Multi-layer detachable hot water unit

Abstract

The invention discloses a multi-level detachable hot water unit, relates to the technical field of heat pump heating, and aims to provide a heat pump system which is convenient to disassemble, assemble and maintain and capable of coping with continuously increasing after-sales service amount and adapting to production, maintenance and after-sales requirements in a new period. The system comprises a water inlet main pipe, a water outlet main pipe, a secondary refrigerant main inlet pipe, a secondary refrigerant main outlet pipe and at least two heat pump units, and the multiple heat pump units are arranged in a series-parallel connection switching mode. The water inlet end, the water outlet end, the heat exchange input end and the heat exchange output end of the heat pump unit communicate with the water inlet header pipe, the water outlet header pipe, the secondary refrigerant main inlet pipe and the secondary refrigerant main outlet pipe correspondingly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of heat pump heating, and specifically to a multi-stage detachable hot water unit. Background Technology

[0002] Existing single large heat pump equipment is quite bulky. Because of the fixed connection method, it is not only difficult to improve the working efficiency, but also difficult to cope with the different water temperature requirements of the application site. When low water temperature and high flow rate water production are required, the flow rate is limited due to the structure, and the water temperature cannot be lowered further. When high water temperature is required, it is difficult to reach a higher water temperature due to insufficient layers.

[0003] Meanwhile, the number of heat pump units in use is increasing daily, leading to a growing volume of after-sales service. The complexity of heat pump applications and their operating time are far greater than those of air conditioners; therefore, ease of maintenance is crucial for heat pump units. In particular, most current units require on-site maintenance, especially when the refrigeration system malfunctions, resulting in a complex and multifaceted maintenance process. Furthermore, space constraints in the machine room make maintenance difficult, impacting normal business operations. The requirement to perform maintenance only on-site incurs high human and material costs, increasing the burden on businesses and creating significant obstacles to large-scale production.

[0004] On the other hand, the common modular concept currently used in the market is essentially just a simple stacking of equipment, which cannot improve the above problems. Although modules disperse the failure points, when the size of a single modular unit is small, multiple modular units are required, which takes up a large area and increases project costs. If the size of a single modular unit is large, there are also problems such as the significant impact on the project load after the unit is removed, difficulties in moving, removing or installing the unit during replacement, and transportation costs.

[0005] Therefore, the goal is to improve unit performance, facilitate mass production, and address the increasing volume of after-sales service through an effective and convenient disassembly and maintenance structure, thus meeting the requirements of production, maintenance, and after-sales service in the new era. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, namely, to propose a convenient disassembly and maintenance structure to cope with the ever-increasing after-sales service volume and adapt to the new era's requirements for production, maintenance, and after-sales service of heat pump systems, this invention proposes a multi-level detachable hot water unit, which includes an inlet main pipe, an outlet main pipe, a refrigerant main inlet pipe, a refrigerant main outlet pipe, and at least two heat pump units. Multiple heat pump units are connected in series and parallel, and the inlet, outlet, heat exchange input, and heat exchange output ends of each heat pump unit are respectively connected to the inlet main pipe, the outlet main pipe, the refrigerant main inlet pipe, and the refrigerant main outlet pipe.

[0007] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the heat pump unit includes an evaporator, the low-pressure refrigerant outlet of the evaporator is connected to the low-pressure inlet of a liquid storage gas separator, the low-pressure outlet of the liquid storage gas separator is connected to a compressor, and the unit also includes a condenser, the condenser including a subcooled section, a saturated section, and a superheated section, the outlet of the compressor being connected to the inlet of the superheated section, the outlet of the superheated section being connected to the inlet of the saturated section, the outlet of the saturated section being connected to the high-pressure inlet of the liquid storage gas separator, the high-pressure outlet of the liquid storage gas separator being connected to the inlet of the superheated section, the outlet of the superheated section being connected to an expansion valve, and the outlet of the expansion valve being connected to the inlet of the evaporator; the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet of the evaporator are respectively connected to the main refrigerant inlet pipe and the main refrigerant outlet pipe.

