plate assembly.The heat exchanger drainage energy-saving device of the present application can break the tension of condensate water accumulated on the surface of heat exchanger when heat pump unit runs heating mode, guide condensate water to separate from the surface of heat exchanger, improve the heat exchange efficiency of heat exchanger;When heat pump unit runs refrigeration mode, it can spray water mist to heat exchanger, enhance the heat dissipation effect of heat exchanger;Overall, it improves the energy efficiency of heat exchanger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of heat pump drainage, and more particularly to a heat exchanger drainage energy-saving device and an air source heat pump unit. Background Technology

[0002] Air source heat pumps convert low-temperature heat energy from the air into high-temperature heat energy through a compressor, offering advantages such as energy saving, convenience, safety, and environmental friendliness. Based on their working principle and product structure, they are typically installed outdoors.

[0003] When the heat pump unit is operating in heating mode, the finned heat exchanger is used as an evaporator. During evaporation, a large amount of condensate is generated and flows down the fins. Due to the surface tension of the water, the condensate forms water droplets that hang at the bottom of the fins. If the water droplets rely solely on their own gravity for drainage, the drainage efficiency is low and the effect is poor. This will cause too much condensate to be unable to be discharged in time and accumulate on the fin surface, affecting the air intake of the evaporator and thus affecting the heat exchange efficiency of the finned heat exchanger.

[0004] When the heat pump unit is operating in cooling mode, the finned heat exchanger is used as a condenser. At this time, no condensate is produced, but a large amount of dust and particulate matter in the air will be adsorbed. As a result, dust will accumulate on the outer surface of the heat dissipation fins after a period of use, which will affect the heat exchange efficiency of the finned heat exchanger.

[0005] Therefore, existing top-discharge air source heat pump units typically design the finned tube heat exchanger to be installed vertically or at a certain angle to facilitate drainage, based on the drainage characteristics of the finned tube heat exchanger. However, this design has the following problems:

[0006] (1) Increase the structural design space to increase the product size of the heat pump unit;

[0007] (2) The air volume on the windward side of the heat exchanger is unevenly distributed, which affects the efficiency of the heat exchanger. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a heat exchanger drainage energy-saving device, which has the advantages of eliminating water accumulation in the heat exchanger, improving the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger, and enhancing the heat dissipation effect of the heat exchanger.

[0009] A heat exchanger drainage energy-saving device includes a guide rail, a brush plate assembly, and a spray assembly installed on the outer surface of the heat exchanger. The brush plate assembly is coupled to the guide rail and can slide along the guide rail. During the sliding process, the brush plate assembly breaks the surface tension of water droplets attached to the outer surface of the heat exchanger and guides the water droplets to detach from the heat exchanger along the brush plate assembly. The spray assembly is connected to the brush plate assembly through a water channel. The spray assembly atomizes water from an external water source and sprays it onto the outer surface of the heat exchanger through the brush plate assembly.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the heat exchanger drainage energy-saving device of the present invention can break the surface tension of the condensate water accumulated on the heat exchanger when the heat pump unit is operating in heating mode, guide the condensate water to leave the surface of the heat exchanger, and improve the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger; when the heat pump unit is operating in cooling mode, it can spray water mist onto the heat exchanger to enhance the heat dissipation effect of the heat exchanger; thus improving the overall energy efficiency of the heat exchanger.

[0011] Furthermore, the brush plate assembly includes a base plate and a slider coupling frame and a water guiding brush assembly fixedly mounted on the base plate. The slider coupling frame is coupled to the guide rail and can drive the brush plate assembly to slide along the guide rail. During the sliding process, the water guiding brush assembly guides water droplets attached to the outer surface of the heat exchanger to detach from the heat exchanger.

[0012] Furthermore, the brush assembly also includes a drive assembly, which includes at least one drive wheel, at least one driven wheel, and a drive motor. The drive wheel and the driven wheel are disposed on the slider coupling frame and in contact with the track surface of the guide rail. The drive motor drives the drive wheel to rotate, thereby causing the driven wheel to rotate, and thus causing the brush assembly to slide along the guide rail.

