Device and method for improving efficient and stable operation and waste heat gradient utilization of air compressor

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of compressed air energy storage, in particular to a device and method for improving efficient and stable operation and waste heat gradient utilization of an air compressor. Comprising a first air compression unit, a second air compression unit, a first heat exchange unit, a second heat exchange unit, a supercooling heat exchanger, an absorption refrigerator, a gas-liquid separator, a gas storage tank, a user side and a cold flow water pump. The inlet end of the first air compression unit is used for inputting ambient air, the outlet end of the first air compression unit is connected with the first inlet end of the first heat exchange unit, the first outlet end of the first heat exchange unit is connected with the inlet end of the second air compression unit, and the outlet end of the second air compression unit is connected with the first inlet end of the second heat exchange unit. The first outlet end of the second heat exchange unit is connected with the first inlet end of the supercooling heat exchanger. By optimizing efficient utilization of compression heat and stable air supply and combining gradient heat utilization, the utilization efficiency of the air compression system is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of compressed air energy storage, and in particular to a device and method for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and the cascade utilization of waste heat. Background Art

[0002] Currently, in the existing technology, industrial air compressor stations often face the following problems: 1. High energy consumption: Traditional air compression systems generate a large amount of compression heat during the compression process, but fail to effectively recycle and utilize it, resulting in energy waste.

[0003] 2. Unstable gas supply: When the gas consumption at the user end fluctuates, the air compressor needs to be started and stopped frequently to adjust the pressure, which not only increases equipment loss but also reduces operating efficiency.

[0004] 3. Low waste heat utilization rate: Compression heat is usually discharged directly through cooling towers or dry coolers, without achieving cascade utilization and unable to provide support for heating or cooling.

[0005] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention needs to propose a device and method for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and the cascade utilization of waste heat. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the shortcomings of the prior art and propose a device and method for improving the efficient and stable operation of the air compressor and the cascade utilization of waste heat. By optimizing the efficient utilization of compression heat and stable air supply, combined with cascade heat utilization, the utilization efficiency of the compressed air system is improved, providing a more efficient and energy-saving solution for stable pressure air supply.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: A device for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and cascade utilization of waste heat, comprising a first air compression unit, a second air compression unit, a first heat exchange unit, a second heat exchange unit, a subcooling heat exchanger, an absorption refrigerator, a gas-liquid separator, an air storage tank, a user end, a first cold flow water pump, and a second cold flow water pump; The inlet end of the first air compression unit is used to input ambient air, the outlet end of the first air compression unit is connected to the first inlet end of the first heat exchange unit, the first outlet end of the first heat exchange unit is connected to the inlet end of the second air compression unit, the outlet end of the second air compression unit is connected to the first inlet end of the second heat exchange unit, the first outlet end of the second heat exchange unit is connected to the first inlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger, the first outlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger is connected to the inlet end of the gas-liquid separator, the gas-liquid separator is connected to the inlet end of the gas storage tank, and the outlet end of the gas storage tank is connected to the user end; The inlet end of the first cold flow water pump is used to input external cold flow, the outlet end of the first cold flow water pump is connected to the second inlet end of the first heat exchange unit, the outlet end of the first heat exchange unit is connected to the second inlet end of the second heat exchange unit, the second outlet end of the second heat exchange unit is connected to the second inlet end of the absorption chiller, and the second outlet end of the absorption chiller is connected to the user end; a second cold flow water pump is provided between the absorption chiller and the subcooling heat exchanger; The first air compression unit and the second air compression unit are used to compress and purify ambient air to obtain high-pressure gas, and the compression heat generated during the compression process is cooled by the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit; The heat energy exchanged between the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit is used to drive an absorption refrigerator; The absorption chiller is driven by the high-grade compression heat input from the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit, and the excess compression heat and the low-grade compression heat are used for heating and domestic water supply at the user end; The subcooling heat exchanger is used to further cool the cooled compressed air; The gas-liquid separator separates the compressed air processed by the cold heat exchanger into gas and liquid, and the gas portion is stored in the gas storage tank; The gas storage tank stores compressed gas and stores and releases it according to demand.

[0008] Preferably, a first temperature detection device and a first pressure detection device are respectively connected to the inlet end of the first air compression unit, a second temperature detection device, a second pressure detection device and a first flow regulating valve are respectively provided between the outlet end of the first air compression unit and the first inlet end of the first heat exchange unit, a third temperature detection device and a second flow regulating valve are respectively provided between the first heat exchange unit and the first cold flow water pump, and a fourth temperature detection device and a third pressure detection device are respectively provided between the first outlet end of the first heat exchange unit and the inlet end of the second air compression unit.

