Ice crystal removal device and supercooled water dynamic ice making system having the same

Abstract

The application discloses an ice crystal removing device and a supercooled water dynamic ice making system with the device. The ice crystal removing device comprises a water flow mixer, a water pump communicated with the outlet end of the water flow mixer, and a water outlet cavity communicated with the outlet end of the water pump. The water outlet cavity is also communicated with the water flow mixer, so that the part of the backwater in the water outlet cavity is mixed with the water entering the water flow mixer and then flows into the water pump. The ice crystal removing device makes the backwater with the increased temperature after passing through the water pump fully mixed with the water with ice crystals from the ice storage pool, and the water output after passing through the water pump also absorbs the heat generated by the water pump, so that the ice crystals in the water from the ice storage pool are effectively removed. The opening degree of the electric valve in the water flow mixer is adjusted by the controller, and the water quantity of the part of the backwater is adjusted, so that the damage of the evaporator caused by the ice crystals can be avoided, and the reliability is high. The water transported by the water pump absorbs the heat generated by the water pump, the system energy is saved, and the cost is low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration technology, and more particularly to a device for eliminating the propagation and flow of ice crystals in a dynamic ice-making method using subcooled water, and a dynamic ice-making system using subcooled water having the device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are many methods for ice making in this field, such as dynamic ice making with supercooled water, cutting, falling film method, and vacuum method. Among them, dynamic ice making with supercooled water is gradually being used in the field of ice slurry production due to its high heat transfer efficiency and strong feasibility.

[0003] The subcooled water dynamic ice-making method involves cooling water above zero degrees Celsius to below zero degrees Celsius within an evaporator. At this point, the water is subcooled and not yet frozen, existing in an unstable state. The energy barrier required for freezing temporarily keeps the subcooled water in a liquid state. After leaving the evaporator (subcooler) and entering the ice storage tank, the subcooled water undergoes excitation methods such as ultrasonic vibration to partially freeze, simultaneously raising its temperature to zero degrees Celsius. The remaining zero-degree water is then returned to the evaporator for cooling and recirculation.

[0004] Due to the characteristics of induced freezing, the ice within the induced freezing space is spatially uniformly distributed, resulting in a large number of ice crystals scattered throughout the ice-water mixture. Since not all ice crystals completely separate from the water in the ice storage tank, the zero-degree water exiting the tank inevitably contains a small amount of ice crystals. If these ice crystals are not removed and return to the evaporator, when cooled again below zero degrees Celsius, the presence of ice nuclei (ice crystals) will cause the ice-water mixture to freeze directly within the evaporator. This will lead to the freezing pipes bursting, damaging the compressor, and causing serious consequences.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problem, most methods in the art involve installing a jacketed heating device on the pipe connecting the evaporator and the ice storage tank. Further methods involve coating the inner wall of the pipe conveying the ice-water mixture with a hydrophobic layer to prevent ice crystals from entering the evaporator and causing safety hazards. For example... Figure 1 As shown, an ice crystal propagation prevention device can be installed on the pipeline between the evaporator and the ice storage tank to prevent ice crystals from propagating backflow into the evaporator. It can also be installed on the pipeline between the ice storage tank and the evaporator loop to prevent ice crystals from entering the evaporator along with the recirculated ice-water mixture. A second shell 2 is coaxially fitted within a first shell 1. The radial gap between the first and second shells 1 and 2 forms a heat exchange chamber 3. The inner wall of the second shell 2 is coated with a hydrophobic layer 4. Each end of the first shell 1 has an opening: a hot gas inlet 5 and a hot gas outlet 6. A stirring mechanism is installed inside the second shell 2. The stirring mechanism includes an impeller 7 and a rotating shaft 8. The rear end of the rotating shaft 8 is fixed inside the second shell 2 by a bracket 9. A heating wire can also be installed on the impeller 7. The rotating shaft 8 is driven by a motor and automatically controlled by a controller.

