Energy recovery method and device for bottle washing machine
By introducing a heat transfer device and a heat exchanger into the container cleaning device, the energy in the water vapor is recovered and the cleaning area is heated, the problems of energy loss and condensate formation are solved, and more efficient energy utilization and container drying and cooling are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510089759.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-26
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-21
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-29
AI Technical Summary
During container cleaning, energy in the water vapor-rich air is pumped and discharged into the environment, resulting in energy loss and condensate forms at the outlet of the container, contaminating the container and increasing energy consumption.
By setting up a heat transfer device, including a heat pump and a heat exchanger, the energy in the water vapor is recovered and used to heat the cleaning area, avoid direct contact, and use the working medium to transfer heat in different intervals, improving energy utilization efficiency.
Reduces energy loss, prevents condensate formation, improves container drying and cooling efficiency, reduces equipment energy consumption, and provides better TCO cost accounting.
Smart Images
Figure CN120382022A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a container cleaning device and a method for cleaning a container. Background Art
[0002] For cleaning bottles, special container cleaning equipment has been established. During the cleaning process, it is necessary to first heat the bottles and then cool them again. This process causes the air inside the equipment to be saturated with moisture. Since the air condenses by contacting the colder outside air, there are air suction devices at the openings of the equipment to prevent the moist air from escaping into the environment. However, during the suction process, the thermal energy stored in the moist air is lost. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The object of the present invention is to at least partially alleviate or eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks.
[0004] This object is achieved by the device according to claim 1.
[0005] The container cleaning device according to the present invention includes a cleaning area for cleaning a container; a cooling area for cooling the container, whereby an air stream filled with water vapor can be generated; and a heat transfer device having a working medium for absorbing heat from the water vapor of the air stream and supplying the absorbed heat to the cleaning area. The container cleaning device can in particular be a bottle cleaning device.
[0006] The advantage of the device according to the present invention is that energy can be extracted from water vapor-rich or saturated air and supplied to the cleaning area. This avoids or reduces energy losses.
[0007] The device according to the present invention can be improved as follows.
[0008] The heat transfer device can include a heat pump for increasing the temperature of the working medium after absorbing heat from the water vapor of the air stream and before supplying the absorbed heat to the cleaning area. In this way, the efficiency of transferring energy to the fluid in the cleaning area can be increased.
[0009] The working medium can absorb heat from the condensation enthalpy of the water vapor. The energy stored in the water vapor (evaporation enthalpy) is relatively high and can be recovered as condensation enthalpy.
[0010] In order to absorb heat from the air stream, at least one first heat exchanger through which the working medium flows can be provided in the cooling area. In addition, in order to supply heat from the working medium to the cleaning area, at least one second heat exchanger through which the working medium flows can be provided in the cleaning area. This provides the advantage that a circuit of the working medium can be provided to absorb heat at one point and release heat again at another point, without the need for direct contact between the working medium and another fluid.
[0011] At least one additional heat exchanger can be provided to absorb thermal energy from the waste water in the cooling zone and / or the cleaning zone of the working medium. This results in further energy recovery.
[0012] In the container cleaning device, the absorbed heat can be supplied for heating at least one cleaning liquid in the cleaning zone. In particular, the absorbed heat can be supplied for the cleaning liquid in the pretreatment zone or the heating zone of the container in the cleaning zone. This is advantageous because heating is required in these places.
[0013] The air flow can at least partially run along the transport direction of the container in the cooling zone.
[0014] In this case, the container can be cooled from a first higher temperature to a second lower temperature along the transport direction, wherein the air flow that has been cooled by the heat absorbed by the working medium can be guided in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the container and can be supplied to the container again at a first temperature.
[0015] This can be further improved in such a way that for this purpose, at least one channel can be provided for guiding the cooling air flow in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the container.
[0016] The above object is also achieved by the method according to claim 10.
[0017] The method according to the invention for cleaning containers, in particular bottles, comprises the following steps: cleaning the container in the cleaning zone; cooling the container in the cooling zone, wherein an air flow filled with water vapor is generated; and absorbing heat from the water vapor of the air flow in the working medium and supplying the heat absorbed from the working medium to the cleaning zone through a heat transfer device, wherein the heat is particularly absorbed from the condensation enthalpy of the water vapor.
