Integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, specifically to an integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit. It comprises a refrigeration unit, an air conditioning water circulation system, a cooling water circulation system, and a natural cooling water circulation system, all interconnected by pipes. It also includes multiple heat-conducting materials with built-in finned coils, housed within a cabinet. The cabinet is equipped with a temperature control device and an exhaust fan assembly. Four connecting pipes are connected to the ends of the cabinet, forming a temperature-controlled circulation system and a chilled water delivery system. These two sets of pipes, located inside the cabinet, are coiled between the multiple heat-conducting materials within the cabinet. This application utilizes low-temperature natural weather conditions by switching between compressor refrigeration mode and natural cooling mode to provide a cold source for the chiller, reducing the high energy consumption of the compressor and increasing energy efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of refrigeration equipment technology, and more specifically, to an integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit. Background Technology

[0002] Year-round chiller units are very common in engineering applications. During transitional seasons or seasons with low ambient temperature, the load is not high. If a compressor is used for refrigeration, it is easy to reach the load demand, resulting in frequent start-stop or loading and unloading, poor cooling effect, and low energy utilization. Over time, this can also lead to compressor oil return failure or even damage to the compressor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To improve the chiller's cold source supply mode and increase energy efficiency, this invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a solution for switching between compressor cooling mode and natural cooling mode, utilizing low-temperature natural weather to provide a cold source for the chiller, reducing the high energy consumption of the compressor, and increasing energy efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit, comprising a refrigeration unit, an air conditioning water circulation system, a cooling water circulation system and a natural cooling water circulation system connected to each other by pipelines, and multiple heat-conducting materials with built-in finned coils.

[0006] In this application, the heat-conducting material is installed inside the cabinet, which is also equipped with a constant temperature device and an exhaust fan assembly. Four connecting pipes are connected to the end of the cabinet. The four connecting pipes are connected in pairs through pipes. These two sets of pipes located inside the cabinet constitute a constant temperature circulation pipeline and a cold water delivery pipeline. The constant temperature circulation pipeline and the cold water delivery pipeline are coiled and installed between multiple heat-conducting materials inside the cabinet.

[0007] The two connecting pipes corresponding to the constant temperature circulation pipeline are directly connected on the outside of the cabinet to form a circulation path. The two connecting pipes corresponding to the cold water delivery pipeline are connected to the air conditioning water circulation system and the natural cold water circulation system on the outside of the cabinet through a three-way connector equipped with an air conditioning water proportional bypass valve. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The following figures are intended only to illustrate and explain the present invention, wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a system flowchart of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cabinet, side ventilation hood I, and connecting pipe of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the plate piston, heat-conducting material, and temperature-controlled device of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the side ventilation hood I, side ventilation hood II, and connecting column of the present invention;

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the heat-conducting material and positioning plate of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the push plate and sliding column of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the side ventilation hood II, connecting column, and lifting ramp of the present invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Flexible connector; 2. Butterfly valve; 3. Check valve; 4. Air conditioning water pump; 5. Filter; 6. Cooling water pump; 8. Proportional bypass valve for air conditioning water; 9. Proportional bypass valve for cooling water; 10. Electric heating element for air conditioning water circuit; 11. Expansion tank; 12. Compressor; 13. Water-cooled condenser; 14. Throttling device; 15. Water-cooled evaporator; 17. Electric heating element for cooling water circuit; 1.1. Cabinet; 1.2. Fan housing; 1.3. Inspection door; 1.4. Side vent hood I; 1.5. Side vent hood II; 1.6. Connecting column; 1.7. Lifting ramp; 1.8. Spring; 2.1. Plate piston; 2.2. Telescopic actuator; 2.3. Connecting rod; 2.4. Push plate; 2.5. Sliding column; 3.1. Heat-conducting material; 3.2. Positioning plate; 4.1. Connecting pipe; 4.2. Temperature control equipment; 4.3. Connecting pipe; 4.4. Internal conveying pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In order to improve the cold source supply mode of the chiller and increase energy utilization efficiency, the present invention provides an integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit, which includes a chiller unit, an air conditioning water circulation system, a cooling water circulation system and a natural cooling water circulation system connected to each other by pipelines, as well as multiple heat-conducting materials 3.1 with built-in finned coils.

[0018] The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] Reference Figure 1-3 The diagram illustrates the specific components of the integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit provided by this invention, including the chiller unit, air conditioning water circulation system, cooling water circulation system, and natural cooling water circulation system.

