Recycling system and method for condensate water of heating section of combined air conditioning unit

Abstract

The invention discloses a recycling system and method for condensate water of a heating section of a combined air conditioning unit, and relates to the technical field of air conditioner condensate water recycling. The recycling system comprises a steam heater, the condensate water outlet end of the steam heater is connected with a recycling device through a first pipeline, and a first stop valve is arranged on the first pipeline; the parallel branch is bridged at the upstream end and the downstream end of the first stop valve, and a hot water heater is connected in series in the parallel branch; the system is configured to enable the condensate water to flow through the hot water heater and then return to the first pipeline or only flow through the first pipeline by controlling the on-off state of the first stop valve and the parallel branch. By controlling the on-off state of the first stop valve and the parallel branch, high-temperature condensate water generated by heat exchange of the steam heater is introduced into the hot water heater, and waste heat of the high-temperature condensate water is used for warehouse heat supply through heat exchange, so that waste of a hot water heating section is avoided, meanwhile, recycling of the waste heat of the high-temperature condensate water is achieved, and energy conservation and emission reduction are achieved. The energy utilization efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of air conditioning condensate recovery technology, specifically a system and method for recovering and utilizing condensate from the heating section of a combined air conditioning unit. Background Technology

[0002] A modular air conditioning unit is an air handling device assembled from various air handling functional sections. Modular air conditioning units generally include fresh air section, return air section, filtration section, surface cooling section, heating section, humidification section, and supply air section, etc. Different air handling requirements are achieved through different functional sections. They are generally used in large indoor spaces such as factories.

[0003] The temperature and humidity requirements for some warehouses in the tobacco factory's re-drying workshop are 35℃ and 75%, respectively, requiring constant heating and a large heating capacity. To ensure that the temperature and humidity meet the process requirements, the traditional process typically uses the heating section of a modular air conditioning unit to heat the warehouse. This unit is equipped with both steam heating and hot water heating sections.

[0004] However, the inventors discovered during actual use that, due to the lack of a stable hot water source, the hot water heating section was always out of service and could only be heated by steam, resulting in a waste of the hot water heating section. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to provide a system and method for recycling condensate from the heating section of a combined air conditioning unit. This aims to solve the technical problem that traditional combined air conditioning units are equipped with both steam heating and hot water heating sections, but due to the lack of a stable hot water source, the hot water heating section is always in a state of disuse and can only rely on steam heating, resulting in the waste of the hot water heating section.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A system for recycling condensate from the heating section of a combined air conditioning unit includes:

[0008] A steam heater, the condensate outlet of which is connected to a recovery device via a first pipeline, and a first shut-off valve is provided on the first pipeline;

[0009] A parallel branch is connected across the upstream and downstream ends of the first shut-off valve, and a hot water heater is connected in series in the parallel branch;

[0010] The system is configured to control the on / off state of the first shut-off valve and the parallel branch, so that the condensate flows through the hot water heater and returns to the first pipeline, or flows only through the first pipeline.

[0011] Optionally, the parallel branch includes:

[0012] The second pipeline has one end connected to the upstream of the first shut-off valve, and the other end, away from the first shut-off valve, connected to the inlet of the hot water heater.

[0013] The third pipeline has one end connected downstream of the first shut-off valve and the other end, away from the first shut-off valve, connected to the outlet of the hot water heater.

[0014] Optionally, a second shut-off valve and a third shut-off valve are respectively installed on the second pipeline and the third pipeline.

[0015] Optionally, a fourth shut-off valve and a drain valve are sequentially installed on the first pipeline along the direction of condensate flow, and both the fourth shut-off valve and the drain valve are located upstream of the first shut-off valve.

[0016] Optionally, the steam inlet end of the steam heater is provided with a fourth pipeline, and a fifth shut-off valve and a flow regulating valve are installed sequentially along the steam flow direction on the fourth pipeline.

[0017] Optionally, the second pipeline is connected to a backup heat source pipe; the recovery device is a condensate recovery tank or a condensate recovery box.

[0018] A method for recycling condensate from the heating section of a combined air conditioning unit, applied to the condensate recycling system of the heating section of the combined air conditioning unit as described above, the method includes a recycling mode and a direct discharge mode. When the system is operating in recycling mode, the following steps are performed:

[0019] S1, receive the recycling mode activation signal;

[0020] S2, in response to the start signal, controls the first shut-off valve to be fully closed and the parallel branch to be opened, so that the condensate generated by the steam heater enters the hot water heater from the first pipeline upstream of the first shut-off valve, and then enters the first pipeline downstream of the first shut-off valve after heat exchange.