[0008] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: the main inlet pipe is simultaneously connected to the inlets of multiple subcooled sections, the multiple outlets of multiple subcooled sections are combined into a main pipe and simultaneously connected to the inlets of multiple saturated sections, the multiple outlets of multiple saturated sections are also combined into a main pipe and simultaneously connected to the inlets of multiple superheated sections, the multiple outlets of multiple superheated sections are also combined into a main pipe and connected to the main outlet pipe.

[0009] A further configuration of the present invention is as follows: a three-way valve one is installed on a pipeline connecting multiple saturated section inlets, and a three-way valve two is installed on a pipeline connecting multiple saturated section outlets, wherein the three-way valve one and the three-way valve two are connected.

[0010] A further feature of the present invention is that the inlet and outlet of the subcooled section, the saturated section and the superheated section are all equipped with stop valves, and the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet of the evaporator are also equipped with stop valves.

[0011] A further feature of the present invention is that a water temperature regulating valve is installed on the main water outlet pipe.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0013] 1. Through multi-level design, the heating process can be segmented, with each level rationally allocated, optimizing the unit's operating conditions and improving water production while reducing resistance. Simultaneously, the unit can meet both parallel low-temperature, high-flow water demand and series high-temperature water production demand. The multi-level design provides the prerequisite for series-parallel operation, facilitating changes in processing levels within the unit and broadening the application range. The unit contains multiple identical small units, significantly enhancing the uniformity of model numbers, which is conducive to miniaturization and standardization, thus creating favorable conditions for mass production.

[0014] 2. The multiple basic units contained in the unit can be disassembled and assembled independently. If necessary, the faulty heat pump unit can be directly replaced, which greatly reduces the requirements for human resources and material consumption. The fluctuation of the entire system after an individual failure is significantly reduced, and other heat pump units can still operate normally to meet water needs, reducing the difficulty of after-sales service and the impact on the unit during maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the heat pump unit is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion at point A is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 A state reference diagram is shown for the parallel state of the saturated segment.

[0019] Figure 5 A state reference diagram is shown under the saturated segment series state.

[0020] Reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Heat pump unit; 11. Evaporator; 12. Liquid storage gas separator; 13. Compressor; 14. Condenser; 141. Subcooling section; 142. Saturated section; 143. Superheating section; 2. Main inlet water pipe; 3. Main outlet water pipe; 31. Water temperature regulating valve; 4. Main refrigerant inlet pipe; 5. Main refrigerant outlet pipe; 6. Three-way valve one; 7. Three-way valve two; 8. Stop valve. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0022] This invention proposes a multi-stage detachable hot water unit, including an inlet main pipe 2, an outlet main pipe 3, a refrigerant main inlet pipe 4, a refrigerant main outlet pipe 5, and four heat pump units 1. The inlet main pipe 2 is used to supply cold water, the outlet main pipe 3 is used to output water after heat exchange, and the refrigerant main inlet pipe 4 and the refrigerant main outlet pipe 5 are used to circulate the refrigerant.

[0023] The heat pump unit 1 includes an independent refrigerant system, water system, and electrical terminals. Each heat pump unit 1 can implement complete heat pump heating and cooling functions under the drive of the main electrical control box.

[0024] Any two heat pump units 1 form a group, and the two heat pump units 1 in a group are connected in series and parallel and switched. The water inlet, water outlet, heat exchange input and heat exchange output of heat pump unit 1 are respectively connected to the water inlet main pipe 2, the water outlet main pipe 3, the refrigerant main inlet pipe 4 and the refrigerant main outlet pipe 5.

[0025] The heat pump unit 1 includes an evaporator 11. The low-pressure refrigerant outlet of the evaporator 11 is connected to a liquid-gas separator 12. The liquid-gas separator 12 consists of a liquid receiver and a gas-liquid separator, wherein the liquid receiver is the high-pressure section and the gas-liquid separator is the low-pressure section. The low-pressure refrigerant outlet of the evaporator 11 is connected to the low-pressure inlet of the liquid-gas separator 12, and the low-pressure outlet of the liquid-gas separator 12 is connected to a compressor 13. The system also includes a condenser 14, which comprises a subcooled section 141, a saturated section 142, and a superheated section 143. The outlet of the compressor 13 is connected to the inlet of the superheated section 143, the outlet of the superheated section 143 is connected to the inlet of the saturated section 142, the outlet of the saturated section 142 is connected to the high-pressure inlet of the liquid storage gas separator 12, and the high-pressure outlet of the liquid storage gas separator 12 is connected to the inlet of the superheated section 143. An expansion valve is connected to the outlet of the superheated section 143, and the outlet of the expansion valve is connected to the inlet of the evaporator 11, thereby enabling the refrigerant to circulate within the heat pump unit 1. The refrigerant inlets and outlets of the two evaporators 11 are connected to the main refrigerant inlet pipe 4 and the main refrigerant outlet pipe 5, respectively. Specifically, the two refrigerant inlets are connected to a single main refrigerant inlet pipe 4, and the two refrigerant outlets are connected to a single main refrigerant outlet pipe 5. This allows the refrigerant to circulate within the evaporators 11, absorbing heat from the heat source circulated through the pipeline.

