A throttling system for air conditioner cooling and heating requirements

Abstract

The application discloses a throttling system for air conditioner cooling and heating requirements, belonging to the technical field of air conditioner structure, comprising an air conditioner with two heat exchangers of evaporator and condenser, a throttling component arranged in series between the evaporator and the condenser of the air conditioner, the throttling component comprising a throttling valve and a balance tank, according to the content volume of the evaporator and the condenser or the air conditioner mode to make the balance tank bypass connection between the main pipeline of the throttling valve to the heat exchanger corresponding to the relatively larger content volume or the air conditioner mode; when the content volume difference of the evaporator and the condenser is less than a preset value, the balance tank selects a suitable bypass position according to the air conditioner mode, optimizes the position of the balance tank according to the actual situation, ensures the throttling effect of the throttling valve, effectively dynamically balances the flow of the refrigerant, and ensures that the air conditioner is in the best state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of air conditioner connection structures, and in particular to a throttling system that takes into account both the cooling and heating needs of air conditioners. Background Technology

[0002] In the air conditioning industry, the throttling device is one of the essential components of compressor-type air conditioning products. The refrigerant coming out of the condenser is in a high-temperature, high-pressure liquid state. After passing through the throttling device, it becomes a low-temperature, low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase state, thus absorbing heat from the evaporator. Commonly used throttling devices typically employ capillary tubes, throttling valves, or thermostatic expansion valves to restrict refrigerant flow.

[0003] Because some air conditioner models have condenser and evaporator volumes that differ, relying solely on the throttling effect of the expansion device can lead to excess refrigerant when operating conditions change or when the larger heat exchanger flows to the other, resulting in the air conditioner not performing optimally. To address this, a receiver-drier is typically installed upstream of the expansion device to compensate for the differences in capacity and operating conditions, ensuring good performance under all conditions. However, in products with both cooling and heating requirements, the flow paths for cooling and heating are reversed. This means the receiver-drier can only be positioned upstream of the expansion device in one mode and downstream in the other. When positioned downstream, the throttling effect is actually worse, leading to a decrease in the heat exchanger's performance and coefficient of performance (COP). Most manufacturers are forced to choose one mode as the primary operating mode, passively accepting the inferior performance of the other. Some manufacturers use a one-way valve bridge design, employing four one-way valves connected together. These valves, with their forward-opening and reverse-blocking characteristics, alter the system's flow, ensuring that in both cooling and heating modes, the refrigerant flows first through the receiver and then through the throttling device. However, this design has drawbacks. Firstly, adding four one-way valves increases costs. Secondly, one-way valves are relatively prone to failure and reverse leakage. If this happens, the system becomes open before and after the throttling device, losing its throttling function and rendering the machine ineffective for cooling and heating. Since one-way valves are mechanical parts, leakage doesn't trigger any fault reports to alert the user. Even if the user checks the machine due to lack of cooling and heating, the problem is difficult to pinpoint, increasing repair time.

[0004] Optimizing and improving the throttling effect and balancing the refrigerant flow are urgent technical challenges that need to be addressed to improve the operating performance of air conditioners. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a throttling system that improves the cooling and heating performance of products and takes into account the cooling and heating needs of air conditioners.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a throttling system that accommodates both cooling and heating needs of an air conditioner. The system includes an air conditioner with two heat exchangers: an evaporator and a condenser. A throttling assembly is connected in series between the evaporator and condenser of the air conditioner. The throttling assembly includes a throttling valve and a balance tank. The two ends of the throttling valve are connected in series to the evaporator and condenser respectively via pre-set main pipelines. The balance tank is bypassed and connected to the main pipeline between the throttling valve and the heat exchanger with the relatively larger internal volume or the corresponding heat exchanger in the preferred mode, depending on the internal volume difference between the evaporator and condenser. When the internal volume difference between the evaporator and condenser is less than a preset value, the balance tank selects a suitable bypass position according to the air conditioner's preferred mode. Specifically, when the air conditioner's preferred mode is cooling, the balance tank is bypassed and connected to the main pipeline between the throttling valve and the condenser; conversely, when the air conditioner's preferred mode is heating, the balance tank is bypassed and connected to the main pipeline between the throttling valve and the evaporator.

[0007] Furthermore, filters are installed on the main pipelines from both ends of the throttle valve to the evaporator and condenser.

[0008] Furthermore, the balance tank is positioned above the throttle valve and the main pipelines extending from its two ends.

[0009] Furthermore, the diameter of the bypass branch pipe on the main pipeline leading from the balance tank to the end of the throttle valve is greater than or equal to 30% of the diameter of the main pipeline.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the main pipeline is covered with insulating cotton.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the balance tank is covered with insulating cotton.