[0021] Optionally, when the system is running in straight-line mode, the following steps are performed:

[0022] S3 receives the straight-line mode start signal;

[0023] S4, in response to the direct discharge signal, controls the first shut-off valve to be fully open and the parallel branch to be disconnected, so that the condensate generated by the steam heater flows only through the first pipeline.

[0024] Optionally, in the recycling mode, the second and third shut-off valves on the parallel branch are controlled to be fully open;

[0025] In the direct-flow mode, the second and third shut-off valves on the parallel branch are controlled to be fully closed.

[0026] Optionally, in the system to which the method is applied, a fourth shut-off valve and a drain valve are sequentially provided on the first pipeline along the direction of condensate flow, and a fourth pipeline is provided at the steam inlet end of the steam heater, and a fifth shut-off valve and a flow regulating valve are sequentially provided on the fourth pipeline along the direction of steam flow.

[0027] When the system is operating in recycling mode or direct discharge mode, the fourth shut-off valve, the drain valve, and the fifth shut-off valve are kept fully open, while the flow regulating valve is controlled to operate at the target opening.

[0028] The technical solution provided in this application may include the following beneficial effects: This application provides a first pipeline on the condensate discharge path of the steam heater in the heating section of the combined air conditioning unit. The first pipeline is connected to a recovery device and equipped with a first shut-off valve. Parallel branches are configured to bridge the upstream and downstream of the first shut-off valve. At the same time, a hot water heater is connected in series in the parallel branches. By controlling the on / off state of the first shut-off valve and the parallel branches, the high-temperature condensate generated by the heat exchange of the steam heater is introduced into the hot water heater. The waste heat of the high-temperature condensate is used for warehouse heating through heat exchange, thereby avoiding the waste of the hot water heating section and realizing the recovery and utilization of the waste heat of the high-temperature condensate, thus improving energy utilization efficiency.

[0029] This application guides the high-temperature condensate generated by the steam heater to flow through the hot water heater in the parallel branch by controlling the on / off state of the first shut-off valve and the parallel branch. By utilizing heat exchange, it provides a stable heat source for the originally unused hot water heating section and revitalizes equipment resources, while cooling the high-temperature condensate to reduce the condensate temperature below the requirements of the micro-mist humidification process. The treated condensate can be directly supplied to the micro-mist humidification process in another area of ​​the warehouse through the recycling device, without the need for additional cooling equipment, thereby avoiding the discharge of high-temperature condensate that cannot be used directly.

[0030] This application utilizes the heat exchange process within a hot water heater to cool down high-temperature condensate, thereby reducing the condensate temperature to suppress the formation of flash steam, minimizing heat waste caused by flash steam leakage, and preventing the impact of flash steam on the surrounding environment. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the recycling system shown in Embodiment 1;

[0033] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the recycling system shown in Embodiment 2;

[0034] Figure 3 It is a schematic flowchart of the recycling mode in the recycling method;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of the direct discharge mode in recycling methods.

[0036] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Steam heater; 2. First pipeline; 3. Recovery device; 4. First shut-off valve; 5. Parallel branch; 6. Hot water heater; 7. Second pipeline; 8. Third pipeline; 9. Second shut-off valve; 10. Third shut-off valve; 11. Fourth shut-off valve; 12. Steam trap; 13. Fourth pipeline; 14. Fifth shut-off valve; 15. Flow regulating valve; 16. Backup heat source connection. Detailed Implementation

[0037] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. Unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] See Figure 1 A system for recycling condensate from the heating section of a combined air conditioning unit, comprising:

[0040] A steam heater 1 has a condensate outlet end connected to a recovery device 3 via a first pipeline 2, and a first shut-off valve 4 is provided on the first pipeline 2.

[0041] Parallel branch 5 is connected across the upstream and downstream ends of the first shut-off valve 4, and a hot water heater 6 is connected in series in parallel branch 5;

[0042] The system is configured to control the on / off state of the first shut-off valve 4 and the parallel branch 5, so that the condensate flows through the hot water heater 6 and returns to the first pipeline 2, or flows only through the first pipeline 2.