[0018] The advantages of the method according to the invention and its improvement correspond to the advantages of the device according to the invention and its improvement.
[0019] The method according to the invention can be improved as follows.
[0020] The method can comprise the following further steps: after absorbing heat from the water vapor of the air flow and before supplying the absorbed heat to the cleaning zone with a heat pump, increasing the temperature of the working medium.
[0021] A further step of cooling the container from a first higher temperature to a second lower temperature along the transport direction of the container can be provided.
[0022] The following further steps can be carried out: guiding the air flow that has been cooled by the heat absorbed by the working medium in the opposite direction to the transport direction of the container; and supplying the cooling air flow to the container at a first temperature.
[0023] The other features, exemplary embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that this embodiment does not exhaust the entire scope of the present invention. It should also be understood that some or all of the features described below can also be combined with each other in other ways.
[0024] The principles of the present invention can be transferred to container processors, such as tunnel pasteurizers or tunnel coolers, in a similar and simple manner. In these machines, during operation, a large amount of water vapor-containing air is also generated, and the energy content thereof can be used for process steps of the device itself or elsewhere. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a container cleaning device according to the present invention is shown.
[0026] Figure 2 A second embodiment of a container cleaning device according to the present invention is shown.
[0027] Figure 3 A third embodiment of a container cleaning device according to the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] INTRODUCTION
[0029] The cleaning process results in moisture-rich or saturated air being present within the container cleaning device. Due to the enthalpy of evaporation of water, this air contains a large amount of energy. If this energy is suctioned and conveyed through a chimney to the environment, the same amount of energy must be returned to the container cleaning device via a heater in order to be able to maintain it at a constant cleaning temperature. At the same time, the hot air flow at the outlet is directed such that it flows from a hotter bath to a cooler outlet area (cooling zone). As a result, condensate forms in the outlet area, which serves as a breeding ground for bacteria and, when dripping into the cleaned containers (bottles), causes contamination by the condensate. On the other hand, the containers (bottles) are heated by the hot air flow, although they should be cooled so as not to lose more energy from the system due to the higher container temperature (bottle temperature).
[0030] In one embodiment, the present invention provides for guiding the waste gas volume flow through a heat exchanger. Due to the colder surface temperature in the heat exchanger, the water in the air flow condenses and the energy of the enthalpy of evaporation is released. Thus, the fluid (working medium) flowing through the heat exchanger can be heated. If the fluid flow of the heat exchanger is coupled to a heat pump, energy can be provided at a temperature level that can be used to heat the cleaning machine, for example, for heating the pretreatment zone.
[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, the air volume flow within the cleaning device can be reversed, i.e., it is allowed to flow in a direction opposite to the direction of container movement. In this case, the suction opening of the suction device is further moved inside the machine, for example, to the area where the bottle cooling zone begins. The suctioned air passes through the heat exchanger. Then, the cooled air can be supplied again to the cleaning device through the channel system at the location of the container (bottle) outlet or where the suction device is located. This prevents the formation of condensate at the container (bottle) outlet and contributes to the drying and cooling of the container.
[0032] An extension of this embodiment provides for coupling an air heat exchanger (transferring the energy of the evaporation enthalpy from the air flow to the working medium) with one or more additional heat exchangers. This offers the advantage that more energy can be recovered from the cleaning device using only one heat pump. The further heat exchanger can be a fluid heat exchanger (i.e., especially a liquid heat exchanger), such that further energy can be recovered, for example, from the re-cooling zone and / or the waste water.
[0033] Advantages of the Invention · Recovering the energy of the evaporation enthalpy from the exhaust air flow · Low-energy consumption cleaning machine · Providing better TCO cost accounting for customers · Reducing the formation of condensate at the bottle conveyor · Reducing the recontamination of the container · Better drying of the bottle · Better cooling of the bottle, thus further saving energy Description of the Drawings
[0035] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a container cleaning device 100 according to the present invention is shown.