[0006] During operation, the mixed water containing ice crystals flows through the inner cavity of the second shell 2. To prevent ice crystals from entering the evaporator, external hot gas is introduced into the heat exchange chamber 3 between the first and second shells 1 and 2 radially. This hot gas heats and melts the ice crystals in the fluid in the second shell 2. Simultaneously, the continuously rotating impeller 7, which has a heating function, provides driving force to the fluid, melting the ice crystals and accelerating the fluid flow. This continuously washes the inner wall surface of the second shell 2. Combined with the inner wall surface coated with a hydrophobic layer 4, this effectively eliminates ice crystals adhering to the inner wall of the second shell 2, preventing backflow or recirculation of ice crystals into the evaporator.

[0007] However, after a period of practice, it was found that stable heating was not easily guaranteed, which greatly increased the operating costs and thus affected the efficiency of blocking the propagation and flow of ice crystals. Due to prolonged use, the stirring mechanism inside the second shell 2 became inconvenient to maintain, its working efficiency continued to decline, and the hydrophobic layer 4 cracked and aged, which reduced the smoothness of the surface of the second shell 2, thereby reducing the efficiency of preventing the propagation and flow of ice crystals.

[0008] Therefore, overcoming the shortcomings of low reliability and high production cost in preventing the propagation and flow of ice crystals is a problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] To address the problems of low reliability and high production cost in existing dynamic ice making systems using subcooled water for preventing ice crystal propagation and flow, this invention provides an ice crystal removal device that reliably prevents ice crystal propagation and flow with low production cost, as well as a dynamic ice making system using subcooled water incorporating this device.

[0010] The present invention proposes an ice crystal removal device, comprising a water flow mixer, a water pump connected to the outlet end of the water flow mixer, and a water outlet chamber connected to the outlet end of the water pump; the water outlet chamber is also connected to the water flow mixer, such that a portion of the return water from the water outlet chamber is mixed with the water entering the water flow mixer before entering the water pump.

[0011] Preferably, the water flow mixer includes an inner core, a return water distributor fitted outside the inner core, and an inner shell fitted outside the return water distributor; the gap between one end of the return water distributor and the outer end of the inner core is a water inlet, the other end of the return water distributor is an outlet and is connected to the inlet of the water pump, and the part of the return water distributor opposite to the inner core has a through hole.

[0012] Preferably, the inner core is a cylindrical body, and the inner end of the inner core is a closed conical shape, with the through hole of the return water distributor corresponding to the conical part of the inner core.

[0013] Preferably, the surface of the cone portion of the inner core is provided with a water mixing structure with concentric circles.

[0014] Preferably, the water mixing structure is a corrugated structure or a stepped structure.

[0015] Preferably, the front part of the return water distributor is in the shape of a cone corresponding to the inner core, and a mixing channel is formed between the two.

[0016] Preferably, the rear portion of the return water distributor contracts to form an outlet pipe that passes through the side wall of the inner shell and connects to the inlet of the water pump.

[0017] Preferably, the water return distributor and the inner shell form a water return cavity.

[0018] Preferably, the return water chamber is further provided with a baffle plate with flow equalization holes.

[0019] Preferably, the through hole of the water return distributor is at least one of a round hole, an elliptical hole, or an elongated hole.

[0020] Preferably, the inner shell of the water mixer is surrounded by an outer shell, and the cavity formed between the outer shell and the inner shell is the water outlet cavity. The gap between one end of the outer shell and one end of the inner shell is the water outlet of the water outlet cavity, and the gap between the other end of the outer shell and the other end of the inner shell is the water outlet cavity inlet and is connected to the outlet of the water pump.

[0021] Preferably, the outlet chamber is connected to the return chamber of the water mixer via an electric valve.

[0022] Preferably, both the inlet and outlet are equipped with temperature sensors.

[0023] Another ice crystal removal device provided by the present invention includes a water flow mixer and a water outlet chamber connected to the outlet end of the water flow mixer; the water outlet near the water outlet chamber is connected to the water flow mixer via an electric valve so that part of the return water in the water outlet chamber mixes with the water entering the water flow mixer and flows into the water outlet chamber; the water flow mixer is provided with a rotating component for driving the flow of incoming water.