[0043] Specifically, the steam heater 1 has a steam inlet and a condensate outlet. High-temperature steam is introduced into the steam inlet and exchanges heat with the medium to be heated in the air conditioning unit (such as fresh air or circulating air entering the warehouse). The high-temperature steam releases latent heat (condensation heat release) and sensible heat, transferring heat to the medium to be heated. It then condenses into high-temperature condensate, which is usually around 95°C, and is discharged from the condensate outlet. In this way, the steam heater 1 heats the air entering the warehouse, ensuring that the temperature inside the warehouse meets the process requirements for material storage (such as tobacco raw materials and finished products).

[0044] The condensate outlet of the steam heater 1 is connected to the recovery device 3 via a first pipe 2, and a first shut-off valve 4 is installed on the first pipe 2. The hot water heater 6 has an inlet and an outlet, both of which are connected to a parallel branch 5. The parallel branch 5 is connected across the first pipe 2 upstream and downstream of the first shut-off valve 4. Thus, when the first shut-off valve 4 is closed and the parallel branch 5 is open, the high-temperature condensate enters the parallel branch 5 through the first pipe 2 upstream of the first shut-off valve 4, and then flows through the hot water heater 6. After heat exchange, the temperature of the high-temperature condensate drops, forming low-temperature condensate. The low-temperature condensate then enters the recovery device 3 for temporary storage through the first pipe 2 downstream of the first shut-off valve 4, and the heat generated by the heat exchange is used for warehouse heating. When the first shut-off valve 4 is open and the parallel branch 5 is disconnected, the high-temperature condensate can directly enter the recovery device 3 for temporary storage through the first pipe 2.

[0045] Furthermore, the first pipeline 2 serves as the main channel for conveying condensate, connecting the condensate outlet of the steam heater 1 with the recovery device 3, providing a stable flow path for the condensate; at the same time, the first pipeline 2 provides a carrier for the installation of the first shut-off valve 4 and the bridging of the parallel branch 5. The first shut-off valve 4, by controlling its own on / off state and coordinating with the on / off state of the parallel branch 5, achieves selective switching of the condensate flow direction: when the waste heat of the condensate is needed for warehouse heating, the first shut-off valve 4 can be closed, the parallel branch 5 can be opened, and the condensate can be forced to flow into the hot water heater 6; when the hot water heater 6 is damaged or under maintenance, or when there is another fixed heat source, the first shut-off valve 4 can be opened, the parallel branch 5 can be disconnected, and the condensate can be forced to flow directly to the recovery device 3, thereby meeting the energy configuration and equipment operation safety requirements under different working conditions. The hot water heater 6 receives the high-temperature condensate transported by the parallel branch 5, and transfers the waste heat of the high-temperature condensate through heat exchange for warehouse heating, realizing the cascade utilization of energy and further reducing the overall energy consumption of warehouse heating. At the same time, the hot water heater 6 can reduce the temperature of the high-temperature condensate to form low-temperature condensate, which is sent to the recovery device 3 for temporary storage; when the hot water heater 6 is damaged or under maintenance, or when there is another fixed heat source, the parallel branch 5 can be stopped, and the system mode switching can avoid interfering with the condensate recovery process.

[0046] Traditional modular air conditioners are equipped with a steam heating section and a hot water heating section. The steam heating section mainly includes a steam heater 1, and the hot water heating section mainly includes a hot water heater 6. However, due to the lack of a stable hot water source, the hot water heating section is always inactive and can only rely on steam heating, resulting in waste of the hot water heating section. This application addresses this issue by installing a first pipe 2 on the condensate discharge path of the steam heater 1 in the heating section of the modular air conditioner. The first pipe 2 is connected to a recovery device 3 and equipped with a first shut-off valve 4. A parallel branch 5 is configured across the upstream and downstream of the first shut-off valve 4. Simultaneously, the hot water heater 6 is connected in series in the parallel branch 5. By controlling the on / off state of the first shut-off valve 4 and the parallel branch 5, the high-temperature condensate generated by the heat exchange of the steam heater 1 is introduced into the hot water heater 6. Through heat exchange, the waste heat of the high-temperature condensate is used for warehouse heating, thereby avoiding waste of the hot water heating section and realizing the recovery and utilization of the waste heat of the high-temperature condensate, thus improving energy efficiency.

