Heat pump unit and control method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of heat pumps, and provides a heat pump unit and a control method.The heat pump unit comprises a steam production loop and a first heat pump loop, the steam production loop comprises a driving device, a heat exchange flash tank, an energy storage heat exchanger and a medium supply valve, and the driving device is in circulation connection with the heat exchange flash tank through a supply loop; the energy storage heat exchanger is connected with the heat exchange flash tank, and the medium supply valve is connected with the energy storage heat exchanger and the supply loop and used for controlling the flow direction of the supplied target medium according to the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger and the temperature of the supplied target medium; the first heat pump loop is connected with the heat exchange flash tank and used for providing a heat source for the heat exchange flash tank. The steam quantity generated by the unit can be effectively increased, and the comprehensive energy efficiency of the unit is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of heat pumps, and in particular to a heat pump unit and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Steam heat pump units mainly refer to equipment that uses a compressor circulation system to produce steam. The produced steam can be widely used in food sterilization and disinfection.

[0003] However, the existing steam heat pump units have low feed water temperature, resulting in a small amount of steam produced and low overall energy efficiency of the units. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a heat pump unit and a control method to solve the defects of the heat pump unit in the related art, that is, the amount of steam generated is small and the energy efficiency is low. The method can effectively increase the amount of steam generated by the unit and improve the overall energy efficiency of the unit.

[0005] The present invention provides a heat pump unit, comprising:

[0006] A steam production circuit, comprising: a drive device, a heat exchange flash tank, an energy storage heat exchanger, and a medium supply valve, wherein the drive device is cyclically connected to the heat exchange flash tank via a supply circuit and is used to drive the target medium to circulate, the energy storage heat exchanger is connected to the heat exchange flash tank, and the medium supply valve is respectively connected to the energy storage heat exchanger and the supply circuit and is used to control the flow direction of the supplied target medium based on the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage heat exchanger and the temperature of the supplied target medium;

[0007] The first heat pump loop is connected to the heat exchange flash tank and is used to provide a heat source for the heat exchange flash tank.

[0008] The heat pump unit provided by the present invention improves the efficiency of traditional heat pump units through intelligent adjustment of the medium supply valve and the energy storage heat exchanger. It is not only beneficial to energy saving and consumption reduction, but also beneficial to improving steam production efficiency. It has high practical value for industries that require large amounts of steam and heat source applications, such as food processing, medical sterilization and other fields.

[0009] A heat pump unit according to the present invention further includes:

[0010] a first temperature sensor, disposed on the energy storage heat exchanger, for detecting the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger;

[0011] A second temperature sensor is provided on the medium supply valve and is used to detect the temperature of the target medium to be supplied;

[0012] A controller is respectively connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the driving device, the medium supply valve and the first heat pump circuit.

[0013] The heat pump unit provided by the present invention not only optimizes energy utilization through the energy storage heat exchanger, but also relies on the automatic control system to achieve refined management of the entire thermal energy circulation process on the basis of precise temperature control, thereby further improving the overall performance and energy-saving effect of the unit.

[0014] According to a heat pump unit provided by the present invention, a sprayer is provided in the heat exchange flash tank, the driving device is circulatedly connected to the sprayer and the heat exchange flash tank via a supply loop, and the energy storage heat exchanger is connected to the sprayer.

[0015] The heat pump unit provided by the present invention can evenly spray the circulating target medium into the heat exchange flash tank by providing a sprayer, thereby increasing the contact surface area between the target medium and the heat exchange tubes in the heat exchange flash tank, improving the heat exchange efficiency, and further accelerating the evaporation rate of the target medium, effectively increasing the steam production.

[0016] According to a heat pump unit provided by the present invention, the heat exchange flash tank is a boiling heat exchange flash tank.

[0017] In the heat pump unit provided by the present invention, in the boiling heat exchange flash tank, the target medium quickly reaches the boiling temperature and is converted into steam after being heated by the heat source. By utilizing the characteristic that the liquid absorbs a large amount of latent heat during the boiling process, the comprehensive energy efficiency of the entire heat pump unit is significantly improved while increasing the steam production.

[0018] According to a heat pump unit provided by the present invention, the first heat pump circuit includes:

[0019] a first compressor, wherein the exhaust port of the first compressor is connected to the heat exchange flash tank;

[0020] a first throttling device connected between the heat exchange flash tank and the air intake of the first compressor;

[0021] An intermediate heat exchanger, wherein the first heat exchange path of the intermediate heat exchanger is connected between the first throttling device and the intake port of the first compressor; and the second heat exchange path of the intermediate heat exchanger releases heat to the first heat exchange path.