[0036] The container cleaning device 100 includes cleaning zones 91, 92 for cleaning a container (not shown), where the container is, for example, a bottle. Here, the cleaning zones 91, 92 include a pre-treatment zone 91 where the container is preheated and / or pre-cleaned and / or residues are soaked thereon, for example, by spraying with warm water. The cleaning zone also includes a main cleaning zone 92 following in the process flow of the pre-treatment zone 91, where the container is completely cleaned.
[0037] In addition, a cooling zone 93 for cooling the container is provided. There, the container is gradually cooled and then discharged from the container cleaning device 100. In the cooling zone 93, a water vapor-rich air flow 15 is generated by suctioning the humid air with a fan 20.
[0038] The container cleaning device 100 further includes a heat transfer device 80, which has a working medium 81 for absorbing heat from the water vapor of the air flow 15 and for supplying the absorbed heat to the cleaning areas 91, 92. Energy is extracted from the air rich in or saturated with water vapor and supplied to the cleaning areas (pretreatment area 91 and / or main cleaning area 92). This avoids or reduces energy losses. The working medium is a fluid that can absorb heat in the pipeline. A pump 70 is provided for transporting the working medium 81. The working medium 81 is guided in a circuit with pipelines.
[0039] In this embodiment, the heat transfer device 80 includes a heat pump 40 for raising the temperature of the working medium 81 after absorbing heat from the water vapor of the air flow 15 and before supplying the absorbed heat to the cleaning areas 91, 92. As a result, the working medium can enter the cleaning areas 91, 92 at an elevated temperature. By increasing the temperature difference between the working medium 81 and the fluid in the cleaning areas 91, 92, the efficiency of transferring energy to the fluid in the cleaning areas 91, 92 is improved. The heat pump 40 has, for example, a compressor 41, a throttle valve 42, and a safety valve 43.
[0040] The working medium 81 absorbs heat from the condensation enthalpy of the water vapor. The energy stored in the water vapor (evaporation enthalpy) is relatively high and can be recovered as condensation enthalpy.
[0041] To absorb heat from the air flow 15, a first heat exchanger 10 through which the working medium 81 flows is provided in the cooling area 93. In this case, another heat exchanger 30 is provided to absorb thermal energy from the air or liquid in a more internal area of the cooling area 93 close to the still-hot container.
[0042] In addition, to supply heat from the working medium 15 to the cleaning areas 91, 92, at least one second heat exchanger 60 through which the working medium flows is provided in the cleaning areas 91, 92. The heat exchanger 60 heats, for example, the water spray for pre-cleaning in the pretreatment area 91. Therefore, a circuit of the working medium 81 is provided so that heat is absorbed at one location 10 and released again at another location 60, without the need for direct contact between the working medium 81 and another fluid.
[0043] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 50 is provided only as an example, which heats the fluid in the main cleaning area 92 upstream of the working medium 81. In this case, the temperature of the working medium 81 at the heat exchanger 50 is higher than the temperature at the heat exchanger 60 located downstream of it because energy has been extracted from the working medium 81.
[0044] Here, also only as an example, another heat exchanger 30 is provided to absorb thermal energy from the cooling area 93 in the working medium 81. This results in further energy recovery.
[0045] Thus, the absorbed heat can be supplied to the container cleaning device 100 for heating at least one cleaning liquid in the cleaning zones 91, 92. In particular, the absorbed heat can be supplied to the cleaning liquid in the pre-treatment zone 91 or the heating zone 91 for cleaning the containers in the cleaning zones 91, 92. This is advantageous because heating is required in these locations.
[0046] Figure 2 A second embodiment of a container cleaning device 200 according to the present invention is shown.
[0047] This second embodiment of the container cleaning device 200 substantially corresponds to the first embodiment of the container cleaning device 100, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements.
[0048] In this case, the air flow 15 runs at least partially along the transport direction of the containers in the cooling zone and flows through the heat exchanger 10 due to the suction by the fan 20.