[0047] Furthermore, since the high-temperature condensate produced after steam heating has good water quality, it is traditionally used as a water source for the micro-mist humidification process in another area of ​​the warehouse. However, in actual use, technicians found that the water temperature requirement for the micro-mist humidification process is no more than 40°C, while the high-temperature condensate temperature is around 95°C, making it unusable and resulting in its discharge. This application controls the on / off state of the first shut-off valve 4 and the parallel branch 5 to guide the high-temperature condensate (around 95°C) generated by the steam heater 1 through the hot water heater 6 in the parallel branch 5. This utilizes heat exchange to provide a stable heat source for the previously unused hot water heating section, revitalizing equipment resources, while simultaneously cooling the high-temperature condensate to below the requirements of the micro-mist humidification process. The treated condensate can then be directly supplied to the micro-mist humidification process in another area of ​​the warehouse via the recovery device 3, eliminating the need for additional cooling equipment and thus preventing the discharge of high-temperature condensate due to its unusable state.

[0048] Furthermore, the excessively high temperature of the condensate produced after steam heating can easily lead to flash steam leakage, wasting heat energy and impacting the surrounding environment. This application utilizes the heat exchange process within the hot water heater 6 to cool the high-temperature condensate, thereby reducing the condensate temperature to suppress flash steam formation, minimizing heat energy waste caused by flash steam leakage, and preventing the impact of flash steam on the surrounding environment.

[0049] Example 2:

[0050] See Figure 2 Based on Embodiment 1, optionally, the parallel branch 5 includes:

[0051] The second pipeline 7 has one end connected to the upstream of the first shut-off valve 4, and the end away from the first shut-off valve 4 connected to the inlet of the hot water heater 6.

[0052] The third pipe 8 has one end connected downstream of the first shut-off valve 4, and the other end, away from the first shut-off valve 4, connected to the outlet of the hot water heater 6.

[0053] Specifically, the second pipeline 7 serves as the input channel for high-temperature condensate to enter the hot water heater 6. One end is connected to the first pipeline 2 upstream of the first shut-off valve 4, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the hot water heater 6. When the parallel branch 5 is open and the first shut-off valve 4 is closed, it can accurately deliver the high-temperature condensate discharged from the steam heater 1 to the hot water heater 6, providing a medium transmission guarantee for the heat exchange between the condensate and the hot water heater 6. The third pipeline 8 serves as the output channel for low-temperature condensate to return to the main pipeline. One end is connected to the outlet of the hot water heater 6, and the other end is connected to the first pipeline 2 downstream of the first shut-off valve 4. It can transport the low-temperature condensate cooled by heat exchange in the hot water heater 6 back to the first pipeline 2, ensuring that the condensate can eventually flow into the recovery device 3, forming a complete closed loop of condensate flow within the parallel branch 5. The second pipeline 7 and the third pipeline 8 work together to form a complete flow path for the parallel branch 5, not only realizing the directional delivery of condensate between the hot water heater 6 and the first pipeline 2, but also, through cooperation with the first shut-off valve 4, allowing the system to flexibly switch the direction of condensate flow.

[0054] Optionally, a second shut-off valve 9 and a third shut-off valve 10 are respectively installed on the second pipeline 7 and the third pipeline 8.

[0055] Specifically, the second shut-off valve 9, as a pre-control component for the high-temperature condensate entering the hot water heater 6, precisely controls the on / off state of the second pipe 7 to prevent the high-temperature condensate in the first pipe 2 from flowing back or leaking into the hot water heater 6 through the second pipe 7 when the hot water heater 6 is under maintenance or when other heat sources are connected. The third shut-off valve 10, as a post-control component for the low-temperature condensate returning to the first pipe 2, controls the on / off state of the third pipe 8. The first shut-off valve 4, the second shut-off valve 9, and the third shut-off valve 10 work together. When the hot water heater 6 is under maintenance or when other heat sources are connected, the first shut-off valve 4 remains fully open, while the second shut-off valve 9 and the third shut-off valve 10 remain fully closed, quickly isolating the hot water heater 6 from the system. When waste heat recovery is activated, the first shut-off valve 4 remains fully closed, while the second shut-off valve 9 and the third shut-off valve 10 remain fully open, forcing the high-temperature condensate into the hot water heater 6 for heat exchange.

[0056] Optionally, a fourth shut-off valve 11 and a drain valve 12 are sequentially installed on the first pipeline 2 along the direction of condensate flow, and the fourth shut-off valve 11 and the drain valve 12 are both located upstream of the first shut-off valve 4.