[0022] The first heat pump circuit of the heat pump unit provided by the present invention cleverly utilizes the heat pump principle, and effectively extracts and transmits heat energy through the coordinated work of the compressor, throttling device and intermediate heat exchanger, thereby efficiently driving the heat exchange flash tank to generate steam.

[0023] A heat pump unit according to the present invention further includes a second heat pump circuit, wherein the second heat pump circuit includes:

[0024] a second compressor and air heat exchanger;

[0025] a four-way valve, wherein a first end of the four-way valve is connected to the exhaust port of the second compressor, a second end of the four-way valve is connected to the first end of the air heat exchanger, a third end of the four-way valve is connected to the first end of the second heat exchange path of the intermediate heat exchanger, and a fourth end of the four-way valve is connected to the intake port of the second compressor;

[0026] The second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger is connected to the second end of the air heat exchanger.

[0027] The heat pump unit provided by the present invention can provide heat to the first heat pump circuit through the second heat pump circuit, ensuring the effective preheating and evaporation of the refrigerant in the first heat pump circuit, thereby increasing the superheat of the refrigerant inhaled by the first compressor, which is conducive to the efficient implementation of the steam production process.

[0028] According to a heat pump unit provided by the present invention, a second throttling device is provided between the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger and the second end of the air heat exchanger.

[0029] The heat pump unit provided by the present invention can throttle, reduce pressure and lower temperature of the refrigerant through the second throttling device.

[0030] According to a heat pump unit provided by the present invention, a first diversion point is provided between the second throttling device and the second end of the air heat exchanger;

[0031] A second branching point is provided between the third end of the four-way valve and the first end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger;

[0032] The first branch point is connected to the second branch point via a defrost circuit, the energy storage heat exchanger is connected to the defrost circuit, and an on-off valve is provided in the defrost circuit, and the on-off valve is connected between the energy storage heat exchanger and the second branch point.

[0033] The heat pump unit provided by the present invention can realize different modes of operation by switching the working state of the four-way valve: in the steam production mode, the refrigerant circulates efficiently between the various components to generate steam; in the defrost mode, the four-way valve reconfigures the refrigerant flow direction so that the refrigerant can directly pass through the air heat exchanger for reverse cycle defrosting operation, avoiding the reduction of heat exchange efficiency due to frosting.

[0034] By cleverly using four-way valves to control the flow path of the refrigerant between different components, the heat pump unit can effectively achieve rapid switching and stable operation under various working conditions such as steam production and defrosting.

[0035] According to a heat pump unit provided by the present invention, a third throttling device is further provided in the defrost circuit, and the third throttling device is connected between the energy storage heat exchanger and the first diversion point.

[0036] The heat pump unit provided by the present invention can throttle, reduce pressure and lower temperature of the refrigerant through the third throttling device.

[0037] The present invention also provides a control method for the above-mentioned heat pump unit, comprising:

[0038] Get the operating mode of the heat pump unit;

[0039] When the heat pump unit is operated in a steam production mode, the second heat pump circuit is controlled to operate for heating, and the first compressor and the driving device are started and operated;

[0040] Detecting the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger and the temperature of the target medium to be supplied;

[0041] According to the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger and the temperature of the target medium to be replenished, the medium replenishment valve is controlled to control the flow direction of the target medium to be replenished.

[0042] The control method for the heat pump unit provided by the present invention maximizes the thermal energy utilization efficiency and optimizes the steam production through accurate identification of the operating mode, timely regulation of the heat pump circuit, and intelligent management of the target medium temperature of the supply, thereby effectively improving the overall performance and operating economy of the heat pump unit.

[0043] According to a control method of a heat pump unit provided by the present invention, a medium supply valve is controlled according to the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger and the temperature of the target medium to be supplied, so as to control the flow direction of the target medium to be supplied, comprising:

[0044] Determine that the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage heat exchanger is greater than the target medium temperature to be replenished, and control the medium replenishment valve to allow the target medium to be replenished to enter the energy storage heat exchanger to absorb heat and then be sent to the heat exchange flash tank;

[0045] Determine that the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger is less than or equal to the target medium temperature of the supply, and control the medium supply valve to allow the target medium to enter the supply circuit.

[0046] The control method of the heat pump unit provided by the present invention realizes the optimization of heat management during the operation of the heat pump unit by dynamically adjusting the target medium path of the supply, which not only fully utilizes the stored thermal energy but also ensures the stable and efficient operation of the unit under various working conditions.