[0024] Preferably, the water mixer includes an inner core, a return water distributor fitted outside the inner core, and an inner shell fitted outside the return water distributor; the gap between one end of the return water distributor and the outer end of the inner core is a water inlet, the other end of the return water distributor is an outlet and communicates with the inlet of the water outlet chamber, and the part of the return water distributor opposite to the inner core has a through hole; the inner core is a rotating component that drives the flow of incoming water.

[0025] Preferably, the inner shell of the water mixer is surrounded by an outer shell, and the cavity formed between the outer shell and the inner shell is the water outlet cavity. The gap between one end of the outer shell and one end of the inner shell constitutes the water outlet, while the gap between the other end of the outer shell and the other end of the inner shell constitutes the water outlet cavity inlet and communicates with the outlet of the return water distributor.

[0026] This invention provides a dynamic ice-making system for subcooled water, comprising an evaporator and an ice storage tank. It also includes the ice crystal removal device described in this invention; the outlet of the ice storage tank is connected to the inlet of the ice crystal removal device, and the outlet of the ice crystal removal device is connected to the inlet of the evaporator.

[0027] The ice crystal removal device of this invention is installed at the outlet of the ice storage tank in a subcooled water dynamic ice-making system. It utilizes pump power to send most of the treated water from the water mixer to the evaporator, while returning a portion of the return water to the water mixer. Within the water mixer, the vortex flow generated by the annular corrugated structure of the inner core allows the return water to fully mix with the water containing ice crystals from the ice storage tank. Simultaneously, the water output by the pump absorbs the heat generated by the pump's ineffective operation, thus effectively removing ice crystals. The remaining water without ice crystals is then sent to the evaporator. This invention can also be freely adjusted according to operating conditions; that is, the opening of the electric valve in the water mixer can be adjusted via a controller, allowing for rapid response and adjustment of the return water volume to avoid insufficient ice crystal removal and pipe freezing under extreme conditions, ensuring high reliability. The water transported by the pump absorbs the heat dissipated during pump operation, saving system energy and reducing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a flow device for preventing the propagation of ice crystals in the prior art; Figure 2 This is a module diagram illustrating the application of the ice crystal removal device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the ice crystal removal device of the present invention; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the shell separated from the body; Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the inner shell separated from the middle shell; Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the return water distributor separated from the middle; Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the corrugated inner core separated from the middle; Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the corrugated inner core; Figure 9 yes Figure 3 The schematic diagram shown is a structural diagram of a water return chamber equipped with a baffle plate in the embodiment shown. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water outlet channel in the ice crystal removal device of the present invention, which is arranged in a non-axisymmetric manner; Figure 11This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of generating vortex mixing water on the surface of the corrugated inner core in this invention.

[0029] Existing technology Figure 1 In the diagram, 1-first shell, 2-second shell, 3-heat exchange cavity, 4-hydrophobic layer, 5-Hot air inlet, 6-Hot air outlet, 7-Impeller, 8-Shaft, 9-Support.

[0030] In the figures of this embodiment of the invention: 1-inner core; 1-1-mixing structure; 2-return water distributor; 2-1 through hole; 2-2-outlet pipe; 3-inner shell; 4-outer shell; 4-1-outlet chamber inlet; 5-electric valve; 6-water pump; 7-inlet; 8-outlet; 9-mixing channel; 10-return chamber; 11-outlet chamber; 12-baffle plate; 14-Evaporator; 15-Ice storage tank; 16-Ice crystal removal device.

[0031] Special note: If the markings shown in this invention differ from those in the prior art (e.g., ...), the markings should be noted. Figure 1 The same markings in () do not necessarily indicate the same technical features. Please refer to the interpretation of the respective documents. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] In existing ice-making methods using subcooled water dynamic ice production, ice crystals carried out from the ice storage tank are not removed and return to the evaporator, where they freeze directly inside the evaporator. This causes the freezer tubes to burst, damaging the compressor and resulting in serious consequences.