[0057] Specifically, the fourth shut-off valve 11, as a pre-control component of the steam trap 12, precisely controls the on / off state of the condensate discharged from the steam heater 1 into the steam trap 12. During normal system operation, the fourth shut-off valve 11 remains open, providing a stable flow path for the condensate. When the steam trap 12 requires inspection, maintenance, or replacement, the fourth shut-off valve 11 can be closed to block the input of upstream condensate, completely isolating the steam trap 12 from the system. This creates a safe maintenance environment without media, preventing condensate leakage or steam leakage during maintenance and ensuring the continued operation of the rest of the system. As a core component of the steam system for preventing steam from escaping, the steam trap 12 precisely separates condensate from steam: on one hand, it quickly discharges the high-temperature condensate generated by the steam heater 1, preventing condensate from stagnating in the steam heater 1 and causing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency; on the other hand, it effectively prevents incompletely condensed high-temperature steam from entering subsequent pipelines, avoiding heat energy waste caused by direct steam leakage. It also prevents high-temperature steam from impacting subsequent valve groups such as the first shut-off valve 4, the second shut-off valve 9, and the third shut-off valve 10, reducing wear or sealing failure caused by high-temperature steam scouring and extending valve life. Furthermore, the steam trap 12 reduces flash steam formed by secondary vaporization of steam in subsequent pipelines, further reducing heat loss and the impact on the surrounding environment.

[0058] The fourth shut-off valve 11 and the steam trap 12 are connected in series along the condensate flow direction to form a pre-treatment unit for control and separation. This ensures smooth condensate flow and effective steam isolation, improving the system's thermal efficiency. It also provides a convenient isolation method for the maintenance of the steam trap 12, preventing interruption of the overall condensate recovery process due to a single component failure. Simultaneously, this combination can pre-filter the steam components in the medium discharged from the steam heater 1, reducing the workload of the subsequent first shut-off valve 4 and parallel branch valve group 5, thus improving the operational stability and reliability of the entire condensate recovery system.

[0059] Optionally, the steam inlet end of the steam heater 1 is provided with a fourth pipe 13, and a fifth shut-off valve 14 and a flow regulating valve 15 are sequentially installed on the fourth pipe 13 along the steam flow direction.

[0060] Specifically, the fifth shut-off valve 14, as a pre-entry on / off control component for steam entering the steam heater 1, has the core function of achieving overall on / off control of the steam supply. During normal system operation, the fifth shut-off valve 14 remains open, providing a stable channel for high-temperature steam to enter the steam heater 1. When the steam heater 1 requires maintenance or repair, or when the entire system is shut down, the fifth shut-off valve 14 can be closed to completely block steam input, isolating the steam heater 1 from the steam source. This prevents safety hazards caused by high-temperature steam leakage during maintenance and also prevents condensate backflow into the steam source pipeline, ensuring the safety and integrity of the steam supply system. The flow regulating valve 15, as a steam supply regulating component, has the core function of dynamically adjusting the steam flow rate entering the steam heater 1 according to the actual temperature requirements of the warehouse. By adjusting the valve opening, the heat exchange capacity of the steam heater 1 can be controlled: when the warehouse temperature is lower than the process requirements (such as the suitable temperature for storing tobacco raw materials), the valve opening is increased to increase the steam flow rate and enhance the heating effect; when the warehouse temperature reaches the set value, the valve opening is decreased to reduce the steam flow rate and avoid overheating. Furthermore, stable steam flow control ensures a relatively stable condensate flow rate from steam heater 1, providing a stable medium for subsequent condensate waste heat recovery and flash steam suppression, further enhancing the overall coordination of the system operation. The actual temperature of the warehouse is monitored by sensors.

[0061] The fifth shut-off valve 14 and the flow regulating valve 15 are connected in series along the steam flow direction to form a steam supply pre-control unit that combines on / off control with precise regulation. This not only enables the start / stop control and maintenance isolation of the steam heater 1, but also meets the warehouse's precise temperature control requirements, ensuring the stability of the storage environment for tobacco raw materials, finished products, and other materials. Simultaneously, this combination avoids the problem of unstable heat exchange efficiency in the steam heater 1 caused by steam flow fluctuations, reduces heat energy waste caused by excessive steam, and works synergistically with the subsequent condensate waste heat recovery system to further improve the energy utilization efficiency and operational reliability of the entire combined air conditioning unit's heating section.