[0047] A control method for a heat pump unit according to the present invention further includes:

[0048] When the heat pump unit is operating in the defrost mode, the first compressor and the driving device are controlled to stop running, and the medium supply valve is closed;

[0049] The second heat pump circuit is controlled to perform a defrosting operation, and during the defrosting operation, the refrigerant in the second heat pump circuit absorbs heat from the energy storage heat exchanger.

[0050] The control method of the heat pump unit provided by the present invention not only ensures that the heat pump unit can efficiently remove frost and restore heating capacity during defrosting, but also reduces dependence on external energy by intelligently utilizing the heat stored in the energy storage heat exchanger, thereby improving the reliability and energy efficiency of the unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the present invention or related technologies, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or related technical descriptions. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0052] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the heat pump unit provided by the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 This is one of the flow charts of the control method of the heat pump unit provided by the present invention;

[0054] Figure 3 This is the second flow chart of the control method of the heat pump unit provided by the present invention.

[0055] Reference numerals:

[0056] 1: Drive device; 2: Heat exchange flash tank; 3: Energy storage heat exchanger; 4: Medium supply valve;

[0057] 5: supply circuit; 6: first temperature sensor; 7: second temperature sensor;

[0058] 8: Sprinkler; 9: First compressor; 10: First throttling device;

[0059] 11: intermediate heat exchanger; 111: first heat exchange path; 112: second heat exchange path;

[0060] 12: Second compressor; 13: Air heat exchanger; 14: Four-way valve;

[0061] 15: Second throttling device; 16: First diversion point; 17: Second diversion point;

[0062] 18: Defrost circuit; 19: On-off valve; 20: Third throttling device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described 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 ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0064] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0065] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections, electrical connections; and direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0066] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiment of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0067] The following combination Figure 1-Figure 3 The heat pump unit and control method of the present invention are described.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, referring to Figure 1As shown, the present invention provides a heat pump unit, which mainly includes: a steam production circuit and a first heat pump circuit. The steam production circuit includes: a drive device 1, a heat exchange flash tank 2, an energy storage heat exchanger 3, and a medium supply valve 4. The drive device 1 is connected to the heat exchange flash tank 2 through a supply circuit 5 for driving the target medium to circulate. The energy storage heat exchanger 3 is connected to the heat exchange flash tank 2. The medium supply valve 4 is connected to the energy storage heat exchanger 3 and the supply circuit 5 respectively, and is used to control the flow direction of the target medium to be supplied based on the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage heat exchanger 3 and the temperature of the target medium to be supplied. The first heat pump circuit is connected to the heat exchange flash tank 2 for providing a heat source for the heat exchange flash tank 2.

[0069] In this embodiment of the present invention, the main features of the heat pump unit are the integration of the steam production circuit and the first heat pump circuit, as well as the intelligent control of the medium supply valve 4, to improve the thermal energy utilization efficiency and steam production. Specifically:

[0070] The driving device 1 can be a pump, which continuously circulates the target medium to the heat exchange flash tank 2 through the supply loop 5 to ensure that there is enough target medium to evaporate and generate steam.

[0071] Heat exchange flash tank 2: It is the main part of heat energy conversion. By receiving the heat provided by the first heat pump circuit, the target medium is quickly evaporated into steam in the tank.

[0072] Energy storage heat exchanger 3: It can absorb and store thermal energy, such as solar energy or other waste heat, and transfer this stored heat to the target medium for replenishment, thereby enhancing heat exchange efficiency when needed.

[0073] Medium supply valve 4: intelligently controls the flow direction of the target medium to be supplied. Based on the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage heat exchanger 3 and the temperature of the target medium to be supplied, it is determined whether the target medium to be supplied should be preheated by the energy storage heat exchanger 3 first, thereby reducing the need for the heat exchange flash tank 2 to directly absorb heat from the heat pump and improving overall energy efficiency.

[0074] For example, when the temperature of the energy storage medium is higher than the target medium being supplied, the valve directs the target medium to heat up in the energy storage heat exchanger 3 before entering the flash tank 2. This reduces the amount of heat required by the flash tank 2 to be drawn from the first heat pump circuit, indirectly improving the overall energy efficiency of the entire unit. If the energy storage medium temperature is insufficient to effectively preheat the target medium being supplied, the target medium is allowed to enter the supply circuit 5 directly, preventing reverse heat absorption.

