Condensate water treatment system and control method for a refrigerated extractor hood

Abstract

A condensate water treatment system and control method of a refrigeration type range hood, the condensate water on the evaporator is received in a water receiving box, the water in the water receiving box is transported to the condenser, the water flowing back from the condenser is returned to the water receiving box through a water return pipe, and the system further comprises a cooling fan, a steam generator and a spraying pipe, along the air flow direction, the condenser is arranged upstream of the cooling fan, the spraying pipe is arranged in the air duct between the air outlet side of the condenser and the air inlet of the cooling fan, the steam outlet of the steam generator is communicated with the inlet of the spraying pipe, and the air inlet side of the condenser is provided with a louver grille with adjustable louver opening angle. The condensate water treatment system of the refrigeration type range hood can not only use air conditioner condensate water to clean the condenser, but also use the steam generator to heat external water to generate high-temperature water vapor, the high-temperature water vapor is sprayed from the spraying pipe to clean the condenser, and according to different working modes, the louver opening angle of the louver grille can be adjusted, and the system has high intelligence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an oil fume purification device, and more particularly to a condensate treatment system and control method for a refrigerated range hood. Background Technology

[0002] Various cooling-type range hoods are disclosed in the prior art, which add an air conditioning component to the base of a range hood platform, thus realizing both the functions of a range hood and an air conditioner. The air conditioning component includes an indoor unit module and an outdoor unit module. The indoor unit module includes an evaporator and an indoor fan, while the outdoor unit module includes a condenser and an outdoor fan. In some cooling-type range hoods, the condenser of the air conditioning component is installed inside the exhaust duct. The condenser is susceptible to contamination from cooking fumes and requires timely cleaning. Failure to clean it promptly will significantly reduce heat exchange efficiency, thereby affecting air conditioning energy efficiency and increasing energy consumption. Furthermore, when operating in cooling mode, the condenser also needs to be cooled by the exhaust fan. Some cooling-type range hoods, although installing the condenser outside the exhaust duct, will still accumulate dirt on its surface after prolonged use. To ensure heat exchange efficiency, the condenser needs to be cleaned. Currently, air conditioner condensate is commonly used for cleaning and heat dissipation, as illustrated by patent number 202220040537.0 (authorized public domain number CN 217685714). The Chinese utility model patent disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 1, entitled "A Water Pump Flow Control System and an Air Conditioning-Type Range Hood," describes a range hood where, in air conditioning mode (cooling mode), condensate on the evaporator flows into a drip tray. The condensate in the drip tray then flows into a water box through an inlet pipe. The condensate in the water box, driven by a water pump, is then transported through an outlet pipe to a distributor, and subsequently flows from the distributor to the surface of the condenser. This process cools the condenser, further improving its heat exchange efficiency and achieving effective utilization of the condensate. Additionally, the condensate, after being heated and evaporated by the condenser, is discharged from the first exhaust duct. Unevaporated condensate flows into the drip tray and is then returned to the water box through a return pipe for reuse. However, this air conditioning-type range hood can only use air conditioning condensate for cleaning and heat dissipation of the condenser, and it cannot perform cleaning when the condensate volume is small, requiring further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a condensate treatment system for a refrigerated range hood that has two cleaning methods: self-cleaning with water and self-cleaning without water, in view of the above-mentioned existing technology.

[0004] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a control method for the above-mentioned condensate treatment system in view of the current state of the prior art.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a condensate water treatment system for a refrigerated range hood, comprising a condenser, an evaporator, and a water collection box. Condensate condensed on the evaporator can flow into the water collection box, water in the water collection box can be transported to the condenser, and water not consumed from the condenser can flow back into the water collection box. The system is characterized by further comprising a cooling fan, a steam generator, and a spray pipe. Along the air flow direction, the condenser is located upstream of the cooling fan, the spray pipe is located in the air duct between the air outlet side of the condenser and the air inlet of the cooling fan, the steam outlet of the steam generator is connected to the inlet of the spray pipe, and the air inlet side of the condenser is equipped with a louvered grille with adjustable blade angle.

[0006] To facilitate the installation of the condenser, cooling fan, and steam generator, a heat dissipation housing is provided. The condenser and cooling fan are mounted on the heat dissipation housing, and the steam generator is mounted outside the heat dissipation housing. The water inlet of the steam generator is connected to an external water tank.

[0007] The condenser can be arranged in various ways. Preferably, the condenser is arranged vertically. Correspondingly, the louvered grille is set vertically, and the blades of the louvered grille can swing to a horizontal position, a vertical position, or any angle between the horizontal and vertical positions.