[0009] Preferably, a fifth temperature detection device and a fourth pressure detection device are respectively provided between the outlet end of the second air compression unit and the first inlet end of the second heat exchange unit, and a sixth temperature detection device is provided between the outlet end of the first heat exchange unit and the second inlet end of the second heat exchange unit.

[0010] Preferably, a seventh temperature detection device and a fifth pressure detection device are respectively provided between the first outlet end of the second heat exchange unit and the first inlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger, an eighth temperature detection device is provided between the second outlet end of the second heat exchange unit and the second inlet end of the absorption refrigerator, and a ninth temperature detection device and a sixth pressure detection device are respectively provided between the second outlet end of the absorption refrigerator and the user end.

[0011] Preferably, a tenth temperature detection device is provided between the first outlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger and the inlet end of the gas-liquid separator, a seventh pressure detection device and a third flow regulating valve are respectively provided between the outlet end of the gas storage tank and the user end, and an eighth pressure detection device is installed on the gas storage tank.

[0012] The present invention also provides an operating method for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and a waste heat cascade utilization device, comprising the following steps: The ambient air is initially compressed by the first compressor, the compressed air is cooled by the first heat exchange unit and then enters the second air compression unit for further compression to high pressure, the compressed air is cooled by the second heat exchange unit, and further flows through the cold heat exchanger for cooling and dehumidification, and the air dried by the gas-liquid separator enters the air storage tank; according to the user's gas consumption feedback signal, the third flow regulating valve is adjusted, and the pressure regulating valve is controlled according to the eighth pressure detection device in the air storage tank, so as to provide the user with the required compressed air; here, the air storage tank provides compressed air during peak gas consumption and stores gas during low gas consumption, so as to achieve stable and efficient operation of the air compressor under the designed working conditions.

[0013] After the cooling water absorbs the compression waste heat through the first heat exchange unit and the second heat exchange unit, the high-quality waste heat first drives the absorption chiller, and then the low-grade waste heat provides heating, domestic hot water, etc. for users. The absorption chiller takes low-temperature water and enters the subcooling heat exchanger to further cool and dry the compressed air; here, the compression waste heat of the air compressor is utilized in a cascade manner, among which the high-grade compression waste heat drives the absorption chiller to provide cooling capacity to further cool and dehumidify the compressed air, and then the low-grade waste heat can provide heating, domestic hot water, etc. for users.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution: combining the gas storage tank with the absorption chiller, the gas supply pressure can be stabilized, and the efficient use of thermal energy can be improved, the operating energy consumption can be reduced, and the energy utilization rate can be improved.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. The present invention utilizes gas storage tanks and pipeline valves for regulation and control, and promptly responds to the gas consumption and pressure requirements of users, thereby maintaining the stability of gas supply to users while ensuring the stable operation of the air compressor and reducing the energy consumption of the air compression station. During the low gas consumption period, the pipeline regulating valve opening is adjusted through the user's gas consumption signal feedback to reduce the user's gas supply, while the gas storage tank is used to store excess compressed gas; during the peak gas consumption period, the gas storage tank is used to release gas to supplement the user's gas demand, and the pipeline pressure reducing valve is regulated according to the feedback signal of the gas storage tank pressure monitoring instrument, so that the compressed air pressure meets the user's needs; the system and control strategy can optimize the reasonable selection of equipment capacity, while ensuring the stable operation of the equipment without repeated startup and shutdown, and the compression heat of the compression process is also fully utilized, which greatly improves energy utilization and reduces equipment energy consumption.