[0075] It is understood that the present invention is applicable not only to steam production, but also to other situations where temperature is unstable and a supplemental heat source is required. The target medium of the present invention is the medium to be heated, and the specific type is not particularly limited. For example, it can be water, oil, refrigerant, and temperature-unstable gas.

[0076] Therefore, the heat pump unit provided in the embodiment of the present invention achieves an improvement in the efficiency of the traditional heat pump unit by intelligently adjusting the medium supply valve 4 and the energy storage heat exchanger 3, which is not only beneficial to energy saving and consumption reduction, but also beneficial to improving steam production efficiency. It has high practical value for industries that require large amounts of steam and heat source applications, such as food processing, medical sterilization and other fields.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1 As shown, the heat pump unit further includes: a first temperature sensor 6, a second temperature sensor 7, and a controller. The first temperature sensor 6 is disposed on the energy storage heat exchanger 3 and is used to detect the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage heat exchanger 3; the second temperature sensor 7 is disposed on the medium supply valve 4 and is used to detect the target temperature of the supplied medium; and the controller is connected to the first temperature sensor 6, the second temperature sensor 7, the drive device 1, the medium supply valve 4, and the first heat pump circuit.

[0078] In this embodiment of the present invention, a more sophisticated temperature monitoring and control system is added to achieve real-time, accurate operating status monitoring and intelligent adjustment:

[0079] 1. First temperature sensor 6: Installed on the energy storage heat exchanger 3, it primarily monitors and provides feedback on the temperature of the energy storage medium in real time. This is crucial for accurately assessing the state of heat storage in the energy storage heat exchanger 3 and also provides a basis for intelligently controlling the medium supply valve 4.

[0080] 2. Second temperature sensor 7: Located near the medium supply valve 4, it detects the temperature of the target medium entering the steam production circuit. This data directly influences the on / off control logic of the medium supply valve 4, ensuring that the target medium enters the unit at the appropriate temperature to optimize thermal energy utilization.

[0081] 3. Controller: As the core component of the entire heat pump unit, it connects and coordinates the operation of various key components—the first temperature sensor 6, the second temperature sensor 7, the drive unit 1, the medium supply valve 4, and the first heat pump circuit. Based on received temperature data and a pre-set control algorithm, the controller adjusts the operating status and parameters of each component in real time. For example, it intelligently controls the opening and closing of the medium supply valve 4 and the flow direction of the target medium according to the temperature of the energy storage medium and the target temperature of the supply medium. It also adjusts the output power of the first heat pump circuit according to actual operating conditions.

[0082] Through the above integrated temperature sensing technology and intelligent control strategy, the heat pump unit of the embodiment of the present invention further improves operating efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and ensures that the optimal steam production effect can be achieved under various environmental conditions and working conditions.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1 As shown, a sprayer 8 is provided in the heat exchange flash tank 2 , the driving device 1 is cyclically connected to the sprayer 8 and the heat exchange flash tank 2 via a supply loop 5 , and the energy storage heat exchanger 3 is connected to the sprayer 8 .

[0084] In this embodiment of the present invention, a sprayer 8 is added to the interior of the heat exchange flash tank 2. After the target medium in the heat exchange flash tank 2 is pressurized by the driving device 1, it is sprayed into the heat exchange flash tank 2 in an atomized or dispersed manner through the sprayer 8. The functions of the sprayer 8 are:

[0085] 1. Increase the contact area between the target medium and the heat exchange tubes in the heat exchange flash tank 2: By refining the target medium into a mist, the contact area and mixing degree between the target medium and the heat exchange tubes in the heat exchange flash tank 2 are significantly increased, making the heat exchange process more sufficient and rapid, thereby effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0086] 2. Improve heat exchange rate: The target medium after atomization can evaporate quickly and absorb heat, which accelerates the process of heat transfer from the refrigerant to the target medium, causing the temperature of the target medium to rise rapidly, generating more steam, and thus increasing steam production.

[0087] 3. Stable heat exchange effect: The sprayer 8 can ensure that the target medium is evenly distributed during the heat exchange process, avoiding local overheating or insufficient heating, and helping to maintain the stability and reliability of the entire steam production process.

[0088] Furthermore, the energy storage heat exchanger 3 is connected to the sprayer 8, allowing the target medium to absorb solar heat through the energy storage heat exchanger 3 and then enter the sprayer 8 for efficient heat exchange, further improving the overall energy efficiency of steam production. This design, integrating solar energy storage and fine spraying technology, optimizes and improves the performance of traditional heat pump units.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchange flash tank 2 is a boiling heat exchange flash tank.