[0008] To enable automatic control of the blade rotation angle, a controller is preferably included. The louvered grille is an electric louvered grille. When the refrigerated range hood is off, the controller controls the louvered grille blades to rotate to a vertical position. When the refrigerated range hood is working, the controller controls the louvered grille blades to rotate to a horizontal position. When the spray pipe is working, the controller controls the louvered grille blades to rotate to an angle between the horizontal and vertical positions. With this configuration, when the refrigerated range hood is not working, the electric louvered grille at 90° can block dust and organisms from entering the condenser; when the refrigerated range hood is working, the electric louvered grille at 180° can increase the air intake without obstructing the air duct; when using an external water source for steam cleaning, some high-temperature steam from the steam generator will pass through the condenser, and the electric louvered grille at approximately 70° can intercept this high-temperature steam.

[0009] Furthermore, the controller can also control the operating status of the steam generator and the cooling fan.

[0010] In order to rapidly raise the water temperature in the water receiving box, an auxiliary heating device is installed in the water receiving box to heat the water in the water receiving box.

[0011] To achieve the recycling of condensate, the condensate condensed on the evaporator flows into the water collection box through the inlet pipe. The water in the water collection box is then transported to the condenser through a water pump and an outlet pipe. Any water not consumed by the condenser flows back to the water collection box through the return pipe.

[0012] In order to distribute the condensate evenly on the condenser and improve its heat exchange and cleaning effects, a liquid distributor is installed on the top of the condenser to distribute the liquid to the condenser, and the outlet of the water outlet pipe is connected to the inlet of the liquid distributor.

[0013] In order to effectively discharge the heat from the condenser and some of the high-temperature steam generated during steam cleaning with an external water source, the refrigeration range hood includes a range hood fan, and the air outlet of the cooling fan is in fluid communication with the air inlet of the range hood fan.

[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, the refrigerated range hood includes a compressor, an evaporator fan, and an air outlet module. The compressor, condenser, and evaporator are connected via refrigerant piping, and the air outlet of the evaporator fan is fluidly connected to the air inlet of the air outlet module.

[0015] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is as follows: the control method is applied to the condensate treatment system of claim 6, and the control method includes the following steps:

[0016] S1. Turn on the power and select to enable the water-filled self-cleaning module or the waterless self-cleaning mode. In the water-filled self-cleaning mode, proceed to step S2; in the waterless self-cleaning mode, proceed to step S3.

[0017] S2. Turn on the steam generator and open the louvered grille to an angle α, where 50° < α < 80°. After the steam generator runs for t1 time, it is turned off. Then, after the cooling fan runs for t2 time, it is turned off. The self-cleaning process is completed, and the opening angle of the louvered grille is adjusted to 90°. Then proceed to step S8.

[0018] S3. First, determine if the water level in the water collection box has reached the level where it can be cleaned.

[0019] If so, activate the condenser self-cleaning function, adjust the louvered grille opening angle to 180°, and then proceed to step S4.

[0020] If not, the compressor starts, the evaporator produces condensate, and then it re-evaluates whether the water level has been reached for cleaning.

[0021] S4. Check whether the water temperature T in the water collection box is within the set washable temperature range [T1, T2].

[0022] If T1≤T≤T2, then proceed to step S5;

[0023] If T > T2, then proceed to step S6;

[0024] If T < T1, proceed to step S7;

[0025] S5. The cooling fan speed remains constant, the water box auxiliary heating is turned off, the self-cleaning ends, and the louvered grille opening angle is adjusted to 90°; then proceed to step S8.

[0026] S6. Increase the speed of the cooling fan, turn off the auxiliary heating of the water box, and then return to step S4.

[0027] S7. Reduce the cooling fan speed, turn on the water box auxiliary heating, and then return to step S4.

[0028] S8, Power off.

[0029] Further optimization is made in step S2, where t1 = 3~8s, t2 = 3~8s, and before the self-cleaning ends, one opening and closing of the steam generator and one opening and closing of the cooling fan constitute one cycle, which is repeated 3~10 times in total.