[0062] Optionally, the second pipeline 7 is connected to a backup heat source pipe 16; the recovery device 3 is a condensate recovery tank or a condensate recovery box.

[0063] Specifically, the backup heat source connection 16 is a pre-reserved interface for the hot water heater 6 to connect to a fixed heat source in the future. The recovery device 3, as the centralized collection and storage component for the system's condensate, plays a crucial role in achieving efficient condensate recovery and buffered storage. On one hand, it can stably receive condensate from the first pipeline 2, avoiding the waste of water resources and heat energy caused by direct discharge of condensate; on the other hand, through the tank / box storage structure, it can buffer fluctuations in condensate flow, providing a stable medium supply for subsequent use of condensate as boiler feedwater, micro-mist humidification water source, etc. Simultaneously, the condensate recovery tank and box have a simple structure and are easy to maintain, adaptable to the on-site installation and operation requirements of the combined air conditioning unit heating section and tobacco warehouse, and the equipment specifications can be flexibly selected according to the actual condensate production.

[0064] It should be noted that, Figure 1 and 2 The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of fluid flow.

[0065] Example 3:

[0066] See Figure 3 Based on the above embodiments, a method for recycling condensate from the heating section of a combined air conditioning unit is applied to the condensate recycling system of the heating section of the combined air conditioning unit as described above. The method includes a recycling mode and a direct discharge mode. When the system is operating in recycling mode, the following steps are performed:

[0067] S1, receive the recycling mode activation signal;

[0068] S2, in response to the start signal, controls the first shut-off valve 4 to be fully closed and the parallel branch 5 to be open, so that the condensate generated by the steam heater 1 enters the hot water heater 6 from the first pipe 2 upstream of the first shut-off valve 4, and then enters the first pipe 2 downstream of the first shut-off valve 4 after heat exchange.

[0069] Specifically, the control unit sends a recycling mode operation command to the system. In response to the recycling mode activation signal, the system controls the first shut-off valve 4 to fully close, blocking the direct flow of high-temperature condensate along the first pipeline 2 to the main channel of the recycling device 3. Simultaneously, it controls the parallel branch 5 to open, creating an alternative flow path for the condensate through the hot water heater 6. At this time, the high-temperature condensate generated by the steam heater 1, after being discharged from its condensate outlet, flows into the first pipeline 2 upstream of the first shut-off valve 4. Because the first shut-off valve 4 is fully closed, it cannot continue flowing along the main channel, and instead enters the already opened parallel branch 5 and flows into the hot water heater 6. The condensate completes heat exchange inside the hot water heater 6, releasing heat directly to the storage tank, while simultaneously providing a stable heat source for the previously idle hot water heating section. After heat exchange, the high-temperature condensate cools down to form low-temperature condensate, which flows out of the hot water heater 6 and returns to the first pipeline 2 downstream of the first shut-off valve 4 through the outlet of the parallel branch 5, and enters the recycling device 3 for temporary storage, thus completing the directional flow of condensate between the parallel branch 5 and the first pipeline 2.

[0070] When the system is operating in recovery mode, upon receiving the recovery mode activation signal, this application controls the first shut-off valve 4 to fully close and the parallel branch 5 to guide the condensate generated by the steam heater 1 into the hot water heater 6. Utilizing the heat exchange process between the condensate and the hot water heater 6, a stable and continuous heat source is provided for the hot water heating section. Compared to the traditional method that relies solely on steam heating and leaves the hot water heating section idle due to the lack of a stable heat source, this method utilizes the directional utilization of condensate waste heat, enabling the hot water heating section to continuously operate upon activation of the recovery mode. This avoids waste in the hot water heating section and simultaneously achieves the recovery and utilization of high-temperature condensate waste heat, improving energy efficiency.

[0071] Example 4:

[0072] See Figure 4 Based on the above embodiments, optionally, when the system is running in straight-line mode, the following steps are performed:

[0073] S3 receives the straight-line mode start signal;

[0074] S4, in response to the direct discharge signal, controls the first shut-off valve 4 to be fully open and the parallel branch 5 to be disconnected, so that the condensate generated by the steam heater 1 flows only through the first pipe 2.