[0090] Specifically, the flash tank 2 is designed as a boiling flash tank, a structure that further optimizes the steam generation process. When the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant produced by the first compressor 9 enters the heat exchange tubes within the flash tank, it directly and efficiently exchanges heat with the circulating target medium. Due to the extremely high refrigerant temperature, the circulating target medium is quickly heated to its boiling point and kept boiling.

[0091] During this process, the high-temperature refrigerant releases a large amount of heat, causing the circulating target medium to evaporate into steam, significantly increasing steam production. Furthermore, the use of boiling heat exchange allows for more complete and rapid heat transfer between the refrigerant and the target medium, thereby improving the energy efficiency of the entire heat pump unit. Furthermore, the boiling heat exchange flash tank design ensures a stable and controllable heat exchange process, contributing to a continuous and stable steam supply and reducing equipment operating energy consumption.

[0092] Therefore, the heat pump unit adopts a boiling heat exchange flash tank and utilizes the principle of efficient boiling heat exchange, which not only greatly increases the steam output, but also effectively improves the working efficiency and comprehensive performance of the entire unit, achieving the dual goals of energy saving and increased production.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1 As shown, the first heat pump circuit includes: a first compressor 9, a first throttling device 10, and an intermediate heat exchanger 11. The exhaust port of the first compressor 9 is connected to the heat exchange flash tank 2; the first throttling device 10 is connected between the heat exchange flash tank 2 and the air intake of the first compressor 9; the first heat exchange flow path 111 of the intermediate heat exchanger 11 is connected between the first throttling device 10 and the air intake of the first compressor 9; and the second heat exchange flow path 112 of the intermediate heat exchanger 11 releases heat to the first heat exchange flow path 111.

[0094] In this embodiment of the present invention, the first heat pump circuit forms a highly efficient heat energy circulation system through carefully designed components:

[0095] The first compressor 9: As the core part of the heat pump, it sucks the refrigerant from the low-pressure area, compresses it into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas, and then sends this high-temperature gas into the heat exchange flash tank 2 to provide the necessary heat source for steam production.

[0096] The first throttling device 10: usually refers to an electronic expansion valve, which is located between the heat exchange flash tank 2 and the air intake of the first compressor 9. Its function is to throttle, reduce the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant coming out of the heat exchange flash tank 2, and convert it into low-temperature and low-pressure wet steam or liquid mixture.

[0097] Intermediate heat exchanger 11: It has two heat exchange paths for mutual heat exchange. The first heat exchange path 111 is connected between the first throttling device 10 and the air intake of the first compressor 9. This means that the refrigerant, after throttling and cooling, absorbs the heat released by the second heat exchange path 112 of the intermediate heat exchanger 11, thereby recovering its own temperature, thereby increasing its superheat before entering the first compressor 9 and ensuring the stability of the heat pump cycle.

[0098] The second heat exchange flow path 112: This flow path can transfer heat to the first heat exchange flow path 111, which can not only improve the energy efficiency ratio of the entire heat pump unit, but also ensure the efficient operation of the first heat pump circuit.

[0099] Through this design, the first heat pump circuit can achieve heat upgrade and effective utilization in the refrigerant circulation process under the coordinated action of the compressor, throttling device and intermediate heat exchanger, ultimately providing sufficient and controllable heat source for steam production while maintaining the overall efficient operation of the unit.

[0100] According to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1 As shown, the heat pump unit also includes a second heat pump circuit, which includes: a second compressor 12, an air heat exchanger 13, and a four-way valve 14. The first end of the four-way valve 14 is connected to the exhaust port of the second compressor 12, the second end of the four-way valve 14 is connected to the first end of the air heat exchanger 13, the third end of the four-way valve 14 is connected to the first end of the second heat exchange flow path 112 of the intermediate heat exchanger 11, and the fourth end of the four-way valve 14 is connected to the intake port of the second compressor 12; the second end of the second heat exchange flow path 112 of the intermediate heat exchanger 11 is connected to the second end of the air heat exchanger 13.

[0101] In this embodiment of the present invention, the second heat pump circuit is designed to further improve the unit's efficiency in capturing and converting ambient heat, and to work in conjunction with the first heat pump circuit to optimize the performance of the entire unit. Specifically:

[0102] Second compressor 12: Like the first compressor 9 in the first heat pump circuit, the second compressor 12 is also an important component of the thermodynamic cycle. It is responsible for compressing the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas into a high-temperature and high-pressure state, and then transferring this part of the heat to the intermediate heat exchanger 11 or the air heat exchanger 13.