[0030] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are as follows: In addition to using air conditioning condensate to clean the condenser, the condensate treatment system of this refrigeration range hood can also heat external water to generate high-temperature steam through a steam generator. The high-temperature steam is sprayed out from the spray pipe to clean the condenser. Furthermore, the blade angle of the louvered grille on the air inlet side of the condenser can be adjusted according to different working modes. When the refrigeration range hood is not working, the blades of the louvered grille can be rotated to a vertical position to block dust and organisms from entering the condenser. When the refrigeration range hood is working, the blades can be rotated to a horizontal position to not obstruct the air duct and increase the air intake. When high-temperature steam is used for cleaning, some of the high-temperature steam sprayed by the steam generator passes through the condenser. The blades can be rotated to an inclined position to intercept this high-temperature steam and reduce the amount of high-temperature steam discharged outward. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a refrigerated range hood according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the condensate treatment system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heat dissipation module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the AA-axis structure (blades opened to 90° position);

[0035] Figure 5 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the heat dissipation module (blades open to 70°).

[0036] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the heat dissipation module (blades opened to 180°).

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the spray pipe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the condensate treatment system of the refrigerated range hood in this embodiment includes a condenser 1, an evaporator 2, and a water collection box 3. Condensate condensing on the evaporator 2 flows into the water collection box 3 through the inlet pipe 10. Water in the water collection box 3 is pumped to the condenser 1 by a water pump 11 and an outlet pipe 12. A distributor 14 is installed on the top of the condenser 1 to distribute liquid onto it. The outlet of the outlet pipe 12 is connected to the inlet of the distributor 14. Unused water in the condenser 1 flows back to the water collection box 3 through the return pipe 13, achieving condensate recycling.

[0041] The condenser 1 and the cooling fan 4 are mounted on the heat dissipation housing 9, along the airflow direction. The condenser 1 is located upstream of the cooling fan 4, which is a centrifugal fan. A steam generator 5 is installed outside the heat dissipation housing 9. The inlet of the steam generator 5 is connected to a water tank to generate steam. A spray pipe 6 is installed in the air duct 7 between the air outlet of the condenser 1 and the air inlet of the cooling fan 4. The spray pipe 6 is mounted on the heat dissipation housing 9 via a mounting bracket 60. Figure 7As shown, spray nozzles 61 are spaced apart on the wall of the spray pipe 6, with the spray direction of the nozzles 61 facing the condenser 1. The steam outlet of the steam generator 5 is connected to the inlet of the spray pipe 6. The high-temperature steam generated by the steam generator 5 enters the spray pipe 6 and sprays the condenser 1 through the spray nozzles 61, cleaning the condenser 1. It should be noted that the working status of the steam generator 5 and the cooling fan 4 needs to be controlled by a controller. When cleaning with steam, the steam generator 5 is turned on for a few seconds and then turned off, followed by the cooling fan 4 being turned on for a few seconds and then turned off. In this way, the condenser 1 is cleaned with steam first to prevent the steam from being sucked away by the cooling fan 4. After the steam generator 5 is turned off for a few seconds, the cooling fan 4 is turned on to remove the cleaned dirt. This cycle is repeated several times to achieve the purpose of cleaning the condenser 1. Furthermore, since the air outlet of the cooling fan 4 is fluidly connected to the air inlet of the fume extraction fan 15, the cleaned dirt can be discharged through the fume extraction fan 15.

[0042] In this embodiment, the condenser 1 is arranged vertically, and a louvered grille 8 is installed on the air inlet side of the condenser 1. The louvered grille 8 is also vertically arranged and is an electric louvered grille. The opening angle of its blades 81 is controlled by a controller, specifically, it can swing to a horizontal position, a vertical position, or any angle between the horizontal and vertical positions. Figure 4 As shown, when the refrigerated range hood is turned off, the blades 81 rotate to a vertical position (90°), which prevents dust and organisms from entering the condenser 1. Figure 5 As shown, in the working state of the refrigerated range hood, the controller controls the blades 81 of the louver grille 8 to swing to a horizontal position, i.e., 180°. Figure 6 As shown, when the spray pipe 6 is working, the controller controls the blades 81 of the louvered grille 8 to swing to an angle between the horizontal and vertical positions. In this embodiment, the angle is 50° < α < 80°, preferably 70°. At this time, the blades 81 can intercept high-temperature steam and prevent some high-temperature steam from escaping through the condenser 1 and affecting the cleaning effect.

[0043] Since the condensate temperature in the water collection box 3 is low, an auxiliary heating device is installed in the water collection box 3 to heat the water in the water collection box 3 in order to improve the cleaning effect. When cleaning in the internal circulation mode, the condenser 1 can be cleaned after the water temperature in the water collection box 3 reaches a certain value. If the water temperature reaches the set value, the auxiliary heating device can be turned off and the speed of the cooling fan 4 can be increased. If the water temperature does not reach the set value, the auxiliary heating device can be turned on and the speed of the cooling fan 4 can be reduced.