[0012] The present invention adopts the above-described solution, and its beneficial effects are as follows: by connecting the balance tank to the main pipeline between the throttling valve and the heat exchanger corresponding to the relatively large internal volume or the throttling mode, based on the internal volume of the evaporator and condenser or the emphase mode of the air conditioner, the position of the balance tank is optimized according to the actual situation, ensuring the throttling effect of the throttling valve, effectively balancing the refrigerant flow, and ensuring that the air conditioner is in the best condition. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of a throttling component in a cooling mode air conditioner.

[0014] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the application of a throttling component in the heating mode of an air conditioner whose primary mode is cooling.

[0015] Figure 3A schematic diagram illustrating the application of a throttling component in the heating mode of an air conditioner.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the application of a throttling component in the cooling mode of an air conditioner where the primary mode is heating.

[0017] Among them, 11-throttle valve, 12-balance tank, 131-first pipeline, 132-second pipeline, 14-filter. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description is given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0019] See appendix Figure 1-4 As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, a throttling system that takes into account both the cooling and heating needs of an air conditioner includes an air conditioner and a throttling component. The air conditioner includes an evaporator, a condenser, and related components (not shown in the figure, such as conventional components like compressors and four-way valves, which will not be described in detail here). The evaporator and condenser here serve as two types of heat exchangers in the air conditioner, and the direction of refrigerant flow between the two heat exchangers is determined according to the operating mode of the air conditioner (cooling mode or heating mode).

[0020] In this embodiment, the throttling component is arranged in series between the evaporator and condenser of the air conditioner. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the refrigerant flow direction is "condenser → throttling component → evaporator". Conversely, when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant flow direction is "evaporator → throttling component → condenser".

[0021] In this embodiment, the throttling assembly includes a throttling valve 11 and a balancing tank 12. The two ends of the throttling valve 11 are connected in series to the evaporator and condenser via pre-defined main pipelines. For ease of explanation, the main pipeline between the throttling valve 11 and the condenser is defined as the first pipeline 131, and the main pipeline between the throttling valve 11 and the evaporator is defined as the second pipeline 132. Furthermore, depending on the internal volume of the evaporator and condenser or the air conditioner's preferred mode, the balancing tank 12 is bypassed and connected to the main pipeline between the throttling valve 11 and the heat exchanger with the relatively larger internal volume or the preferred mode.

[0022] Specifically, the installation location of the balance tank 12 is preferentially determined by the internal volume of the heat exchanger. The balance tank 12 is installed on the main pipeline on the side where the heat exchanger with a relatively large internal volume is located, so as to store the excess refrigerant flowing out from that side in a timely manner, thereby adjusting the refrigeration system of the air conditioner in a timely manner.

[0023] Specifically, considering that the internal volumes of the evaporator and condenser are relatively close, when the difference in internal volume between the evaporator and condenser is less than a preset value (preferably, the preset value refers to 20% of the maximum internal volume of the evaporator or condenser), the balance tank 12 selects a suitable bypass position according to the air conditioner's preferred mode. Specifically, when the air conditioner's preferred mode is cooling mode, the balance tank 12 is bypassed and connected to the main pipeline between the throttle valve 11 and the condenser (i.e., the balance tank 12 is bypassed and connected to the first pipeline 131); conversely, when the air conditioner's preferred mode is heating mode, the balance tank 12 is bypassed and connected to the main pipeline between the throttle valve 11 and the evaporator (i.e., the balance tank 12 is bypassed and connected to the second pipeline 132).

[0024] To facilitate understanding, the following explanations will be provided in conjunction with the specific bypass connection locations and the operating mode of the air conditioner.

[0025] Specifically, this applies to air conditioners where the throttling component is used in cooling mode:

[0026] 1) Air conditioner operating in cooling mode: See appendix Figure 1 As shown, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant exchanges heat with the condenser to form a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant, which flows from the condenser to the throttling valve 11 of the throttling component. Due to the influence of operating conditions in the cooling mode, the required refrigerant flow rate is different. The excess liquid refrigerant will be stored upward in the balance tank 12 (the gaseous refrigerant mixed in the liquid refrigerant will also flow upward into the balance ring). The remaining liquid refrigerant flows to the throttling valve 11 for throttling (the liquid refrigerant here will form a low-pressure, low-temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant after passing through the throttling valve 11). Then, the throttled gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows from the throttling valve 11 to the evaporator for heat exchange. Finally, the refrigerant after heat exchange circulates normally back to the condenser in the air conditioner, repeating the above flow path cycle. By adopting the above method, it is ensured that the amount of refrigerant flowing in the air conditioning system will not be excessive due to changes in operating conditions, which would cause the system pressure to be too high and the cooling effect to be worse. It is also ensured that the refrigerant flowing through the expansion valve 11 is all liquid and there is no gaseous refrigerant, which avoids the problem of air blockage in the expansion valve 11. This ensures that the air conditioner always operates in the best state in cooling mode.