[0020] The refrigeration unit in this application refers to a refrigeration cycle system that includes four basic components: compressor 12, water-cooled condenser 13, throttling device 14, and water-cooled evaporator 15, but is not limited to the structure and type of each component.

[0021] The air conditioning water circulation system includes components such as flexible connector 1, butterfly valve 2, check valve 3, air conditioning water pump 4, filter 5, and expansion tank 11.

[0022] The cooling water circulation system includes components such as flexible connector 1, butterfly valve 2, check valve 3, filter 5, cooling water pump 6, cooling water proportional bypass valve 9, and cooling water circuit electric heater 17.

[0023] The natural cooling water circulation system includes components such as flexible connector 1, butterfly valve 2, check valve 3, filter 5, air conditioning water pump 4, air conditioning water proportional bypass valve 8, air conditioning water circuit electric heater 10, expansion tank 11, and finned coil.

[0024] The control system 16, refrigeration unit, air conditioning water circulation system, cooling water circulation system, natural cold water circulation system and heat-conducting material 3.1 with built-in finned coil can all be installed on an integral channel steel base and equipped with an external rainproof and rustproof enclosure structure to form a one-stop cold source air conditioning system.

[0025] The control of components such as air conditioning water pump 4, cooling water pump 6, heat-conducting material 3.1 with built-in finned coil, air conditioning water proportional bypass valve 8, cooling water proportional bypass valve 9, air conditioning water circuit electric heater 10, compressor 12, throttling device 14 and cooling water circuit electric heater 17, as well as other necessary drive components, is integrated into the control system 16 and is controlled by the controller in a one-button fully automatic manner.

[0026] The control system 16 can be an integrated control device that is available on the market.

[0027] The cooling water circulation system includes a cooling water proportional bypass valve 9. When the ambient temperature cannot meet the conditions for starting the natural cooling mode, the compressor cooling mode needs to be activated. At the same time, if the cooling water temperature is too low and may cause the compressor to stop, the control system 16 will adjust the opening of the cooling water proportional bypass valve 9 according to the cooling water temperature and condensing pressure, thereby changing the water flow rate into the water-cooled condenser 13, so that the cooling water outlet temperature and condensing pressure are within the safe operating range of the compressor, ensuring stable operation of the compressor cooling mode.

[0028] The cooling water circulation system includes an electric heater for the cooling water circuit 17. When the ambient temperature or the cooling water temperature is lower than the antifreeze protection temperature of the cooling water circuit, the control system 16 starts the cooling water pump 6 and the electric heater for the cooling water circuit 17 to perform antifreeze protection of the cooling water circuit.

[0029] The natural cooling water circulation system is configured with an air conditioning water proportional bypass valve 8 at the outlet of the air conditioning water pump 4. The air conditioning water is diverted through this valve to the finned coil inside the heat dissipation material. Through the forced convection of the heat dissipation material fan, the air conditioning water in the finned coil exchanges heat with the outside air, achieving the purpose of cooling the air conditioning water during transitional seasons or low ambient temperatures.

[0030] The natural cooling water circulation system includes an air conditioning water circuit electric heater 10. When there is no load demand at the terminal or other short-term shutdown situations, the water circuit is prone to freezing and damage to the equipment due to the low ambient temperature. At this time, the control system 16 starts the air conditioning water pump 4 and the air conditioning water circuit electric heater 10 for antifreeze protection.

[0031] The configured fan is a variable frequency fan. Depending on the operating mode, the fan operating frequency is precisely adjusted according to the ambient temperature or air conditioning water temperature to ensure that the fan is in the best energy-saving operating state in different modes.

[0032] When the terminal load demands the start of the integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit, the control system 16 first determines whether the ambient temperature meets the requirements for natural cooling mode operation. If it does, it enters natural cooling mode, starts the air conditioning water pump 4 and the heat dissipation fan, and adjusts the air conditioning water proportional bypass valve 8 according to the target temperature to match the load adjustment in real time. Otherwise, it enters compressor cooling mode, and starts the air conditioning water pump 4, cooling water pump 6, compressor 12, throttling device 14, heat dissipation fan and other components according to the automatic control logic. If the ambient temperature or cooling water temperature is low and does not meet the conditions for natural cooling mode, the cooling water pump 6 and the cooling water circuit electric heater 17 are started to ensure stable operation of compressor cooling mode.