[0013] Furthermore, the water-guiding brush assembly consists of brushes made of hydrophilic material evenly arranged on the base plate. This arrangement further enhances the ability to remove water droplets from the heat exchanger surface.

[0014] Furthermore, the portion where the slider coupling bracket is coupled to the guide rail is a locking structure. By opening the lock, placing the slider coupling bracket on the guide rail surface, and then locking the lock again, the slider coupling bracket is coupled to the guide rail. This design allows the brush plate assembly to be easily installed on the guide rail.

[0015] Furthermore, the spray assembly also includes a second water pipe connecting the electric three-way valve and the water inlet pipe. Water from an external water source passes through the electric three-way valve, then through the second water pipe, and finally through the water inlet pipe, before being sprayed onto the outer surface of the heat exchanger through the spray holes. When the heat exchanger surface is covered with a significant amount of dust and debris such as leaves, this design effectively removes the dust and debris, ensuring a clean surface and allowing the heat exchanger to maintain its maximum designed airflow in cooling mode without affecting its efficiency; it also enables effective heat dissipation in heating mode.

[0016] Meanwhile, the present invention also provides an air source heat pump unit, including a compressor, a four-way valve, an air-side finned heat exchanger, a throttling valve, and a water-source plate heat exchanger connected in sequence through a refrigerant circulation pipeline, and a drainage energy-saving device as described above is provided on the outside of the air-side finned heat exchanger.

[0017] Furthermore, the heat pump unit also includes a fan installed on top of the heat pump unit, and the air-side finned heat exchanger is horizontally arranged and parallel to the fan.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the air source heat pump unit of the present invention can effectively control the size of the unit by horizontally setting the heat exchanger. At the same time, combined with the heat exchanger's drainage energy-saving device, the heat exchanger can have the maximum and uniform air intake in the cooling mode and effective heat dissipation in the heating mode, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the unit.

[0019] To better understand and implement this invention, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an air source heat pump unit;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a front view of the assembly of the drainage energy-saving device;

[0022] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a drainage energy-saving device;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of the brush plate assembly in the drainage energy-saving device. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the embodiments of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that, unless otherwise stated, “a plurality” means two or more; and the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0026] In the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only for distinction and not to describe a specific order or sequence, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] For air-source heat pump units with top-discharge structures, setting the air-side finned heat exchanger vertically or inclined can solve the problem of condensate drainage, but it also leads to uneven airflow distribution on the windward side, affecting heat exchanger efficiency, and increasing the overall size of the air-source heat pump unit. Setting the air-side finned heat exchanger horizontally, with the fins parallel to the fan, can ensure uniform airflow distribution on the windward side, but it also causes water accumulation and drainage difficulties on the windward fins, as well as dust accumulation on the windward fins and accumulation of naturally falling dust, leaves, and debris on the leeward fins, resulting in reduced airflow and decreased heat exchange efficiency. To ensure maximum and uniform airflow and prevent condensation buildup in air-side finned heat exchangers, thereby maintaining optimal heat exchange efficiency at all times, this invention provides an air-source heat pump unit with a drainage energy-saving device installed on a horizontally positioned air-side finned heat exchanger. This solves the problems of water accumulation and drainage difficulties on the windward side fins of air-side finned heat exchangers in air-source heat pump units with top-discharge structures, as well as dust accumulation on the windward and leeward side fins. This ensures smooth and uniform airflow in and out of the air-side finned heat exchanger, improving its heat exchange efficiency in actual use.

[0028] Please see Figure 1 The air source heat pump unit of the present invention includes a compressor 100, a four-way valve (not shown), an air-side finned heat exchanger 300, a throttle valve (not shown), a water-source side plate heat exchanger 500, a fan 600, a drainage energy-saving device 700, a controller (not shown), and other auxiliary pipes and supports. The compressor 100, the four-way valve, the air-side finned heat exchanger 300, the throttle valve, and the water-source side plate heat exchanger 500 are sequentially connected through refrigerant piping.

[0029] Please see Figure 2 The fan 600 is located at the top of the air source heat pump unit; the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 is horizontally located directly below the fan 600, so that the windward airflow of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 is uniform; the drainage energy-saving device 700 is installed on the windward and / or leeward fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300, and can reciprocate along the windward and / or leeward fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300.