[0027] 2) Air conditioner operating heating mode: See appendix Figure 2As shown, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, after heat exchange in the evaporator, forms a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant that flows from the evaporator to the throttling valve 11 of the throttling component (where the liquid refrigerant, after passing through the throttling valve 11, forms a low-pressure, low-temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant). Subsequently, the throttled gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows from the throttling valve 11 to the condenser. Simultaneously, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant undergoes splitting during its flow along the first pipe 131; the gaseous refrigerant flows upward into the balance tank 12, while the liquid refrigerant continues to flow into the condenser through the first pipe 131 for heat exchange. Finally, the refrigerant after heat exchange circulates normally within the air conditioner back to the evaporator, repeating the above flow path cycle. This method ensures two things: first, that a large pressure drop does not occur when the refrigerant flows to the condenser, preventing a deterioration in heat exchange efficiency; and second, that the balance tank 12 can store excess refrigerant during changes in heating mode conditions, resulting in better heating performance.

[0028] Specifically, this applies to air conditioners where the throttling component is used in heating mode:

[0029] 1) Air conditioner operating heating mode: See appendix Figure 3 As shown, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant undergoes heat exchange in the evaporator, forming a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant that flows from the evaporator to the throttling valve 11 of the throttling assembly. Due to the influence of operating conditions in cooling mode, the required refrigerant flow rate varies. Excess liquid refrigerant is stored upwards in the balance tank 12 (the gaseous refrigerant mixed in the liquid refrigerant also flows upwards into the balance ring). The remaining liquid refrigerant flows to the throttling valve 11 for throttling (the liquid refrigerant here forms a low-pressure, low-temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant after passing through the throttling valve 11). The throttled gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flows from the throttling valve 11 to the condenser for heat exchange. Finally, the refrigerant after heat exchange circulates normally back to the evaporator within the air conditioner, repeating the above flow path cycle. By adopting the above method, it is ensured that the amount of refrigerant flowing in the air conditioning system will not be excessive due to changes in operating conditions, which would cause the system pressure to be too high and the heating effect to be worse. It is also ensured that the refrigerant before the expansion valve 11 is all liquid and there is no gaseous refrigerant, which will not cause air blockage in the expansion valve 11. This ensures that the air conditioner always operates in the best state in heating mode.

[0030] 2) Air conditioner operating cooling mode: See appendix Figure 4As shown, the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, after heat exchange in the condenser, forms a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant that flows from the condenser to the throttling valve 11 of the throttling assembly. After being throttled by the throttling valve 11, it forms a low-pressure, low-temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant that flows to the evaporator. Simultaneously, the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is split during its flow along the second pipe 132. The gaseous refrigerant flows upward into the balance tank 12, while the liquid refrigerant continues to flow into the evaporator through the second pipe 132 for heat exchange. Finally, the refrigerant after heat exchange circulates normally within the air conditioner back to the condenser, repeating the above flow cycle. This method ensures two things: first, that a large pressure drop does not occur when the refrigerant flows to the evaporator, preventing a decrease in cooling performance; and second, that the liquid receiver (balance tank 12) can store excess refrigerant during changes in operating conditions, resulting in better cooling performance.

[0031] Furthermore, regardless of whether the air conditioner's primary mode is heating or cooling, when the air conditioner is affected by changes in operating conditions, resulting in an increased demand for refrigerant, there will be insufficient refrigerant in the main pipeline and a drop in pipeline pressure. This allows the refrigerant in the balance tank 12 to flow back to the main pipeline for timely replenishment, achieving a dynamic balance adjustment effect.

[0032] In the air conditioners mentioned above, which are designed for heating or cooling, the outer perimeter of the main pipe is covered with insulation cotton to reduce heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outside air during the flow of the refrigerant along the main pipe, thus reducing heat loss.

[0033] In the air conditioners described above, which are designed for heating or cooling modes, the outer periphery of the balance tank 12 is covered with insulation cotton to prevent the refrigerant flowing into the balance tank 12 from exchanging heat with the outside air, causing the temperature of the refrigerant inside the tank to be higher than the temperature of the refrigerant in the main pipeline. This would affect the refrigerant in the main pipeline from entering the balance tank 12, thus negating its function of storing refrigerant.