[0103] Air heat exchanger 13: As the primary heat exchange component in the second heat pump circuit, air heat exchanger 13 interacts with the ambient air. The refrigerant absorbs or releases heat within the heat exchanger, extracting or dissipating heat from the air. For example, in heating mode, air heat exchanger 13 absorbs heat from the ambient air, while the refrigerant evaporates and absorbs heat. The refrigerant vapor then enters the next cycle.

[0104] Four-way valve 14: This is a key valve component. It has four ports that can change the flow direction of the refrigerant according to the needs of the unit to achieve different modes such as defrosting or heating.

[0105] Second heat exchange path 112 of intermediate heat exchanger 11 is connected to the refrigerant path in the second heat pump circuit. It receives refrigerant from four-way valve 14 and transfers the heat carried by this refrigerant to first heat exchange path 111, thereby increasing the refrigerant temperature in the first heat pump circuit and improving steam production efficiency. Simultaneously, the other end of this path is connected to the second end of air heat exchanger 13, completing the refrigerant's complete circulation in the second heat pump circuit.

[0106] Therefore, the second heat pump circuit is combined with the intermediate heat exchanger 11 of the first heat pump circuit, which not only makes full use of the low-grade heat in the ambient air, but also enables the entire heat pump unit to operate flexibly and efficiently under different working conditions through the switching of the four-way valve 14, thereby effectively improving the overall performance and applicability of the heat pump unit.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1 As shown, a second throttling device 15 is provided between the second end of the second heat exchange flow path 112 of the intermediate heat exchanger 11 and the second end of the air heat exchanger 13. The second throttling device 15 is mainly used for throttling, reducing pressure and cooling.

[0108] According to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1 As shown, a first diversion point 16 is provided between the second throttling device 15 and the second end of the air heat exchanger 13; a second diversion point 17 is provided between the third end of the four-way valve 14 and the first end of the second heat exchange flow path 112 of the intermediate heat exchanger 11; the first diversion point 16 is connected to the second diversion point 17 via the defrost circuit 18, the energy storage heat exchanger 3 is connected to the defrost circuit 18, and an on-off valve 19 is provided in the defrost circuit 18, and the on-off valve 19 is connected between the energy storage heat exchanger 3 and the second diversion point 17.

[0109] The heat pump unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention can realize different modes of operation by switching the working state of the four-way valve 14: in the steam production mode, the refrigerant circulates efficiently between the various components to generate steam; in the defrost mode, the four-way valve 14 reconfigures the refrigerant flow direction so that the refrigerant can directly pass through the air heat exchanger 13 for reverse cycle defrosting operation, thereby avoiding the reduction of heat exchange efficiency due to frosting.

[0110] By cleverly using the four-way valve 14 to control the flow path of the refrigerant between different components, the heat pump unit can be effectively switched quickly and operated stably under various working conditions such as steam production and defrosting.

[0111] According to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 1 As shown, the defrost circuit 18 is further provided with a third throttling device 20, which is connected between the energy storage heat exchanger 3 and the first diversion point 16. The third throttling device 20 is mainly used for throttling, reducing pressure and cooling.

[0112] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the medium supply valve 4 can be a three-way valve.

[0113] The working principle of the heat pump unit provided by the present invention will be described below in conjunction with a specific example (the target medium is water), referring to Figure 1 As shown, it generally includes:

[0114] Steam production mode: The high-temperature and high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged by the second compressor 12 enters the intermediate heat exchanger 11 through the four-way valve 14 (at this time, the on-off valve 19 is closed). After releasing heat, it becomes a high-pressure and medium-temperature refrigerant liquid, which is throttled by the second throttling device 15 and then becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant liquid. It enters the air heat exchanger 13 to absorb heat from the air and becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas, and then enters the second compressor 12 to complete the heating cycle of the low-temperature stage.

[0115] The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged by the first compressor 9 enters the heat exchange flash tank 2 to release heat to the circulating water therein to produce steam. At the same time, the refrigerant is cooled into a high-pressure and medium-temperature refrigerant liquid, which is throttled by the first throttling device 10 and then becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant liquid. It enters the intermediate heat exchanger 11 to absorb the heat released by the refrigerant in the second heat pump circuit in the intermediate heat exchanger 11, and then becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas and enters the first compressor 9 to complete the cycle.