[0030] The controller is electrically or communicatively connected to the drainage energy-saving device 700. By acquiring the operating time and working mode of the heat pump unit, it sends drainage, spraying, or cleaning commands to the drainage energy-saving device 700, and controls the drainage energy-saving device 700 to operate along the surface of the windward and / or leeward fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300.

[0031] In a specific implementation, an intermediate end plate 310 is provided on the outer surface of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300, close to and parallel to the windward and leeward fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300. The long axis of the intermediate end plate 310 is parallel to the two side plates of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300, and the intermediate end plate 310 is located in the middle of the two side plates.

[0032] Please see Figure 3 The drainage energy-saving device 700 includes a guide rail 710, at least one brush plate assembly 720, and a spray assembly 730.

[0033] The guide rail 710 is mounted on the intermediate end plate 310 and is arranged along the long axis of the intermediate end plate 310. The guide rail 710 is laid according to the number of brush plate assemblies 720. When only one brush plate assembly 720 needs to be installed on the windward or leeward fin of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300, the guide rail 710 is laid on the intermediate end plate 310 of the windward or leeward fin. When brush plate assemblies 720 need to be installed on both the windward and leeward fins, the guide rail 710 is laid on the intermediate end plate 310 of the windward and leeward fins.

[0034] Please see Figure 4 The brush assembly 720 includes a base plate 721 and a slider coupling frame 722, a water-guiding brush assembly 723, and a drive assembly 724 disposed on the base plate 721. The brush assembly 720 is mounted on a guide rail 710 and is coupled to the guide rail 710 through the slider coupling frame 722, allowing the brush assembly 720 to reciprocate along the guide rail 710, which is parallel to the windward fins and / or the leeward fins.

[0035] The base plate 721 is a long, rigid plate, its length being slightly less than the distance between the two side plates of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300, so that when the brush assembly 720 slides along the guide rail 710, its length can cover the fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 near the two side plates. The working surface of the base plate 721 facing the fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 is divided into a central driving area A, a brush assembly area B, and an edge water spray area C.

[0036] The slider coupling frame 722 is fixedly mounted on the central drive area A of the base plate 721. The slider coupling frame 722 has a hollow section in its middle, consisting of an upper hollow section and a lower hollow section that pass through each other. The shape of the lower hollow section matches the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail 710, allowing the guide rail 710 to pass through the hollow section and couple the slider coupling frame 722 to the guide rail 710. This allows the brush plate assembly 720 to reciprocate along the guide rail 710, which is parallel to the windward and / or leeward fins. Furthermore, the hollow section in the middle of the slider coupling frame 722 is formed by a clip and a latch. The shape of the lower hollow section of the enclosed hollow section matches the cross-sectional shape of the guide rail 710. Opening the latch allows the clip to be placed on the guide rail 710, and then fastening the latch couples the slider coupling frame 722 to the guide rail 710.

[0037] The water-guiding brush assembly 723 is fixedly filled in the brush assembly arrangement area B and is used to contact the fin surface of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300, guiding water droplets on the fin surface of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 to flow along the water-guiding brushes. Furthermore, the water-guiding brush assembly 723 is made of a hydrophilic material to enhance the water droplet removal capacity of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 surface.

[0038] The drive assembly 724 is fixedly mounted on the central drive area A, and includes at least one drive wheel 7241, at least one driven wheel 7242, and a drive motor. Both the drive wheel 7241 and the driven wheel 7242 are mounted on the upper hollowed-out area of ​​the central hollowed-out portion of the slider coupling frame 722. The rollers of the drive wheel 7241 and the driven wheel 7242 contact the track surface of the guide rail 710, and the drive wheel 7241 and the driven wheel 7242 are symmetrically arranged on the track surface of the guide rail 710. The drive wheel 7241 is driven by the drive motor, and the driven wheel 7242 rotates with the drive wheel 7241 as the drive wheel 7241 rotates, thereby driving the brush plate assembly 720 to reciprocate along the guide rail 710. The drive motor is mounted on one side of the slider coupling frame 722 and is driven by the drive wheel 7241. After power is applied, the drive motor drives the drive wheel 7241, which in turn drives the driven wheel 7242 to move along the track surface of the guide rail 710, allowing the brush plate assembly 720 to move stably on the guide rail 710. The above describes one arrangement of the guide rail, drive wheel, and driven wheel provided in this application, but this application does not limit this arrangement. In specific implementations, existing ball bearing guide rails, roller guide rails, slider guide rails, etc., can be used to allow the brush plate assembly 720 to reciprocate along the guide rail 710.