[0034] To address the aforementioned problem, a solution is provided in this field. For example... Figure 1 As shown, an ice crystal propagation prevention device can be installed on the pipeline between the evaporator and the ice storage tank to prevent ice crystals from propagating backflow into the evaporator. It can also be installed on the pipeline between the ice storage tank and the evaporator loop to prevent ice crystals from entering the evaporator with the recirculated ice-water mixture. A second shell 2 is coaxially fitted within a first shell 1. The radial gap between the first and second shells 1 and 2 forms a heat exchange chamber 3. The inner wall of the second shell is coated with a hydrophobic layer 4. Each end of the first shell has an opening, namely a hot gas inlet 5 and a hot gas outlet 6. A stirring mechanism is installed inside the second shell 2. This stirring mechanism includes an impeller 7 and a rotating shaft 8. The rear end of the rotating shaft 8 is fixed inside the second shell 2 by a bracket 9. A heating wire can also be installed on the impeller 7. The rotating shaft 8 is driven by a motor and automatically controlled by a controller.

[0035] During operation, the mixed water containing ice crystals flows through the inner cavity of the second shell 2. To prevent ice crystals from entering the evaporator, external hot gas is introduced into the heat exchange chamber 3 between the first and second shells 1 and 2 radially. This hot gas heats and melts the ice crystals in the fluid in the second shell 2. Simultaneously, the continuously rotating impeller 7, which has a heating function, provides driving force to the fluid. Melting the ice crystals also accelerates the fluid flow and continuously washes the inner wall surface of the second shell 2. Combined with the hydrophobic layer 4 coated on the inner wall surface, this effectively eliminates ice crystals and prevents them from adhering to the inner wall of the second shell 2, thus preventing ice crystals from backflowing or recirculating into the evaporator.

[0036] However, the heating provided by this technology is not easily guaranteed to be stable, which greatly increases the cost of use and thus affects the efficiency of blocking ice crystals. Due to prolonged use, the stirring mechanism inside the second shell 2 is inconvenient to maintain and its working efficiency continues to decline. In addition, the hydrophobic layer 4 cracks and ages, and the surface smoothness of the second shell 2 decreases, thereby reducing the efficiency of preventing the propagation and flow of ice crystals.

[0037] Therefore, to overcome the problems of low reliability and high production cost in preventing the propagation and flow of ice crystals, this invention provides an innovative solution.

[0038] The present invention proposes a technical solution for an ice crystal removal device, which includes a water flow mixer, a water pump connected to the outlet end of the water flow mixer, and a water outlet chamber connected to the outlet end of the water pump; the water outlet accessory of the water outlet chamber is also directly connected to the water flow mixer, so that part of the return water in the water outlet chamber is mixed with the water entering the water flow mixer before entering the water pump.

[0039] like Figure 3-8 As shown, in the first embodiment of the ice crystal removal device of the present invention, the water mixer in the ice crystal removal device includes an inner core 1, a return water distributor 2 fitted outside the inner core 1, and an inner shell 3 fitted outside the return water distributor 2. The gap between the right end of the return water distributor 2 and the right end of the inner core 1 forms a water inlet 7. The left end of the return water distributor 2 is an outlet and communicates with the inlet of the water pump 6. A through hole 2-1 is opened on the part of the return water distributor 2 opposite to the inner core 1. In this embodiment, the inner core 1 is a cylindrical body, and the inner end (left end) of the inner core is a closed cone shape. The through hole 2-1 on the return water distributor 2 is opposite to the cone part of the inner core 1. The surface of the cone part of the inner core 1 is provided with a water mixing structure 1-1 with concentric circular patterns. This water mixing structure is a corrugated structure, and other structures, such as stepped structures, can also be designed as needed. Figure 3As shown, the front part of the return water distributor 2 is cone-shaped, corresponding to the inner core 1, and the gap between the two forms a mixing channel 9. The rear part of the return water distributor 2 contracts to form an outlet pipe 2-2 that passes through the side wall of the inner shell 3 and connects to the inlet of the water pump 6. The circumference of the outlet pipe 2-2 of the return water distributor 2 is sealed to the side wall of the inner shell 3, so the cavity between the return water distributor 2 and the inner shell 3 constitutes the return water cavity 10. The through hole 2-1 opened in the return water distributor 2 is at least one of a circular hole, an elliptical hole, or an elongated hole. Of course, it can also be a through hole of other geometric shapes, which can be selected as needed.