[0033] If transitioning from compressor cooling mode to natural cooling mode, the compressor prioritizes load reduction control, the air conditioning water proportional bypass valve begins adjusting its opening, and the radiator fan starts simultaneously. Once the bypass valve is fully open, the compressor stops. During natural cooling mode, energy regulation is achieved by adjusting the opening of the air conditioning water proportional three-way valve and the radiator fan frequency. If the ambient temperature rises or the air conditioning load increases to the point where natural cooling mode can no longer meet the load demand, the system transitions from natural cooling mode to compressor cooling mode, starting the compressor for appropriate load control while simultaneously adjusting the air conditioning water proportional bypass valve until it is completely closed.

[0034] Reference Figure 2-3 The diagram illustrates the specific structure of cabinet 1.1 in the integrated dual-source natural chiller unit provided by this invention:

[0035] The heat-conducting material 3.1 of this application is installed inside the cabinet 1.1. The cabinet 1.1 is also equipped with a constant temperature device 4.2 and an exhaust fan assembly. Four connecting pipes 4.1 are connected to the end of the cabinet 1.1. The four connecting pipes 4.1 are connected in pairs through pipes. The two pairs of pipes located inside the cabinet 1.1 constitute a constant temperature circulation pipeline and a cold water delivery pipeline. The constant temperature circulation pipeline and the cold water delivery pipeline are coiled and arranged between the multiple heat-conducting materials 3.1 inside the cabinet 1.1.

[0036] The chilled water delivery pipeline is an inner delivery pipe 4.4, which runs through and coils between multiple heat-conducting materials 3.1. Low-temperature air is delivered into the cabinet 1.1 by the exhaust fan assembly to cool the heat-conducting materials 3.1, thereby providing a cold source for the chiller, reducing the high energy consumption of the compressor, and increasing energy efficiency.

[0037] The two connecting pipes 4.1 corresponding to the constant temperature circulation pipeline are directly connected on the outside of the cabinet 1.1 to form a circulation path. The two connecting pipes 4.1 corresponding to the cold water delivery pipeline are connected to the air conditioning water circulation system and the natural cold water circulation system on the outside of the cabinet 1.1 through a three-way connector equipped with an air conditioning water proportional bypass valve 8.

[0038] The constant temperature circulation pipeline is equipped with constant temperature device 4.2 and constant temperature tube 4.3. The number of constant temperature tubes 4.3 corresponds to the number of heat-conducting materials 3.1. The constant temperature tubes 4.3 are coiled and arranged through the heat-conducting materials 3.1.

[0039] The thermostatic device 4.2 is equipped with an electric heating device to prevent the temperature of the heat-conducting material 3.1 from being too low and causing damage to the pipeline.

[0040] Reference Figure 2-3 The diagram illustrates the specific structure of the induced draft fan assembly in the integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit provided by this invention:

[0041] The air intake assembly of this application includes a fan housing 1.2, which houses a fan and fan blades. Multiple ventilation holes I on both sides of the fan housing 1.2 penetrate the outer wall of the cabinet 1.1 and the partition in the middle of the inner side of the cabinet 1.1, respectively. Multiple exhaust holes are provided at the bottom of the cabinet 1.1. When the fan is started, cold air enters the cabinet 1.1.

[0042] The cabinet 1.1 is equipped with an inspection door 1.3. Open the inspection door 1.3 to clean and maintain the heat-conducting material 3.1.

[0043] The partition divides the cabinet 1.1 into three spaces: a heat exchange space, an exhaust space, and an auxiliary suction space. The heat exchange space and the exhaust space are respectively equipped with heat-conducting material 3.1 and a fan casing 1.2.

[0044] Reference Figure 2-3 and Figure 5 The following is an example illustrating how the integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit provided by the present invention reduces the surface temperature of the heat-conducting material 3.1 by increasing its contact with cold air:

[0045] The heat-conducting material 3.1 of this application is configured as a corrugated plate structure. The heat-conducting material 3.1 is rotatably installed inside the cabinet 1.1. The constant temperature circulation pipeline and the cold water delivery pipeline are located inside the cabinet 1.1 and use flexible hoses. The heat-conducting material 3.1 is provided with hollow grooves for airflow to pass through, and the heat-conducting material 3.1 is provided with round holes for pipes to pass through.

[0046] The lower ends of multiple heat-conducting materials 3.1 are connected by a positioning plate 3.2. The positioning plate 3.2 is rotatably connected to the heat-conducting materials 3.1. By controlling the rotation of the positioning plate 3.2, the contact effect between the heat-conducting materials 3.1 and the cold air is increased, and the surface temperature of the heat-conducting materials 3.1 is reduced.