[0075] Specifically, the control unit sends a direct discharge mode operation command to the system. In response to the direct discharge mode start signal, the system first controls the first shut-off valve 4 to fully open, opening the main channel for condensate to flow along the first pipe 2. Simultaneously, it controls the parallel branch 5 to disconnect, cutting off the alternative path for condensate to flow into the hot water heater 6. At this time, the condensate generated by the steam heater 1, after being discharged from its condensate outlet, flows directly into the first pipe 2. Because the parallel branch 5 is disconnected, the condensate cannot enter the parallel branch 5 and can only flow continuously along the first pipe 2 where the first shut-off valve 4 is in the fully open state. This ensures that the condensate only flows through the first pipe 2 throughout the entire process, completing the condensate flow direction control in the direct discharge mode. This prevents condensate from flowing into the hot water heater 6 and causing secondary damage when the hot water heater 6 is damaged or under maintenance.

[0076] Optionally, in the recycling mode, the second shut-off valve 9 and the third shut-off valve 10 on the parallel branch 5 are controlled to be fully open;

[0077] In the direct-flow mode, the second shut-off valve 9 and the third shut-off valve 10 on the parallel branch 5 are controlled to be fully closed.

[0078] Specifically, the parallel branch 5 includes a second pipe 7 and a third pipe 8. One end of the second pipe 7 is connected to the first pipe 2 upstream of the first shut-off valve 4, and the other end is connected to the inlet end of the hot water heater 6. One end of the third pipe 8 is connected to the first pipe 2 downstream of the first shut-off valve 4, and the other end is connected to the outlet end of the hot water heater 6. The second shut-off valve 9 and the third shut-off valve 10 are respectively installed on the second pipe 7 and the third pipe 8. In recovery mode, in response to the recovery mode start signal, the system simultaneously controls the second stop valve 9 and the third stop valve 10 on the parallel branch 5 to fully open while controlling the first stop valve 4 to be fully closed. This ensures that the second pipeline 7 and the third pipeline 8 are fully connected, creating a linkage with the fully closed first stop valve 4. This forces the condensate generated by the steam heater 1 to enter the second pipeline 7 from the first pipeline 2 upstream of the first stop valve 4, complete heat exchange through the hot water heater 6, and then return to the first pipeline 2 downstream of the first stop valve 4 through the third pipeline 8. In direct flow mode, in response to the direct discharge mode start signal, the system simultaneously controls the second stop valve 9 and the third stop valve 10 to fully close while controlling the first stop valve 4 to be fully open. This ensures that the second pipeline 7 and the third pipeline 8 are both completely disconnected, creating a linkage with the fully open first stop valve 4. This ensures that the condensate can only flow along the main path of the first pipeline 2 and cannot enter the parallel branch 5.

[0079] Optionally, in the system to which the method is applied, a fourth shut-off valve 11 and a drain valve 12 are sequentially provided on the first pipeline 2 along the direction of condensate flow, and a fourth pipeline 13 is provided at the steam inlet end of the steam heater 1. A fifth shut-off valve 14 and a flow regulating valve 15 are sequentially provided on the fourth pipeline 13 along the direction of steam flow. When the system is operating in recovery mode or direct discharge mode, the fourth shut-off valve 11, the drain valve 12, and the fifth shut-off valve 14 are controlled to always remain fully open, while the flow regulating valve 15 is controlled to operate at the target opening degree.

[0080] Specifically, in either the recovery mode or the direct discharge mode, the fifth shut-off valve 14 is kept fully open to ensure that high-temperature steam can enter the steam heater 1 through the fourth pipe 13; the fourth shut-off valve 11 is kept fully open to ensure that the condensate generated by the steam heater 1 can smoothly enter the first pipe 2; the drain valve 12 is kept fully open and in normal working condition to continuously perform its functions of draining condensate and blocking steam core, preventing incompletely condensed steam from entering the first pipe 2; and the flow regulating valve 15 is controlled to operate at a preset target opening to ensure a stable steam flow rate entering the steam heater 1, thereby ensuring a stable heat exchange efficiency and condensate production of the steam heater 1.