[0040] like Figure 3-8 As shown, the inner shell 3 of the water mixer is surrounded by an outer shell 4, and the cavity formed between the outer shell 4 and the inner shell 3 is the water outlet chamber 11. The gap between the right end of the outer shell 4 and the right end of the inner shell 3 forms the water outlet 8 of the water outlet chamber 11, while the left end of the outer shell 4 and the water outlet pipe 2-2 of the return water distributor 2 form the water outlet inlet 4-1 of the water outlet chamber 11, which is connected to the outlet of the water pump 6. An electric valve 5, which can be electrically connected to the system controller, is provided in the water outlet chamber 11 near the water outlet 8. The water outlet chamber 11 is connected to the return water chamber 10 of the water mixer through the electric valve 5. Temperature sensors (not shown in the figure) that are electrically connected to the system controller are provided at both the water inlet 7 and the water outlet 8.

[0041] like Figure 3-8 As shown in the second embodiment of the ice crystal removal device of the present invention, the water mixer in the ice crystal removal device includes an inner core 1, a return water distributor 2 fitted outside the inner core 1, and an inner shell 3 fitted outside the return water distributor 2. The gap between the right end of the return water distributor 2 and the right end of the inner core 1 forms a water inlet 7. The left end of the return water distributor 2 is an outlet and is connected to the inlet of the water pump 6. A through hole 2-1 is opened on the part of the return water distributor 2 opposite to the inner core 1. In this embodiment, the inner core 1 is a cylindrical body, and the inner end (left end) of the inner core is a closed cone shape. The through hole 2-1 on the return water distributor 2 is opposite to the cone part of the inner core 1. The surface of the cone part of the inner core is provided with a water mixing structure 1-1 with concentric circular patterns. This water mixing structure is a corrugated structure, and other structures, such as stepped structures, can also be designed as needed. Figure 3 As shown, the front part of the return water distributor 2 is cone-shaped, corresponding to the inner core 1, and the gap between them forms a mixing channel 9. The rear part of the return water distributor 2 contracts to form an outlet pipe 2-2, which passes through the side wall of the inner shell 3 and connects to the inlet of the water pump 6. The outer circle of the outlet pipe 2-2 of the return water distributor 2 is sealed to the side wall of the inner shell 3, so the cavity between the return water distributor 2 and the inner shell 3 constitutes the return water cavity 10. Please refer to... Figure 9In this embodiment, a baffle plate 12 with flow equalization holes is provided between the return water distributor 2 and the inner shell 3 within the return water chamber 10. Part of the return water entering the return water chamber 10 through the electric valve 5 is first evenly distributed through the flow equalization holes on the baffle plate 12, and then enters the mixing channel 9 through the through-hole 2-1 on the return water distributor 2. This further increases the uniformity of the water returning to the mixing channel 9. The through-hole 2-1 on the return water distributor 2 is at least one of a round hole, an elliptical hole, or an elongated hole. It can also be a through-hole of other geometric shapes, selected as needed.