[0116] The energy storage heat exchanger 3 stores heat in the energy storage heat exchanger 3 by absorbing heat from solar energy.

[0117] When t2 (make-up water temperature) < t1 (energy storage medium temperature), the medium supply valve 4 is connected to the energy storage heat exchanger 3. The make-up water absorbs heat from the energy storage heat exchanger 3, and the water temperature rises to a certain extent. This part of the water can absorb less heat provided by the heat pump, so the amount of steam generated will increase to a certain extent, thereby improving the comprehensive energy efficiency of the heat pump unit.

[0118] When t2 ≥ t1, the medium supply valve 4 is connected to the supply circuit 5 to prevent the energy storage heat exchanger 3 from absorbing heat from the make-up water reversely.

[0119] Defrosting mode: The first compressor 9 and the driving device 1 stop, and the medium supply valve 4 is closed. At this time, steam production stops. The four-way valve 14 is switched. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas discharged by the second compressor 12 enters the air heat exchanger 13, passes through the third throttling device 20 (at this time, the second throttling device 15 is closed), enters the energy storage heat exchanger 3 to absorb heat, and then flows through the on-off valve 19, passes through the four-way valve 14 and returns to the second compressor 12 to complete the defrosting cycle of the air heat exchanger 13.

[0120] It is worth mentioning that no heat is absorbed from the water in the heat exchange flash tank 2 during defrosting, and the temperature of the high-temperature water in the heat exchange flash tank 2 does not change. When the defrost cycle ends and the mode is switched to steam production, steam can be generated quickly, and the total steam production will not decrease, thereby effectively ensuring the steam production amount and production efficiency.

[0121] The control method of the heat pump unit provided by the present invention is described below. The control method of the heat pump unit described below and the heat pump unit described above can be referred to each other.

[0122] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, referring to Figure 2 As shown, the present invention also provides a control method for the heat pump unit of the above embodiment, which mainly includes the following steps:

[0123] S201, obtaining the operating mode of the heat pump unit;

[0124] S202: When the heat pump unit is operating in the steam production mode, the second heat pump circuit is controlled to operate in heating mode, and the first compressor 9 and the driving device 1 are started and operated;

[0125] S203, detecting the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger 3 and the temperature of the target medium to be supplied;

[0126] S204 , controlling the medium supply valve 4 according to the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage heat exchanger 3 and the temperature of the target medium to be supplied, so as to control the flow direction of the target medium to be supplied.

[0127] The control method for a heat pump unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention maximizes thermal energy utilization efficiency and optimizes steam production through accurate identification of operating modes, timely regulation of the heat pump circuit, and intelligent management of the target medium temperature of supply, thereby effectively improving the overall performance and operating economy of the heat pump unit.

[0128] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the medium supply valve 4 is controlled according to the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger 3 and the temperature of the target medium to be supplied, so as to control the flow direction of the target medium to be supplied, including:

[0129] Determine that the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage heat exchanger 3 is greater than the target medium temperature, and control the medium supply valve 4 to allow the target medium to enter the energy storage heat exchanger 3 to absorb heat and then be sent to the heat exchange flash tank 2;

[0130] It is determined that the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage heat exchanger 3 is less than or equal to the target medium temperature for replenishment, and the medium replenishment valve 4 is controlled to allow the target medium for replenishment to enter the supply circuit 5 .

[0131] The control method for a heat pump unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention optimizes heat management during the operation of the heat pump unit by dynamically adjusting the target medium path for replenishment, thereby fully utilizing the stored thermal energy and ensuring stable and efficient operation of the unit under various operating conditions.

[0132] According to one embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 3 As shown, the control method of the heat pump unit of the present invention further includes the steps of:

[0133] S301: When the heat pump unit is operating in the defrost mode, the first compressor 9 and the driving device 1 are controlled to stop operating, and the medium supply valve 4 is closed;

[0134] S302: Control the second heat pump circuit to perform defrosting operation, and during the defrosting operation, the refrigerant in the second heat pump circuit absorbs heat from the energy storage heat exchanger.

[0135] The control method of the heat pump unit provided in the embodiment of the present invention not only ensures that the heat pump unit can efficiently remove frost and restore heating capacity during defrosting, but also reduces dependence on external energy by intelligently utilizing the heat stored in the energy storage heat exchanger, thereby improving the reliability and energy efficiency of the unit.

[0136] The specific process of each of the above steps in the control method of the heat pump unit provided by the embodiment of the present invention can be found in the description of the above heat pump unit, which will not be repeated here.