[0016] 2. This invention not only improves the stability of gas supply to users but also controls equipment operating costs, creating an efficient and stable gas supply solution and providing a viable and effective path to overcoming energy efficiency bottlenecks in existing technologies. Furthermore, this invention utilizes preheated absorption refrigerant in place of dry coolers, reducing energy consumption and enabling volumetric utilization of waste heat, thereby lowering operating costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0018] In the figure: 101-first air compression unit, 102-second air compression unit, 201-first heat exchange unit, 202-second heat exchange unit, 300-subcooling heat exchanger, 400-absorption refrigerator, 500-gas-liquid separator, 600-gas storage tank, 700-user end, 801-first cold flow water pump, 802-second cold flow water pump, 1-1-first temperature detection device, 1-2-second temperature detection device, 1-3-third temperature detection device, 1-4-fourth temperature detection device, 1-5-fifth temperature detection device, 1-6-sixth temperature detection device Device, 1-7-seventh temperature detection device, 1-8-eighth temperature detection device, 1-9-ninth temperature detection device, 1-10-tenth temperature detection device, 2-1-first pressure detection device, 2-2-second pressure detection device, 2-3-third pressure detection device, 2-4-fourth pressure detection device, 2-5-fifth pressure detection device, 2-6-sixth pressure detection device, 2-7-seventh pressure detection device, 2-8-eighth pressure detection device, 3-1-first flow control valve, 3-2-second flow control valve, 3-3-third flow control valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can better understand the advantages and features of the present invention and thus more clearly define the scope of protection of the present invention. The embodiments described in the present invention are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without making any creative work shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] A device for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and cascade utilization of waste heat, comprising a first air compression unit 101, a second air compression unit 102, a first heat exchange unit 201, a second heat exchange unit 202, a subcooling heat exchanger 300, an absorption chiller 400, a gas-liquid separator 500, a gas storage tank 600, a user terminal 700, a first cold flow water pump 801, and a second cold flow water pump 802; The inlet end of the first air compression unit 101 is used to input ambient air, the outlet end of the first air compression unit 101 is connected to the first inlet end of the first heat exchange unit 201, the first outlet end of the first heat exchange unit 201 is connected to the inlet end of the second air compression unit 102, the outlet end of the second air compression unit 102 is connected to the first inlet end of the second heat exchange unit 202, the first outlet end of the second heat exchange unit 202 is connected to the first inlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger 300, the first outlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger 300 is connected to the inlet end of the gas-liquid separator 500, the gas-liquid separator 500 is connected to the inlet end of the gas storage tank 600, and the outlet end of the gas storage tank 600 is connected to the user end 700; The inlet of the first cold flow water pump 801 is used to input external cold flow. The outlet of the first cold flow water pump 801 is connected to the second inlet of the first heat exchange unit 201, the outlet of the first heat exchange unit 201 is connected to the second inlet of the second heat exchange unit 202, the second outlet of the second heat exchange unit 202 is connected to the second inlet of the absorption chiller 400, and the second outlet of the absorption chiller 400 is connected to the user end 700. A second cold flow water pump 802 is provided between the absorption chiller 400 and the subcooling heat exchanger 300. The first air compression unit 101 and the second air compression unit 102 are used to compress and purify ambient air to obtain high-pressure gas, and the compression heat generated during the compression process is cooled by the first heat exchange unit 201 and the second heat exchange unit 202; The heat energy exchanged between the first heat exchange unit 201 and the second heat exchange unit 202 is used to drive the absorption chiller 400; The absorption chiller 400 is driven by the high-grade compression heat inputted by the first heat exchange unit 201 and the second heat exchange unit 202, and the excess compression heat and the low-grade compression heat are used for heating and domestic water supply at the user end; The subcooling heat exchanger 300 is used to further cool the cooled compressed air; The gas-liquid separator 500 separates the compressed air processed by the cold heat exchanger 300 into gas and liquid, and the gas portion is stored in the gas storage tank 600; The gas storage tank 600 stores compressed gas and stores and releases it according to demand.

[0021] Specifically, a first temperature detection device 1-1 and a first pressure detection device 2-1 are respectively connected to the inlet end of the first air compression unit 101, a second temperature detection device 1-2, a second pressure detection device 2-2 and a first flow regulating valve 3-1 are respectively provided between the outlet end of the first air compression unit 101 and the first inlet end of the first heat exchange unit 201, a third temperature detection device 1-3 and a second flow regulating valve 3-2 are respectively provided between the first heat exchange unit 201 and the first cold flow water pump 801, and a fourth temperature detection device 1-4 and a third pressure detection device 2-3 are respectively provided between the first outlet end of the first heat exchange unit 201 and the inlet end of the second air compression unit 102.

[0022] Specifically, a fifth temperature detection device 1-5 and a fourth pressure detection device 2-4 are respectively provided between the outlet end of the second air compression unit 102 and the first inlet end of the second heat exchange unit 202, and a sixth temperature detection device 1-6 is provided between the outlet end of the first heat exchange unit 201 and the second inlet end of the second heat exchange unit 202.