[0042] like Figure 3-8 As shown, the inner shell 3 of the water mixer is surrounded by an outer shell 4, and the cavity formed between the outer shell 4 and the inner shell 3 is the water outlet chamber 11. The gap between the right end of the outer shell 4 and the right end of the inner shell 3 constitutes the water outlet 8 of the water outlet chamber 11, while the gap between the left end of the outer shell 4 and the water outlet pipe 2-2 of the return water distributor 2 constitutes the water outlet inlet 4-1 of the water outlet chamber 11, which is connected to the outlet of the water pump 6. An electric valve 5, which can be electrically connected to the system controller, is provided near the water outlet 8 in the water outlet chamber 11. The water outlet chamber 11 is directly connected to the return water chamber 10 of the water mixer through the electric valve 5. Temperature sensors, which are electrically connected to the system controller, are provided at both the water inlet 7 and the water outlet 8.

[0043] In the above embodiments, the outer shell 4, inner shell 3, water return distributor 2, and inner core 1 are all axisymmetric bodies of revolution. The outer shell can also be designed as a semi-circular shell, etc., as needed. Figure 10 As shown, the water outlet channel is modified to an asymmetrical structure and designed at the top of the water mixer. Some of the return water still needs to pass through the electric valve 5. As long as it meets the technical solution of the ice crystal removal device proposed in this invention, it is acceptable. In addition, a flow equalization hole or a slotted plate can be set at the water inlet 7, and the form of the liquid collection chamber before the water inlet is not limited. The surface of the conical part of the inner core 1 can also be a flat surface. The mixing channel 9 formed between it and the return water distributor 2 can still have a mixing function, but the mixing effect is not as good as that of the corrugated inner core. However, the structure is simple and easy to manufacture.

[0044] The third embodiment of the ice crystal removal device of the present invention is basically the same in structure as the above embodiments, except that the water pump 6 that drives the water flow is eliminated and replaced with a driveable inner core 1. Please refer to... Figure 1The ice crystal removal device includes: a water flow mixer and a water outlet chamber 11 connected to the outlet end of the water flow mixer; the water outlet 8 near the water outlet chamber 11 is connected to the water flow mixer again through an electric valve 5, so that part of the return water in the water outlet chamber 11 mixes with the water entering the water flow mixer before entering the water outlet chamber 11. The water flow mixer is provided with a rotating component to drive the flow of incoming water. Specifically, the water flow mixer includes an inner core 1, a return water distributor 2 sleeved outside the inner core 1, and an inner shell 3 sleeved outside the return water distributor 2; the gap between the right end of the return water distributor 2 and the right end of the inner core 1 forms a water inlet 7, the left end of the return water distributor 2 is a water outlet pipe 2-2 and is connected to the inlet of the water outlet chamber 11, and a through hole 2-1 is opened on the part of the return water distributor 2 opposite to the inner core 1. In this embodiment, the inner core 1 is a rotating component to drive the flow of water, that is, the inner core 1 is driven to rotate by a transmission mechanism and a motor. This design drives the water flow in circulation and also heats the water by utilizing the rotational heat generated by the inner core 1. The inner shell 3 of the water mixer is surrounded by an outer shell 4, and the cavity formed between the outer shell 4 and the inner shell 3 is the outlet chamber 11. The gap between the right end of the outer shell 4 and the right end of the inner shell 3 forms the outlet 8, while the gap between the left end of the outer shell 4 and the left end of the inner shell 3 forms the outlet inlet 4-1 of the outlet chamber 11, which connects to the outlet pipe 2-2 of the return water distributor. The inner core 1 and its mixing structure are the same as those in the first embodiment. A baffle 12 may also be provided in the return water chamber 10 between the return water distributor 2 and the inner shell 3.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a dynamic ice-making system for subcooled water, including an evaporator 14 and an ice storage tank 15. An ice crystal removal device 16 provided by the present invention is disposed between the ice storage tank 15 and the evaporator 14. That is, the outlet water of the ice storage tank 15 is connected to the inlet 7 of the ice crystal removal device, and the outlet 8 of the ice crystal removal device is connected to the inlet water of the evaporator 14.