[0047] Reference Figure 2-7 The illustration shows an embodiment of the integrated dual-source natural chiller unit provided by the present invention, which increases the smoothness of cold air circulation within the cabinet 1.1 to address the difficulty of starting the fan at low temperatures:

[0048] In this application, a plate piston 2.1 is horizontally slidably installed in the auxiliary suction space. Multiple vent holes II are respectively provided on the inner wall of the side of the plate piston 2.1 and at the lower end of the partition plate on the cabinet 1.1. Side vent hood I 1.4 and side vent hood II 1.5 are slidably installed on the side of the plate piston 2.1 and the side of the partition plate, respectively. During the horizontal sliding of the plate piston 2.1, the vertical position of the side vent hood I 1.4 and the side vent hood II 1.5 is adjusted to extract the air in the heat exchange space.

[0049] A telescopic actuator 2.2 is installed on the partition. The movable end of the telescopic actuator 2.2 is hinged to the side of the plate piston 2.1 via a connecting rod 2.3. The telescopic actuator 2.2 can be an electric telescopic rod or a hydraulic cylinder. When the telescopic actuator 2.2 is started, the plate piston 2.1 is driven to slide horizontally in the auxiliary suction space.

[0050] A push plate 2.4 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the plate piston 2.1. The push plate 2.4 passes through the partition and is slidably connected to the partition. The inclined surface on the push plate 2.4 can abut against the lifting inclined surface 1.7 at the bottom of the side vent hood II 1.5. As the plate piston 2.1 moves toward the heat-conducting material 3.1, the side vent hood II 1.5 is lifted, so that the side vent hood II 1.5 is staggered from the multiple vent holes II on its side.

[0051] A spring 1.8 is installed between the top of the side vent hood II 1.5 and the partition. A connecting column 1.6 is fixedly installed on both the side vent hood I 1.4 and the side vent hood II 1.5. The two connecting columns 1.6 are connected by a rope that passes through the partition, so that the side vent hood I 1.4 and the side vent hood II 1.5 can rise and fall synchronously and alternately to extract the air in the heat exchange space and prevent the air from easily re-entering the cabinet 1.1.

[0052] The above solution increases the smoothness of cold air circulation within cabinet 1.1 to address the difficulty of starting the fan at low temperatures.

[0053] In addition, a sliding column 2.5 is fixedly installed on the push plate 2.4. The sliding column 2.5 is slidably connected to the positioning plate 3.2. During the reciprocating sliding of the plate piston 2.1, it drives multiple heat-conducting materials 3.1 to swing synchronously, further increasing the contact performance and low-temperature conduction effect between cold air and heat-conducting materials 3.1.

[0054] The integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit of the present invention has two operating modes.

[0055] Firstly, in compressor cooling mode, the air conditioning water circulation system and the cooling water circulation system operate independently, with the air conditioning water proportional bypass valve 8 completely closed. Driven by the air conditioning water pump 4, the air conditioning water exchanges heat with the low-pressure, low-temperature refrigerant in the water-cooled evaporator 15. The cooled air conditioning water is then transported to the terminal equipment for further heat exchange, forming a closed-loop air conditioning water circulation system. Driven by the cooling water pump 6, the cooling water exchanges heat with the high-pressure, high-temperature refrigerant in the water-cooled condenser 13. The heated cooling water is then transported to the heat-conducting material 3.1 to release heat to the outside environment, forming a closed-loop cooling water circulation system.

[0056] Secondly, in the natural cooling mode, when the ambient temperature is lower than the target value and meets the natural cooling requirements, the air conditioning water, driven by the air conditioning water pump 4, bypasses to the finned coil through the air conditioning water proportional bypass valve 8. The heat-conducting material 3.1 is forced to convect with the low-temperature ambient temperature to exchange heat with the air. The cooled air conditioning water is then transported to the terminal equipment for heat exchange, forming a closed-loop air conditioning water circulation system in the natural cooling mode.