[0023] Specifically, a seventh temperature detection device 1-7 and a fifth pressure detection device 2-5 are respectively provided between the first outlet end of the second heat exchange unit 202 and the first inlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger 300, an eighth temperature detection device 1-8 is provided between the second outlet end of the second heat exchange unit 202 and the second inlet end of the absorption refrigerator 400, and a ninth temperature detection device 1-9 and a sixth pressure detection device 2-6 are respectively provided between the second outlet end of the absorption refrigerator 400 and the user end 700.

[0024] Specifically, a tenth temperature detection device 1-10 is provided between the first outlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger 300 and the inlet end of the gas-liquid separator 500, a seventh pressure detection device 2-7 and a third flow regulating valve 3-3 are respectively provided between the outlet end of the gas storage tank 600 and the user end 700, and an eighth pressure detection device 2-8 is installed on the gas storage tank 600.

[0025] A method for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and an operation method for a waste heat cascade utilization device, comprising the following steps: The ambient air is initially compressed by the first compressor 101, and the compressed air is cooled by the first heat exchange unit 201 and then enters the second air compression unit 102 for further compression to high pressure. The compressed air is cooled by the second heat exchange unit 202 and further flows through the cold heat exchanger 300 for cooling and dehumidification. The air dried by the gas-liquid separator 500 enters the gas storage tank 600; according to the user's gas consumption feedback signal, the third flow regulating valve 3-3 is adjusted, and the pressure regulating valve is controlled according to the eighth pressure detection device 2-8 in the gas storage tank 600, so as to provide the user with the required compressed air; here, compressed air is provided during the peak gas consumption period, and gas is stored during the low gas consumption period, so as to achieve stable and efficient operation of the air compressor under the designed working conditions.

[0026] After the cooling water absorbs the compression waste heat through the first heat exchange unit 201 and the second heat exchange unit 202, the high-quality waste heat first drives the absorption chiller 400, and then the low-grade waste heat provides heating, domestic hot water, etc. for users. The absorption chiller 400 produces low-temperature water and enters the subcooling heat exchanger 300 to further cool and dry the compressed air; here, the compression waste heat of the air compressor is utilized in a cascade manner, wherein the high-grade compression waste heat drives the absorption chiller to provide cooling capacity to further cool and dehumidify the compressed air, and then the low-grade waste heat can provide heating, domestic hot water, etc. for users.

[0027] In this embodiment, the gas storage tank is combined with the absorption chiller to achieve stable gas supply pressure and improve efficient use of thermal energy, reduce operating energy consumption, and improve energy utilization.

[0028] In summary, this invention achieves both heat supply and improved air supply stability through the rational utilization of air compression heat. Unlike traditional systems, this invention efficiently distributes and utilizes air compression heat energy. By selecting a series connection for cascaded energy utilization, it efficiently absorbs the waste heat from the high-temperature air at the compressor outlet and converts it into cooling capacity for pre-cooling, thereby achieving effective energy utilization and improving process efficiency.

[0029] The descriptions and practices disclosed in this invention are easy to understand and comprehend for those skilled in the art, and modifications and refinements may be made without departing from the principles of the invention. Therefore, modifications and improvements made without departing from the spirit of the invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A device for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and the cascade utilization of waste heat, characterized in that: The system comprises a first air compression unit (101), a second air compression unit (102), a first heat exchange unit (201), a second heat exchange unit (202), a subcooling heat exchanger (300), an absorption refrigeration machine (400), a gas-liquid separator (500), a gas storage tank (600), a user end (700), a first cold flow water pump (801), and a second cold flow water pump (802); The inlet end of the first air compression unit (101) is used to input ambient air, the outlet end of the first air compression unit (101) is connected to the first inlet end of the first heat exchange unit (201), the first outlet end of the first heat exchange unit (201) is connected to the inlet end of the second air compression unit (102), the outlet end of the second air compression unit (102) is connected to the first inlet end of the second heat exchange unit (202), the first outlet end of the second heat exchange unit (202) is connected to the first inlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger (300), the first outlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger (300) is connected to the inlet end of the gas-liquid separator (500), the gas-liquid separator (500) is connected to the inlet end of the gas storage tank (600), and the outlet end of the gas storage tank (600) is connected to the user end (700); The inlet end of the first cold flow water pump (801) is used to input external cold flow, the outlet end of the first cold flow water pump (801) is connected to the second inlet end of the first heat exchange unit (201), the outlet end of the first heat exchange unit (201) is connected to the second inlet end of the second heat exchange unit (202), the second outlet end of the second heat exchange unit (202) is connected to the second inlet end of the absorption refrigeration machine (400), and the second outlet end of the absorption refrigeration machine (400) is connected to the user end (700); a second cold flow water pump (802) is provided between the absorption refrigeration machine (400) and the subcooling heat exchanger (300); The first air compression unit (101) and the second air compression unit (102) are used to compress and purify ambient air to obtain high-pressure gas, and compression heat generated during the compression process is cooled by the first heat exchange unit (201) and the second heat exchange unit (202); The heat energy exchanged between the first heat exchange unit (201) and the second heat exchange unit (202) is used to drive the absorption refrigeration machine (400); The absorption refrigeration machine (400) is driven by the high-grade compression heat inputted by the first heat exchange unit (201) and the second heat exchange unit (202), and the excess compression heat and the low-grade compression heat are used for heating and domestic water supply at the user end; The subcooling heat exchanger (300) is used to further cool the cooled compressed air; The gas-liquid separator (500) separates the compressed air processed by the cold heat exchanger (300) into gas and liquid, and the gas portion is stored in the gas storage tank (600); The gas storage tank (600) stores compressed gas and stores and releases it according to demand.