[0137] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heat pump unit, characterized in that: include: A steam production circuit, comprising: a drive device, a heat exchange flash tank, an energy storage heat exchanger, and a medium supply valve, wherein the drive device is cyclically connected to the heat exchange flash tank via a supply circuit and is used to drive the target medium to circulate, the energy storage heat exchanger is connected to the heat exchange flash tank, and the medium supply valve is respectively connected to the energy storage heat exchanger and the supply circuit and is used to control the flow direction of the supplied target medium based on the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage heat exchanger and the temperature of the supplied target medium; The first heat pump loop is connected to the heat exchange flash tank and is used to provide a heat source for the heat exchange flash tank.

2. The heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also includes: a first temperature sensor, disposed on the energy storage heat exchanger, for detecting the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger; A second temperature sensor is provided on the medium supply valve and is used to detect the temperature of the target medium to be supplied; A controller is respectively connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the driving device, the medium supply valve and the first heat pump circuit.

3. The heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: A sprayer is provided in the heat exchange flash tank, the driving device is circulatedly connected to the sprayer and the heat exchange flash tank via a supply loop, and the energy storage heat exchanger is connected to the sprayer.

4. The heat pump unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The heat exchange flash tank is a boiling heat exchange flash tank.

5. The heat pump unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first heat pump circuit comprises: a first compressor, wherein the exhaust port of the first compressor is connected to the heat exchange flash tank; a first throttling device connected between the heat exchange flash tank and the air intake of the first compressor; an intermediate heat exchanger, wherein a first heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger is connected between the first throttling device and the suction port of the first compressor; The second heat exchange path of the intermediate heat exchanger releases heat to the first heat exchange path.

6. The heat pump unit according to claim 5, characterized in that: Also included is a second heat pump circuit, the second heat pump circuit comprising: a second compressor and air heat exchanger; a four-way valve, wherein a first end of the four-way valve is connected to the exhaust port of the second compressor, a second end of the four-way valve is connected to the first end of the air heat exchanger, a third end of the four-way valve is connected to the first end of the second heat exchange path of the intermediate heat exchanger, and a fourth end of the four-way valve is connected to the intake port of the second compressor; The second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger is connected to the second end of the air heat exchanger.

7. The heat pump unit according to claim 6, characterized in that: A second throttling device is provided between the second end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger and the second end of the air heat exchanger.

8. The heat pump unit according to claim 7, characterized in that: A first diversion point is provided between the second throttling device and the second end of the air heat exchanger; A second branching point is provided between the third end of the four-way valve and the first end of the second heat exchange flow path of the intermediate heat exchanger; The first branch point is connected to the second branch point via a defrost circuit, the energy storage heat exchanger is connected to the defrost circuit, and an on-off valve is provided in the defrost circuit, and the on-off valve is connected between the energy storage heat exchanger and the second branch point.

9. The heat pump unit according to claim 8, characterized in that: A third throttling device is further provided in the defrost circuit, and the third throttling device is connected between the energy storage heat exchanger and the first diversion point.

10. A control method for a heat pump unit according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that: include: Get the operating mode of the heat pump unit; When the heat pump unit is operated in a steam production mode, the second heat pump circuit is controlled to operate for heating, and the first compressor and the driving device are started and operated; Detecting the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger and the temperature of the target medium to be supplied; According to the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger and the temperature of the target medium to be replenished, the medium replenishment valve is controlled to control the flow direction of the target medium to be replenished.

11. The control method of the heat pump unit according to claim 10, characterized in that: According to the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger and the temperature of the target medium to be replenished, the medium replenishment valve is controlled to control the flow direction of the target medium to be replenished, including: Determine that the temperature of the energy storage medium in the energy storage heat exchanger is greater than the target medium temperature to be replenished, and control the medium replenishment valve to allow the target medium to be replenished to enter the energy storage heat exchanger to absorb heat and then be sent to the heat exchange flash tank; Determine that the temperature of the energy storage medium of the energy storage heat exchanger is less than or equal to the target medium temperature of the supply, and control the medium supply valve to allow the target medium to enter the supply circuit.

12. The control method of the heat pump unit according to claim 10, characterized in that: Also includes: When the heat pump unit is operating in the defrost mode, the first compressor and the driving device are controlled to stop running, and the medium supply valve is closed; The second heat pump circuit is controlled to perform a defrosting operation, and during the defrosting operation, the refrigerant in the second heat pump circuit absorbs heat from the energy storage heat exchanger.

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