[0034] In this embodiment, the diameter of the bypass branch pipe on the main pipeline leading from the balance tank 12 to the end of the throttle valve 11 is greater than or equal to 30% of the main pipeline diameter. If the pipe diameter is too small, the refrigerant flow rate in and out of the balance tank 12 will be too slow, which is not conducive to storing gaseous refrigerant, nor to adjusting the refrigerant when operating conditions change. Preferably, the diameter of the bypass branch pipe of the balance tank 12 is as large as possible, but considering factors such as actual cost, those skilled in the art can adapt the pipe diameter size accordingly.

[0035] In this embodiment, the height position of the balance tank 12 is located above the throttle valve 11 and the main pipelines leading out from its two ends. This height difference allows the gaseous or gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in the main pipeline to preferentially enter the balance tank 12, ensuring that liquid refrigerant remains in the main pipeline as much as possible.

[0036] In this embodiment, the throttling valve 11 can be selected from electronic expansion valves, thermostatic expansion valves, capillary tubes, throttling cores, or combinations of several throttling methods. The throttling valve 11 should be able to flow in both directions, simultaneously satisfying both cooling and heating requirements.

[0037] In this embodiment, filters 14 are provided on both ends of the throttle valve 11 and the main pipeline between the evaporator and the condenser. That is, the two filters 14 can effectively prevent impurities from being filtered out during the flow of the refrigerant along the first pipeline 131 or the second pipeline 132, and prevent impurities from entering the throttle valve 11, so as not to block the throttle valve 11 and affect the throttling effect.

[0038] In this embodiment, the length of the main pipeline connected to the end of the throttling valve 11 that is not bypassed by the balance tank 12 is the minimum rated length. That is, in an air conditioner with the primary mode being cooling, the length of the main pipeline from the throttling valve 11 to the evaporator (i.e., the first pipeline 131) is the minimum rated length; conversely, in an air conditioner with the primary mode being heating, the length of the main pipeline from the throttling valve 11 to the condenser (i.e., the second pipeline 132) is the minimum rated length. This minimum rated length is determined by the actual air conditioner specifications. That is, while meeting the refrigerant flow requirements, the length of the main pipeline from the throttling valve 11 to the evaporator is shortened as much as possible. Different air conditioner specifications correspond to different length values, which are not specifically limited here. Those skilled in the art can adaptively select the length according to the actual specifications. The main purpose of this method is to ensure that the refrigerant after throttling can quickly enter the evaporator / condenser for heat exchange, reducing pipeline resistance losses.

[0039] The embodiments described above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any modifications or variations made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention, using the disclosed technical content, are equivalent embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes made based on the concept of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention should be covered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A throttling system that caters to both cooling and heating needs of an air conditioner, comprising an air conditioner with both an evaporator and a condenser for heat exchange, and a throttling component arranged in series between the evaporator and the condenser of the air conditioner, characterized in that: The throttling assembly includes a throttling valve (11) and a balance tank (12), wherein the two ends of the throttling valve (11) are connected in series to the evaporator and the condenser respectively via a pre-set main pipeline; Depending on the internal volume of the evaporator and condenser or the air conditioner's emphase mode, the balance tank (12) is bypassed and connected to the main pipeline between the throttle valve (11) and the heat exchanger corresponding to the relatively larger internal volume or emphase mode. When the difference in internal volume between the evaporator and the condenser is less than a preset value, the balance tank (12) selects a suitable bypass position according to the air conditioner's preferred mode. Specifically, when the air conditioner's preferred mode is cooling mode, the balance tank (12) is bypassed and connected to the main pipeline between the throttle valve (11) and the condenser; conversely, when the air conditioner's preferred mode is heating mode, the balance tank (12) is bypassed and connected to the main pipeline between the throttle valve (11) and the evaporator.

2. A throttling system that takes into account both cooling and heating needs of an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: Filters (14) are provided on both ends of the throttle valve (11) and the main pipeline between the evaporator and the condenser.

3. A throttling system that takes into account both cooling and heating needs of an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The balance tank (12) is located above the throttle valve (11) and the main pipelines leading out from both ends.

4. A throttling system that takes into account both cooling and heating needs of an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bypass branch pipe of the balance tank (12) to the main pipeline leading out from the end of the throttle valve (11) has a diameter greater than or equal to 30% of the main pipeline diameter.

5. A throttling system that takes into account both cooling and heating needs of an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer perimeter of the main road is covered with insulating cotton.

6. A throttling system that takes into account both cooling and heating needs of an air conditioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the balance tank (12) is covered with insulating cotton.

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