[0039] The spray assembly 730 includes a plurality of spray holes 731 disposed on the spray area C at the edge of the base plate 721, a water inlet pipe 732, a first water pipe 734, a second water pipe 735 disposed on the outside of the brush assembly 720, an atomizing water pump 736, and an electric three-way valve 737 connecting the first water pipe 734, the second water pipe 735 to an external water source.

[0040] Specifically, one end of the water inlet pipe 732 is connected to all the spray holes 731, and the other end is connected to the first water pipe 734 and the second water pipe 735 respectively. One end of the first water pipe is connected to the water inlet pipe 732 and a first electric one-way regulating valve 7341 is provided at the connection to control the amount of water mist entering the water inlet pipe 732. The other end of the first water pipe 734 is connected to one end of the atomizing water pump 736, and the other end of the atomizing water pump 736 is connected to the first valve port of the electric three-way valve 737. One end of the second water pipe 735 is connected to the water inlet pipe 732 and a second electric one-way regulating valve 7351 is provided at the connection to control the water flow rate entering the water inlet pipe 732. The other end of the second water pipe 735 is connected to the second valve port of the electric three-way valve 737. The third valve port of the electric three-way valve 737 is connected to an external water source. By controlling the opening and closing of the first and second valve ports, water or water mist is delivered to the spray hole 731.

[0041] In practical implementation, a brush plate assembly 720 can be installed on the windward or leeward fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 as needed. Alternatively, one brush plate assembly 720 can be installed on each of the windward and leeward fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300, with each brush plate assembly 720 operating independently.

[0042] In another embodiment, when a brush plate assembly is installed on each of the windward and leeward fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300, the drive motor and atomizing water pump 736 of the brush plate assembly 720 installed on the leeward fin can be omitted, so that the brush plate assembly installed on the leeward fin and the brush plate assembly installed on the windward fin share the same drive motor and the same atomizing water pump. The corresponding circuit connection and water circuit connection are adjusted according to the actual situation. Traction ropes are set at both ends of the two brush plate assemblies along the length direction of the base plate 721, so that the brush plate assembly installed on the leeward fin side moves together along the guide rail 710 under the drive of the brush plate assembly on the windward fin side, and works together on the windward and leeward fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300.

[0043] After the air source heat pump unit has been running in heating mode for a period of time, the controller sends a drainage operation command to the brush assembly 720 of the drainage energy-saving device 700. This commands the drive assembly 724 to drive the base plate 721, which in turn drives the water-guiding brush assembly 723 to perform a reciprocating sweeping motion on the windward fin surface of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300. Simultaneously, the spray assembly 730 closes the first electric one-way regulating valve 7341 and the second electric one-way regulating valve 7351. The water-guiding brush assembly 723 contacts the windward fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300, breaking the surface tension of the condensate droplets and guiding the condensate along the brush assembly 723 away from the windward fins of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300. This prevents water accumulation on the windward fin surface of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 and improves the heat exchange efficiency of the air-side finned heat exchanger.

[0044] After the air source heat pump unit has been running in cooling mode for a period of time, the controller sends a spraying operation command to the brush plate assembly 720 of the drainage energy-saving device 700. The controller controls the drive assembly 724 to drive the base plate 721 to reciprocate on the fin surface of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 on the windward and / or leeward sides. At the same time, the controller controls the spray assembly 730 to close the second electric one-way regulating valve 7351 and open the first electric one-way regulating valve 7341, so that the first and third valve ports of the electric three-way valve 737 are connected. The atomizing water pump is activated to atomize the water under high pressure and spray it out from several spray holes 731, directly spraying it onto the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 to enhance the heat dissipation effect of the air-side finned heat exchanger.