[0046] When the subcooled water dynamic ice-making system of the present invention is working, such as Figure 2 , 3As shown, when the zero-degree water containing ice crystals flows out of the ice storage tank 15, it enters the ice crystal removal device 16 through the inlet 7, passes through the mixing channel 9, and then flows out through the return water distributor outlet pipe 2-2 before entering the water pump 6. This water pump 6 provides power for the circulation of water in the entire subcooled water dynamic ice-making system. As the water passes through the water pump 6, it also carries away the heat generated by the mechanical losses of the pump 6, causing the water temperature to rise. When the water flows out of the water pump 6, it enters the outlet chamber 11 of the ice crystal removal device 16 through the outlet chamber inlet 4-1. Because the water is pressurized by the water pump 6, the pressure in the outlet chamber 11 is higher than the pressure in the mixing channel 9. Part of the return water in the outlet chamber 11 is sent to the return water chamber 10 through the electric valve 5, and then enters the mixing channel 9 evenly through the through hole 2-1 of the return water distributor 2 and mixes with the zero-degree water containing ice crystals that comes in from the ice storage tank 15 in order to eliminate the ice crystals; while most of the water in the outlet chamber 11 continues to flow out from the outlet 8 and is sent to the evaporator 14 (subcooler) for cooling and recirculation.

[0047] When the system is first turned on, the temperature difference between inlet 7 and outlet 8 is made greater than the normal operating temperature difference to ensure that the water at outlet 8 is heated to remove ice crystals. Specifically, the electric valve 5 is opened wider. Then, the electric valve 5 is gradually closed, causing the temperature difference between inlet 7 and outlet 8 to return to the normal operating temperature difference. At this point, the water returned to the return water chamber 10 has already undergone mixing in the mixing channel 9 and absorbed heat from the water pump 6, removing ice crystals. Most of the water sent to the evaporator 14 through outlet 8 is now free of ice crystals. Experiments confirm the temperature difference between inlet 7 and outlet 8.

[0048] Please combine Figure 11 Water entering the return water chamber 10 through the electric valve 5 is sprayed onto the surface of the corrugated inner core 1 through the through-hole 2-1 on the return water distributor 2. As the water flows through the mixing channel 9, it forms vortices 17 on the surface of the corrugated inner core 1, allowing the partially warmed return water to fully mix with the zero-degree incoming water from the ice storage tank 15, thereby eliminating any remaining ice crystals in the zero-degree water. Multiple concentric corrugations exist on the entire surface of the corrugated inner core 1. Therefore, the mixing process of the partially warmed return water and the zero-degree incoming water continues from the inlet 7 to the end of the mixing channel 9.

[0049] The electric valve 5 and temperature sensors located at the inlet 7 and outlet 8 are electrically connected to the system controller. The temperature sensors transmit the inlet and outlet water temperatures to the controller, which calculates the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water and compares it with a set temperature difference value. The controller then controls the opening of the electric valve 5 to precisely control the water flow into the return water chamber 10. A larger measured temperature difference indicates higher outlet and return water temperatures. If the temperature difference exceeds the set temperature difference, the electric valve 5 can be opened less, reducing the return water volume. When the electric valve 5 is opened more, more return water flows, causing more vigorous mixing in the mixing channel 9 and increasing pump power, resulting in a greater temperature rise after passing through the pump 6. Since the water entering through the inlet 7 is always at zero degrees Celsius, the temperature at the outlet 8 can be precisely controlled by setting the temperature difference. Therefore, it can adapt to different situations and the need for ice crystal removal during start-up and shutdown.

[0050] The ice crystal removal device of this invention is installed at the outlet of the ice storage tank in a subcooled water dynamic ice-making system. This device uses pump power to send most of the water treated by the water flow mixer to the evaporator, while sending a portion of the return water back to the water flow mixer. Within the water flow mixer, the vortex flow generated by the annular corrugated structure of the inner core allows the return water to fully mix with the water containing ice crystals from the ice storage tank. Simultaneously, the water output by the pump absorbs the heat generated by the pump's ineffective operation, thus effectively removing ice crystals and sending the majority of the water without ice crystals to the evaporator. This invention can also be freely adjusted according to operating conditions; that is, the opening of the electric valve in the water flow mixer can be adjusted by a controller, rapidly adjusting the amount of return water according to operating conditions to avoid insufficient ice crystal removal leading to pipe freezing under extreme conditions, ensuring high reliability. The water transported by the pump absorbs the heat generated by the pump's operation, saving system energy and reducing costs.