[0026] The working principle of heat pump unit 1 is the same as that of existing heat pumps. After the refrigerant evaporates, it is input from the evaporator 11 into the low-pressure part of the liquid-gas separator 12 for gas-liquid separation. The refrigerant enters the compressor 13 in a gaseous state. The compressed high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant passes through the superheat section 143 and the saturation section 142 in sequence, and becomes a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant is input into the high-pressure part of the liquid-gas separator 12 and then input into the expansion valve for throttling. The throttled refrigerant is then transported back to the evaporator 11 to circulate and absorb heat again.

[0027] The main inlet pipe 2 is connected to the inlets of the two subcooled sections 141. The outlets of the two subcooled sections 141 are combined into a main pipe, which is also connected to the inlets of the two saturated sections 142. The two outlets of the two saturated sections 142 are also combined into a main pipe, which is also connected to the inlets of the two superheated sections 143. The two outlets of the two superheated sections 143 are also combined into a main pipe, which is connected to the main outlet pipe 3.

[0028] A three-way valve 6 is installed on a pipeline connecting the inlets of the two saturation sections 142, and a three-way valve 7 is installed on a pipeline connecting the outlets of the two saturation sections 142. The three-way valves 6 and 7 are also connected. Both the three-way valves 6 and 7 are electric valves.

[0029] Water stop valves 8 are installed at the inlet and outlet of the subcooling section 141, the saturation section 142 and the superheating section 143. Water stop valves 8 are also installed at the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet of the evaporator 11. Automatic water stop valves 8 are selected.

[0030] A water temperature regulating valve 31 is installed on the main water outlet pipe 3 to regulate the water temperature of the output hot water.

[0031] The two heat pump units 1 are also connected in parallel and share a common water inlet main pipe 2, water outlet main pipe 3, refrigerant main inlet pipe 4, and refrigerant main outlet pipe 5.

[0032] It should be noted that this application only uses the installation of two sets of heat pump units 1 as an example. The number of these units can be increased or decreased according to actual usage needs, and the number of heat pump units included in each set of heat pump units 1 is also the same.

[0033] refer to Figure 4 When operating in low-temperature, high-flow mode, the process is as follows: open all stop valves 8, then close the channel connecting three-way valve 6 and three-way valve 7, so that the two saturation sections 142 in a heat pump unit 1 are connected in parallel. Cold water passes through the two saturation sections 142 respectively, and then merges again at the outlet of the saturation section 142, and then enters the superheated section 143 for final heating. After final heating, the water is collected in the water temperature regulating valve 31, and the water temperature is adjusted by the water temperature control valve. After reaching the appropriate water temperature, it is output from the main water outlet pipe 3.

[0034] refer to Figure 5 When operating in high-temperature water output mode, the process is as follows: open all stop valves 8, then open the channel connecting three-way valve 6 and three-way valve 7, close the other input end of three-way valve 6, and close the other output end of three-way valve 7. This connects the two saturation sections 142 in a heat pump unit 1 in series. Cold water passes through both saturation sections 142 once, and then enters the superheated section 143 for final heating. The water after final heating is collected at the water temperature regulating valve 31, where the temperature is adjusted. Once the appropriate water temperature is reached, it is output from the main water outlet pipe 3.