[0057] If transitioning from compressor cooling mode to natural cooling mode, the compressor prioritizes load reduction control, the air conditioning water proportional bypass valve begins adjusting its opening, and the radiator fan starts simultaneously. Once the bypass valve is fully open, the compressor stops. During natural cooling mode, energy regulation is achieved by adjusting the opening of the air conditioning water proportional three-way valve and the frequency of the radiator fan. If the ambient temperature rises or the air conditioning load increases to the point where natural cooling mode cannot meet the load demand, the system transitions from natural cooling mode to compressor cooling mode, starting the compressor for appropriate load control while simultaneously adjusting the air conditioning water proportional bypass valve until it is completely closed.

[0058] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art after adopting the above design are:

[0059] By making full use of the low-temperature outdoor air environment as a heat source, the natural cooling operation process only consumes power from the water pump and fan, and the energy consumption is only 15%-20% of that of the compressor operation. The overall energy consumption throughout the year is at least 30% lower than that of conventional refrigeration units.

Claims

1. An integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit, comprising a chiller unit, an air conditioning water circulation system, a cooling water circulation system, and a natural cooling water circulation system interconnected by pipes, and multiple heat-conducting materials (3.1) with built-in finned coils, characterized in that: The heat-conducting material (3.1) is installed inside the cabinet (1.1). The cabinet (1.1) is also equipped with a constant temperature device (4.2) and an exhaust fan assembly. Four connecting pipes (4.1) are connected to the end of the cabinet (1.1). The four connecting pipes (4.1) are connected in pairs through pipes. The two sets of pipes located inside the cabinet (1.1) constitute a constant temperature circulation pipeline and a cold water delivery pipeline. The constant temperature circulation pipeline and the cold water delivery pipeline are coiled between multiple heat-conducting materials (3.1) inside the cabinet (1.1). The two connecting pipes (4.1) corresponding to the constant temperature circulation pipeline are directly connected on the outside of the cabinet (1.1) to form a circulation path. The two connecting pipes (4.1) corresponding to the cold water delivery pipeline are connected to the air conditioning water circulation system and the natural cold water circulation system on the outside of the cabinet (1.1) through a three-way connector equipped with an air conditioning water proportional bypass valve (8). The air intake assembly includes a fan housing (1.2), which houses a fan and fan blades. Multiple ventilation holes I on both sides of the fan housing (1.2) penetrate the outer wall of the cabinet (1.1) and the partition in the middle of the inner side of the cabinet (1.1). Multiple exhaust holes are provided at the bottom of the cabinet (1.1). The partition divides the interior of the cabinet (1.1) into three spaces: a heat exchange space, an air duct space, and an auxiliary suction space. The heat exchange space and the air duct space are respectively equipped with heat-conducting material (3.1) and a fan casing (1.2). A plate piston (2.1) is horizontally slidably installed in the auxiliary suction space. Multiple ventilation holes II are provided on the inner wall of the side of the plate piston (2.1) and at the lower end of the partition plate of the cabinet (1.1). Side ventilation hood I (1.4) and side ventilation hood II (1.5) are slidably installed on the side of the plate piston (2.1) and the side of the partition plate, respectively. During the horizontal sliding of the plate piston (2.1), the vertical position of the side ventilation hood I (1.4) and the side ventilation hood II (1.5) is adjusted to extract the air in the heat exchange space. The bottom of the plate piston (2.1) is fixedly installed with a push plate (2.4). The push plate (2.4) passes through the partition and is slidably connected to the partition. The inclined surface on the push plate (2.4) can abut against the lifting inclined surface (1.7) at the bottom of the side vent hood II (1.5).

2. The integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cold water delivery pipeline is an inner delivery pipe (4.4), which is coiled and arranged between multiple heat-conducting materials (3.1).

3. The integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The constant temperature circulation pipeline is equipped with a constant temperature device (4.2) and a constant temperature tube (4.3). The number of constant temperature tubes (4.3) corresponds to the number of heat-conducting materials (3.1). The constant temperature tubes (4.3) are coiled and arranged through the heat-conducting materials (3.1).

4. The integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The heat-conducting material (3.1) is configured as a corrugated plate structure, and the heat-conducting material (3.1) is provided with hollow grooves for airflow to pass through, and the heat-conducting material (3.1) is provided with round holes for pipes to pass through.

5. The integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heat-conducting material (3.1) is rotatably installed inside the cabinet (1.1), and the constant temperature circulation pipeline and the cold water delivery pipeline are located inside the cabinet (1.1) using flexible hoses.

6. The integrated dual-source natural cooling chiller unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower ends of multiple thermal conductive materials (3.1) are connected by a positioning plate (3.2), and the positioning plate (3.2) is rotatably connected to the thermal conductive material (3.1).

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