[0045] When the air source heat pump unit operates in cleaning mode, the controller sends a cleaning operation command to the brush assembly 72 of the drainage energy-saving device 700. The controller controls the drive assembly 724 to drive the base plate 721 to drive the water guide brush assembly 723 to perform reciprocating sweeping motion on the windward and / or leeward fin surfaces of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300. At the same time, the controller controls the spray assembly 730 to close the first electric one-way regulating valve 7341 and open the second electric one-way regulating valve 7351, so that the second and third valve ports of the electric three-way valve 737 are open, and water from the external water source is sprayed out from several spray holes 731, directly spraying onto the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 to wash away the dust deposited on the fins. At this time, the water guide brush assembly 723 brushes out and discharges the wastewater carrying dust, which improves the surface cleanliness of the air-side finned heat exchanger 300, so that the air-side finned heat exchanger 300 has the maximum and uniform air intake in cooling mode, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the air-side finned heat exchanger.

[0046] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the present invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger drainage energy-saving device, characterized in that, The system includes a guide rail, a brush assembly, and a spray assembly mounted on the outer surface of a heat exchanger. The brush assembly is coupled to the guide rail and can slide along it. The brush assembly includes a water-guiding brush group that contacts the heat exchanger fins. The water-guiding brush group consists of brushes made of hydrophilic material evenly arranged on the brush assembly. During sliding, the brush assembly breaks the surface tension of water droplets adhering to the outer surface of the heat exchanger and guides the water droplets away from the heat exchanger. The spray assembly is connected to the brush assembly via a water channel. The spray assembly includes several spray holes and an inlet pipe on the brush assembly, as well as an atomizing water pump located outside the brush assembly and an electric three-way valve connecting the atomizing water pump to an external water source. The spray assembly sprays water from the external water source through the electric three-way valve, then through the atomizing water pump, and finally through the inlet pipe and sprays it onto the outer surface of the heat exchanger through the spray holes.

2. The drainage energy-saving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brush assembly also includes a base plate and a slider coupling frame fixedly mounted on the base plate. The water guiding brush group is mounted on the base plate. The slider coupling frame is coupled to the guide rail and can drive the brush assembly to slide along the guide rail. During the sliding process, the water guiding brush group guides the water droplets attached to the outer surface of the heat exchanger to detach from the heat exchanger.

3. The drainage energy-saving device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The brush plate assembly further includes a drive assembly, which includes at least one drive wheel, at least one driven wheel, and a drive motor. The drive wheel and the driven wheel are disposed on the slider coupling frame and in contact with the track surface of the guide rail. The drive motor drives the drive wheel to rotate, thereby causing the driven wheel to rotate, and thus causing the brush plate assembly to slide along the guide rail.

4. The drainage energy-saving device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The part where the slider coupling frame is coupled to the guide rail is a latching structure. The latch is opened, the slider coupling frame is placed on the track surface of the guide rail, and then the latch is fastened to couple the slider coupling frame to the guide rail.

5. The drainage energy-saving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spray assembly also includes a second water pipe connecting the electric three-way valve and the water inlet pipe. Water from an external water source passes through the electric three-way valve, then through the second water pipe, and then through the water inlet pipe, and is sprayed onto the outer surface of the heat exchanger through the spray holes.

6. The drainage energy-saving device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A first electric one-way regulating valve is provided between the atomizing water pump and the water inlet pipe to control the amount of water mist entering the water inlet pipe; a second electric one-way regulating valve is provided between the second water pipe and the water inlet pipe to control the water flow rate entering the water inlet pipe.

7. An air source heat pump unit, comprising a compressor, a four-way valve, an air-side finned heat exchanger, a throttling valve, a water-source side plate heat exchanger, and a controller connected sequentially via a refrigerant circulation pipeline, characterized in that, A drainage energy-saving device as described in any one of claims 1-6 is provided on the exterior of the air-side finned heat exchanger.

8. The heat pump unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heat pump unit also includes a fan installed on top of the heat pump unit, and the air-side finned heat exchanger is horizontally arranged and parallel to the fan.

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