[0049] In this case, the containers are cooled from a higher first temperature to a lower second temperature along the transport direction. The air flow 15 that has been cooled by the heat absorbed by the working medium 81 is then directed in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the containers and supplied to the containers at the first temperature. For this purpose, at least one channel 16 is provided for guiding the cooling air flow 15 in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the containers. In this way, the cooled air is supplied to the containers to be cooled.
[0050] Figure 3 A third embodiment of a container cleaning device 300 according to the present invention is shown.
[0051] This third embodiment of the container cleaning device 300 substantially corresponds to the second embodiment of the container cleaning device 200, and the same reference numerals are used for the same elements.
[0052] The difference here is that another heat exchanger 51 is provided downstream of the heat exchanger 10 and upstream of the heat exchanger 30, through which the thermal energy of the waste water from the pre-cleaning zone 91 is transferred to the working medium 81 and recovered. In this embodiment, as an example, the heat exchanger 50 of the first and second embodiments does not exist, and the working medium 81 is only guided through the heat exchanger 60 of the pre-cleaning zone 91 at the temperature raised by the heat pump in order to transfer the thermal energy to the pre-cleaning liquid there.
[0053] The embodiments shown are merely exemplary, and the full scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A container cleaning device (100, 200, 300), wherein, The container, in particular a bottle, comprises: a cleaning zone (91, 92) for cleaning the container; a cooling zone (93) for cooling the container, in which an air stream (15) filled with water vapor can be generated; and a heat transfer device (80) having a working medium (81) for absorbing heat from the water vapor of the air stream (15) and supplying the absorbed heat to the cleaning zone (91, 92).
2. The container cleaning device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein, The heat transfer device (80) comprises a heat pump (40) for increasing the temperature of the working medium (81) after absorbing heat from the water vapor of the air stream (15) and before supplying the absorbed heat to the cleaning zone (91, 92).
3. The container cleaning device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The working medium (81) absorbs heat from the condensation enthalpy of the water vapor.
4. The container cleaning device (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In order to absorb heat from the air stream (15), at least one first heat exchanger (10) through which the working medium (81) flows is provided in the cooling zone (93), and wherein, in order to supply heat from the working medium (81) to the cleaning zone (91, 92), at least one second heat exchanger (50, 60) through which the working medium (81) flows is provided in the cleaning zone (91, 92).
5. The container cleaning device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 4, wherein, At least one additional heat exchanger (30, 51) is provided to absorb thermal energy from the waste water in the cooling zone (93) and / or the cleaning zone (91, 92) of the working medium (81).
6. The container cleaning device (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The absorbed heat can be supplied for heating at least one cleaning liquid in the cleaning zone (91, 92), in particular in a pretreatment zone (91) or a heating zone (91) for the container in the cleaning zone (91, 92).
7. The container cleaning device (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The air stream (15) runs at least partially along the transport direction of the container in the cooling zone (93).
8. The container cleaning device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 7, wherein, The container can be cooled from a first higher temperature to a second lower temperature along the transport direction, and wherein the air stream (15) that has been cooled by the heat absorbed by the working medium (81) can be guided in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the container and supplied to the container at the first temperature.
9. The container cleaning device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 8, wherein, At least one channel (16) is provided for guiding the cooling air stream (15) in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the container.
10. A method for cleaning a container, in particular a bottle, comprising the following steps: cleaning the container in the cleaning zone (91, 92); cooling the container in the cooling zone (93), in which an air stream (15) filled with water vapor is generated; and absorbing heat from the water vapor of the air stream (15) in the working medium (81) and supplying the heat absorbed from the working medium (81) to the cleaning zone (91, 92) through a heat transfer device (80), wherein the heat is particularly absorbed from the condensation enthalpy of the water vapor.
11. The method according to claim 10, comprising a further step: increasing the temperature of the working medium after absorbing heat from the water vapor of the air stream (15) and before supplying the absorbed heat to the cleaning zone (91, 92) using a heat pump (40).
12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising: A further step of cooling the container from a first higher temperature to a second lower temperature along the transport direction of the container.
13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of: guiding the air stream (15) cooled by the heat absorbed by the working medium (81) in a direction opposite to the transport direction of the container; and supplying the cooling air stream (15) to the container having a first temperature.