[0044] Furthermore, the cooling range hood of this embodiment includes a compressor 16, an evaporator fan 17, and an air outlet module 18. The compressor 16, condenser 1, and evaporator 2 are connected via a refrigerant pipe 19. The compressor 16, condenser 1, and evaporator 2 constitute an air conditioning assembly. After the compressor 16 starts, condensate will condense on the surface of the evaporator 2. Its working principle is a conventional design and will not be described in detail. The air outlet of the evaporator fan 17 is fluidly connected to the air inlet of the air outlet module 18. When operating in cooling mode, cold air is blown outward through the air outlet module 18.

[0045] like Figure 8 As shown, the control method of this condensate treatment system includes the following steps:

[0046] S1. Turn on the power and select to enable the water-filled self-cleaning module or the waterless self-cleaning mode. In the water-filled self-cleaning mode, proceed to step S2; in the waterless self-cleaning mode, proceed to step S3.

[0047] S2. Turn on the steam generator 5, and open the louvered grille 8 to an angle α, where 50° < α < 80°. After the steam generator 5 runs for t1 time, it is turned off. Then, after the cooling fan 4 runs for t2 time, it is turned off. The self-cleaning is completed. Adjust the opening angle of the louvered grille 8 to 90°. Then proceed to step S8.

[0048] S3. First, determine whether the water level in water receiving box 3 has reached the cleanable water level.

[0049] If so, activate the self-cleaning function of condenser 1, adjust the opening angle of louvered grille 8 to 180°, and then proceed to step S4;

[0050] If not, compressor 16 starts, evaporator 2 produces condensate, and then it is re-evaluated whether the water level has been reached for cleaning.

[0051] S4. Check whether the water temperature T in the water receiving box 3 is within the set washable temperature range [T1, T2].

[0052] If T1≤T≤T2, then proceed to step S5;

[0053] If T > T2, then proceed to step S6;

[0054] If T < T1, proceed to step S7;

[0055] S5. The cooling fan 4 maintains a constant speed, the water box auxiliary heating is turned off, the self-cleaning process ends, and the louvered grille 8 is adjusted to open at 90°; then proceed to step S8.

[0056] S6. Increase the cooling fan speed by 4, turn off the water box auxiliary heating, and then return to step S4;

[0057] S7. Reduce the speed of the cooling fan 4, turn on the auxiliary heating of the water box, and then return to step S4.

[0058] S8, Power off.

[0059] In step S2, t1 = 3~8s, t2 = 3~8s, and before the self-cleaning ends, one opening and closing of the steam generator 5 and one opening and closing of the cooling fan 4 constitutes one cycle, which is repeated 3~10 times. Preferably, t1 can be set to about 5 seconds, t2 can also be set to about 5 seconds, and the number of cycles can be set to about 6 times to achieve the purpose of cleaning the condenser 1. The specific principle has been explained in detail above and will not be elaborated here.

[0060] The specification and claims of this invention use terms indicating direction, such as "front," "rear," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "side," "top," and "bottom," to describe various exemplary structural parts and elements of the invention. However, these terms are used herein merely for ease of explanation and are determined based on the exemplary orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in this invention can be arranged in different orientations, these terms indicating direction are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations. For example, "upper" and "lower" are not necessarily limited to directions opposite to or consistent with the direction of gravity.

[0061] The term "fluid connectivity" as used in this invention refers to the spatial relationship between two components or parts, collectively referred to as the first part and the second part, meaning that a fluid, gas, liquid, or a mixture of both can flow from the first part along a flow path and / or be transported to the second part. This can be a direct connection between the first part and the second part, or an indirect connection between the first part and the second part through at least one third party. This third party can be a fluid channel such as a pipe, channel, conduit, guide, hole, or groove, or a chamber that allows fluid to flow through, or a combination of the above.