2. The device for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and the cascade utilization of waste heat according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The inlet end of the first air compression unit (101) is respectively connected to a first temperature detection device (1-1) and a first pressure detection device (2-1); a second temperature detection device (1-2), a second pressure detection device (2-2) and a first flow regulating valve (3-1) are respectively provided between the outlet end of the first air compression unit (101) and the first inlet end of the first heat exchange unit (201); a third temperature detection device (1-3) and a second flow regulating valve (3-2) are respectively provided between the first heat exchange unit (201) and the first cold flow water pump (801); and a fourth temperature detection device (1-4) and a third pressure detection device (2-3) are respectively provided between the first outlet end of the first heat exchange unit (201) and the inlet end of the second air compression unit (102).

3. The device for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and the cascade utilization of waste heat according to claim 1 is characterized in that: A fifth temperature detection device (1-5) and a fourth pressure detection device (2-4) are respectively provided between the outlet end of the second air compression unit (102) and the first inlet end of the second heat exchange unit (202), and a sixth temperature detection device (1-6) is provided between the outlet end of the first heat exchange unit (201) and the second inlet end of the second heat exchange unit (202).

4. The device for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and the cascade utilization of waste heat according to claim 1 is characterized in that: A seventh temperature detection device (1-7) and a fifth pressure detection device (2-5) are respectively provided between the first outlet end of the second heat exchange unit (202) and the first inlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger (300); an eighth temperature detection device (1-8) is provided between the second outlet end of the second heat exchange unit (202) and the second inlet end of the absorption refrigeration machine (400); and a ninth temperature detection device (1-9) and a sixth pressure detection device (2-6) are respectively provided between the second outlet end of the absorption refrigeration machine (400) and the user end (700).

5. The device for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and the cascade utilization of waste heat according to claim 1 is characterized in that: A tenth temperature detection device (1-10) is provided between the first outlet end of the subcooling heat exchanger (300) and the inlet end of the gas-liquid separator (500), a seventh pressure detection device (2-7) and a third flow regulating valve (3-3) are provided between the outlet end of the gas storage tank (600) and the user end (700), and an eighth pressure detection device (2-8) is installed on the gas storage tank (600).

6. The method for improving the efficient and stable operation of an air compressor and the operation of a waste heat cascade utilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The steps include: Ambient air is initially compressed by a first compressor (101), the compressed air is cooled by a first heat exchange unit (201), and then enters a second air compression unit (102) for further compression to a high pressure. The compressed air is cooled by the second heat exchange unit (202), and further flows through a cold heat exchanger (300) for cooling and dehumidification. The air dried by a gas-liquid separator (500) enters an air storage tank (600); according to a user's gas consumption feedback signal, a third flow regulating valve (3-3) is adjusted, and a pressure regulating valve is controlled according to an eighth pressure detection device (2-8) in the air storage tank (600), thereby providing the user with the required compressed air; After the cooling water absorbs the compression waste heat through the first heat exchange unit (201) and the second heat exchange unit (202), the high-quality waste heat first drives the absorption chiller (400), and then the low-quality waste heat provides heating and domestic hot water for users. The absorption chiller (400) produces low-temperature water that enters the subcooling heat exchanger (300) to further cool and dry the compressed air.

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