[0051] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ice crystal removal device, characterized in that, The device includes a water flow mixer, a water pump connected to the outlet end of the water flow mixer, and a water outlet chamber connected to the outlet end of the water pump; the water outlet chamber is also connected to the water flow mixer, so that a portion of the return water in the water outlet chamber mixes with the water entering the water flow mixer before entering the water pump. The water flow mixer includes an inner core, a return water distributor fitted outside the inner core, and an inner shell fitted outside the return water distributor; the gap between one end of the return water distributor and the outer end of the inner core is a water inlet, the other end of the return water distributor is an outlet and is connected to the inlet of the water pump, and a through hole is opened on the part of the return water distributor opposite to the inner core. The inner shell of the water mixer is surrounded by an outer shell, and the cavity formed between the outer shell and the inner shell is the water outlet cavity. The gap between one end of the outer shell and one end of the inner shell is the water outlet of the water outlet cavity, while the gap between the other end of the outer shell and the other end of the inner shell is the water outlet cavity inlet and is connected to the outlet of the water pump.

2. The ice crystal removal device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner core is a cylindrical body, and the inner end of the inner core is a closed cone shape. The through hole on the water return distributor is opposite to the cone part of the inner core.

3. The ice crystal removal device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The surface of the cone-shaped part of the inner core is provided with a water-mixing structure with concentric circles.

4. The ice crystal removal device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The water mixing structure is a corrugated structure or a stepped structure.

5. The ice crystal removal device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The front part of the return water distributor is cone-shaped, corresponding to the inner core, and a mixing channel is formed between the two.

6. The ice crystal removal device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rear of the return water distributor contracts to form an outlet pipe that passes through the side wall of the inner shell and connects to the inlet of the water pump.

7. The ice crystal removal device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The return water distributor and the inner shell form a return water cavity.

8. The ice crystal removal device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The return water chamber is also equipped with a baffle plate with flow equalization holes.

9. The ice crystal removal device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The through-holes in the water return distributor are at least one of the following: round hole, elliptical hole, or elongated hole.

10. The ice crystal removal device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The outlet chamber is connected to the return chamber of the water mixer via an electric valve.

11. The ice crystal removal device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Both the inlet and outlet are equipped with temperature sensors.

12. An ice crystal removal device, characterized in that, It includes a water flow mixer and a water outlet chamber connected to the outlet end of the water flow mixer; the water outlet near the water outlet chamber is connected to the water flow mixer via an electric valve, so that part of the return water in the water outlet chamber mixes with the water entering the water flow mixer before entering the water outlet chamber; the water flow mixer is provided with a rotating component that drives the flow of incoming water; The water mixer includes an inner core, a return water distributor fitted outside the inner core, and an inner shell fitted outside the return water distributor; the gap between one end of the return water distributor and the outer end of the inner core is a water inlet, and the other end of the return water distributor is an outlet connected to the inlet of the water outlet chamber, and a through hole is opened on the part of the return water distributor opposite to the inner core; the inner core is a rotating component that drives the water flow. The inner shell of the water mixer is surrounded by an outer shell, and the cavity formed between the outer shell and the inner shell is the water outlet cavity. The gap between one end of the outer shell and one end of the inner shell constitutes the water outlet of the water outlet cavity, while the gap between the other end of the outer shell and the other end of the inner shell constitutes the water outlet cavity inlet and is connected to the outlet of the return water distributor.

13. A dynamic ice-making system for subcooled water, comprising an evaporator and an ice storage tank, characterized in that, It also includes the ice crystal removal device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12; the outlet of the ice storage tank is connected to the inlet of the ice crystal removal device, and the outlet of the ice crystal removal device is connected to the inlet of the evaporator.

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