Claims

1. A condensate treatment system for a refrigerated range hood, comprising a condenser (1), an evaporator (2), and a water collection box (3), wherein condensate condensed on the evaporator (2) flows into the water collection box (3), water in the water collection box (3) is transported to the condenser (1), and unused water from the condenser (1) flows back into the water collection box (3), characterized in that: It also includes a cooling fan (4), a steam generator (5), and a spray pipe (6). Along the airflow direction, the condenser (1) is located upstream of the cooling fan (4). The spray pipe (6) is located in the air duct (7) between the air outlet side of the condenser (1) and the air inlet of the cooling fan (4). The steam outlet of the steam generator (5) is connected to the inlet of the spray pipe (6). A louvered grille (8) that can adjust the opening angle of the blades (81) is installed on the air inlet side of the condenser (1). The condenser (1) is arranged vertically, and correspondingly, the louvered grille (8) is arranged vertically, and the louvered grille (8) ( The blades (81) of the 8) can swing to a horizontal position, a vertical position, or any angle between the horizontal and vertical positions. It also includes a controller. The louvered grille (8) is an electric louvered grille. When the refrigerated range hood is turned off, the controller controls the blades (81) of the louvered grille (8) to swing to a vertical position. When the refrigerated range hood is working, the controller controls the blades (81) of the louvered grille (8) to swing to a horizontal position. When the spray pipe (6) is working, the controller controls the blades (81) of the louvered grille (8) to swing to an angle between the horizontal and vertical positions.

2. The condensate treatment system of the refrigerated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: It includes a heat dissipation housing (9), the condenser (1) and the heat dissipation fan (4) are installed on the heat dissipation housing (9), the steam generator (5) is installed outside the heat dissipation housing (9), and the water inlet of the steam generator (5) is connected to a water tank.

3. The condensate treatment system of the refrigerated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controller can also control the working status of the steam generator (5) and the cooling fan (4).

4. The condensate treatment system of the refrigerated range hood according to claim 3, characterized in that: An auxiliary heating device is installed inside the water receiving box (3) to heat the water inside the water receiving box (3).

5. The condensate treatment system of the refrigerated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The condensate on the evaporator (2) flows into the water collection box (3) through the water inlet pipe (10). The water in the water collection box (3) is transported to the condenser (1) through the water pump (11) and the water outlet pipe (12). The water that is not consumed by the condenser (1) flows back to the water collection box (3) through the return water pipe (13).

6. The condensate treatment system of the refrigerated range hood according to claim 5, characterized in that: A liquid distributor (14) capable of distributing liquid to the condenser (1) is installed on the top of the condenser (1), and the outlet of the water outlet pipe (12) is connected to the inlet of the liquid distributor (14).

7. The condensate treatment system of the refrigerated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerated range hood includes a range hood fan (15), and the air outlet of the cooling fan (4) is in fluid communication with the air inlet of the range hood fan (15).

8. The condensate treatment system of the refrigerated range hood according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerated range hood includes a compressor (16), an evaporator fan (17), and an air outlet module (18). The compressor (16), condenser (1), and evaporator (2) are connected by a refrigerant pipeline (19). The air outlet of the evaporator fan (17) is in fluid communication with the air inlet of the air outlet module (18).

9. A control method for a condensate treatment system of a refrigerated range hood, characterized in that: This control method is applied to the condensate treatment system according to claim 4, and the control method includes the following steps: S1. Turn on the power and select to enable the water-filled self-cleaning module or the waterless self-cleaning mode. In the water-filled self-cleaning mode, proceed to step S2; in the waterless self-cleaning mode, proceed to step S3. S2. Turn on the steam generator (5), open the louvered grille (8) to an angle α, where 50° < α < 80°, turn off the steam generator (5) after running for t1 time, then turn off the cooling fan (4) after running for t2 time, the self-cleaning ends, and adjust the opening angle of the louvered grille (8) to 90°; then proceed to step S8. S3. First, determine whether the water level in the water receiving box (3) has reached the water level that can be cleaned; If so, then turn on the condenser (1) self-cleaning, adjust the louver grille (8) opening angle to 180°, and then proceed to step S4; If not, the compressor (16) starts, the evaporator (2) produces condensate, and then it is re-evaluated whether the water level is ready for cleaning. S4. Check whether the water temperature T in the water receiving box (3) is within the set washable temperature range [T1, T2]. If T1≤T≤T2, then proceed to step S5; If T > T2, then proceed to step S6; If T < T1, proceed to step S7; S5. The speed of the cooling fan (4) remains unchanged, the auxiliary heating of the water box is turned off, the self-cleaning ends, and the opening angle of the louvered grille (8) is adjusted to 90°; then proceed to step S8. S6. Increase the speed of the cooling fan (4), turn off the auxiliary heating of the water box, and then return to step S4; S7. Reduce the speed of the cooling fan (4), turn on the auxiliary heating of the water box, and then return to step S4. S8, Power off.

10. The control method for the condensate treatment system according to claim 9, characterized in that: In step S2, t1 = 3~8s, t2 = 3~8s, and before the self-cleaning ends, one opening and closing of the steam generator (5) and one opening and closing of the cooling fan (4) constitute one cycle, and the cycle is repeated 3~10 times.

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