[0035] When performing maintenance by disassembling a heat pump unit 1, the process is as follows: close all the water shut-off valves 8 on the heat pump unit 1 to be disassembled, so that the water supply to the heat pump unit 1 can be directly cut off, thus completing the operation disconnection. At this time, the other heat pump unit 1 in the same group of heat pump units 1 can work independently, and the series-parallel switching in the other group of heat pump units 1 can still be performed. Thus, after removing any basic heat pump unit 1, other heat pump units 1 can still operate normally, which is more conducive to maintenance.

[0036] In summary, this invention, through its multi-level design, segments the heating process, rationally allocates resources across each level, optimizes unit operating conditions, and improves water production while reducing resistance. Simultaneously, the unit can meet both parallel low-temperature, high-flow water demand and series high-temperature water production demand. The multi-level design provides the prerequisite for parallel and series connections, facilitating changes in processing levels within the unit and broadening the application range. The unit contains multiple identical small units, significantly enhancing their uniformity and promoting miniaturization and standardization, thus creating favorable conditions for mass production. The multiple basic units within the unit can be independently disassembled and reassembled; if necessary, faulty heat pump unit 1 can be directly replaced, greatly reducing manpower and material consumption. The impact of individual failures on the overall system is significantly reduced, while other heat pump units 1 can continue to operate normally to meet water needs, minimizing after-sales difficulties and the impact of maintenance on the unit.

[0037] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

[0038] In the description of this invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate direction or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0039] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] The term "comprising" or any other similar term is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, article, or apparatus / device that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to those processes, articles, or apparatus / devices.

[0041] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-stage detachable hot water unit, characterized in that: It includes an inlet main pipe (2), an outlet main pipe (3), a refrigerant main inlet pipe (4), a refrigerant main outlet pipe (5), and at least two heat pump units (1). Multiple heat pump units (1) are connected in series and parallel and switched. The inlet end, outlet end, heat exchange input end, and heat exchange output end of the heat pump unit (1) are respectively connected to the inlet main pipe (2), the outlet main pipe (3), the refrigerant main inlet pipe (4), and the refrigerant main outlet pipe (5).

2. The multi-stage detachable hot water unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat pump unit (1) includes an evaporator (11), the low-pressure refrigerant outlet of which is connected to the low-pressure inlet of a liquid storage gas separator (12), the low-pressure outlet of which is connected to a compressor (13), and a condenser (14), which includes a subcooling section (141), a saturation section (142), and a superheating section (143). The outlet of the compressor (13) is connected to the inlet of the superheating section (143), and the outlet of the superheating section (143) is connected to the outlet of the superheating section (143). The saturation section (142) is connected to the inlet of the saturation section (142), the outlet of the saturation section (142) is connected to the high-pressure inlet of the liquid storage gas separator (12), the high-pressure outlet of the liquid storage gas separator (12) is connected to the inlet of the superheated section (143), the outlet of the superheated section (143) is connected to an expansion valve, and the outlet of the expansion valve is connected to the inlet of the evaporator (11); the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet of the evaporator (11) are respectively connected to the refrigerant main inlet pipe (4) and the refrigerant main outlet pipe (5).

3. The multi-stage detachable hot water unit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The main inlet pipe (2) is simultaneously connected to the inlets of multiple subcooled sections (141), and the multiple outlets of multiple subcooled sections (141) are combined into a main pipe, which is simultaneously connected to the inlets of multiple saturated sections (142). The multiple outlets of multiple saturated sections (142) are also combined into a main pipe, which is simultaneously connected to the inlets of multiple superheated sections (143). The multiple outlets of multiple superheated sections (143) are also combined into a main pipe, which is connected to the main outlet pipe (3).

4. The multi-stage detachable hot water unit according to claim 3, characterized in that: A three-way valve one (6) is installed on a pipeline connecting multiple inlets of the saturation section (142), and a three-way valve two (7) is installed on a pipeline connecting multiple outlets of the saturation section (142). The three-way valve one (6) and the three-way valve two (7) are connected.

5. The multi-stage detachable hot water unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inlet and outlet of the subcooled section (141), saturated section (142) and superheated section (143) are all equipped with stop valves (8), and the refrigerant inlet and refrigerant outlet of the evaporator (11) are also equipped with stop valves (8).

6. The multi-stage detachable hot water unit according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: A water temperature regulating valve (31) is installed on the main water outlet pipe (3).

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