[0081] The target opening degree refers to the optimal fixed operating opening degree pre-calibrated by the flow regulating valve 15 when the system is operating in recovery mode or direct discharge mode, in order to meet the system's heat exchange, heating, and waste heat utilization requirements. Its value is not constant and can be calculated and determined based on the warehouse's temperature control requirements and the heat exchange efficiency characteristics of the steam heater 1. By pre-setting the target opening degree, it ensures that the heat exchange capacity of the steam heater 1 matches the warehouse's heat load requirements, avoiding excessively low warehouse temperatures due to insufficient steam flow or excessively high temperatures due to excessive flow, thus ensuring a consistent tobacco storage environment. Calibration of the target opening degree prevents excessive steam consumption caused by irregular adjustments of the flow regulating valve 15, while ensuring sufficient condensation of steam within the steam heater 1, reducing the waste of heat energy from uncondensed steam.

[0082] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A combined air conditioning unit heating section condensate water recycling system, characterized in that, The system comprises: a steam heater (1), a condensate outlet end of which is connected with a recovery device (3) through a first pipeline (2), and a first stop valve (4) is arranged on the first pipeline (2); a parallel branch (5) is connected across the upstream and downstream of the first stop valve (4), and a hot water heater (6) is arranged in series in the parallel branch (5); wherein the system is configured to control the on-off state of the first stop valve (4) and the parallel branch (5) so that the condensate generated by the steam heater (1) flows through the hot water heater (6) and then returns to the first pipeline (2) or only flows through the first pipeline (2).

2. The combined air conditioning unit heating section condensate water recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parallel branch (5) comprises: a second pipeline (7) connected to the upstream of the first stop valve (4) at one end and connected to the water inlet end of the hot water heater (6) at the other end away from the first stop valve (4); a third pipeline (8) connected to the downstream of the first stop valve (4) at one end and connected to the water outlet end of the hot water heater (6) at the other end away from the first stop valve (4).

3. The combined air conditioning unit heating section condensate water recycling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Second and third stop valves (9) and (10) are respectively arranged on the second and third pipelines (7) and (8).

4. The combined air conditioning unit heating section condensate water recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Fourth and drain valves (11) and (12) are respectively arranged on the first pipeline (2) in sequence along the flow direction of the condensate, and the fourth and drain valves (11) and (12) are both located upstream of the first stop valve (4).

5. The combined air conditioning unit heating section condensate water recycling system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fourth pipeline (13) is arranged on the steam inlet end of the steam heater (1), and a fifth stop valve (14) and a flow regulating valve (15) are arranged on the fourth pipeline (13) in sequence along the steam flow direction.

6. The combined air conditioning unit heating section condensate water recycling system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second pipeline (7) is connected with a standby heat source connecting pipe (16), and the recovery device (3) is a condensate recovery tank or a condensate recovery box.

7. A method for recovering condensate water from a heating section of a packaged air conditioning unit, comprising: The method is applied to the combined air conditioning unit heating section condensate recovery and utilization system of any one of claims 1-6, and the method comprises a recovery mode and a direct discharge mode. S1, receiving a recovery mode start signal; S2, in response to the start signal, controlling the first stop valve (4) to be fully closed and the parallel branch (5) to be turned on, so that the condensate generated by the steam heater (1) enters the hot water heater (6) from the first pipeline (2) upstream of the first stop valve (4), and then enters the first pipeline (2) downstream of the first stop valve (4) after heat exchange.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the heating section condensate water is recovered and reused. When the system operates in the direct discharge mode, the following steps are performed: S3, receiving a direct discharge mode start signal; S4, in response to the direct discharge signal, controlling the first stop valve (4) to be fully opened and the parallel branch (5) to be disconnected, so that the condensate generated by the steam heater (1) only flows through the first pipeline (2).

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the heating section condensate water is recovered and reused by being collected in the condensate water collecting tank and being supplied to the cooling section of the air conditioning unit. In the recovery mode, the second and third stop valves (9) and (10) on the parallel branch (5) are controlled to be fully opened; In the direct discharge mode, the second and third stop valves (9) and (10) on the parallel branch (5) are controlled to be fully closed.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the heating section condensate water is recovered and reused. The system applied by the method, the fourth stop valve (11) and the drain valve (12) are sequentially arranged on the first pipeline (2) along the condensate water flow direction, the steam inlet end of the steam heater (1) is provided with the fourth pipeline (13), the fifth stop valve (14) and the flow regulating valve (15) are sequentially arranged on the fourth pipeline (13) along the steam flow direction; When the system operates in the recovery mode or the direct discharge mode, the fourth stop valve (11), the drain valve (12) and the fifth stop valve (14) are controlled to be always in the fully open state, and the flow regulating valve (15) is controlled to operate at the target opening degree.

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