Temperature adjusting system

Abstract

The invention discloses a temperature adjusting system which comprises a vortex tube refrigerating assembly, a heater, a temperature control environment box, a heat regenerator and a gas pipeline. A first flow path and a second flow path are arranged on the gas pipeline in parallel, the first flow path is directly communicated with the gas inlet end and the gas outlet end of the gas pipeline, the second flow path is arranged in the heat regenerator in a penetrating mode, and a valve set for controlling the first flow path and the second flow path to be connected and disconnected is arranged on the gas pipeline. A parallel double-flow-path structure capable of being mechanically switched is innovatively arranged in a gas pipeline, so that the system can be flexibly selected between two efficient working modes: when a first flow path is selected, gas of a gas source directly enters a temperature adjusting unit, and the system runs at the maximum cooling rate; when the second flow path is selected, the gas firstly flows through the heat regenerator, exchanges heat with low-temperature exhaust gas from the temperature control environment box to be pre-cooled, and then enters the temperature adjusting unit, so that the refrigeration temperature limit is broken through on the premise that the gas source load is not increased, and the energy efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of temperature control technology, and more specifically to a temperature control system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of temperature control technology, improving system energy efficiency and performance has always been a goal. In existing technologies, using plate-fin heat exchangers to recover the cooling capacity of cryogenic media in industrial processes (such as air separation systems) is a common method, such as the plate-type cooling capacity recovery device for air separation systems described in CN217131632U. However, such solutions are typically applied to continuous process industries with stable media and simple operating conditions. These systems are large and have low integration, making them unsuitable for miniaturized, dynamic temperature-controlled environmental chambers with stringent requirements for space, response speed, and temperature control accuracy. Meanwhile, regarding improving the performance of vortex tubes themselves, existing research has optimized the flow field and reduced energy loss by adding blade rectifiers inside the vortex tube. However, this only provides a limited improvement to the efficiency of the individual vortex tube and does not address the level of system-level energy recycling, as illustrated in the paper "Research on Enhancing the Refrigeration Performance of Vortex Tubes with Blade Rectifiers" (DOI:10.16146 / j, cnki, rndlgc.2021.08.018). Furthermore, in the field of refrigeration and air conditioning, the use of components such as four-way reversing valves to switch between two completely different functions of the system, namely refrigeration and heating, is a mature technology. For example, a four-way reversing valve in CN109916103B is an example. However, this is fundamentally different from the operating logic of flexibly choosing whether to perform "cold energy recovery" within the same refrigeration function to optimize different performance indicators (such as cooling rate and extreme low temperature) according to the needs.

[0003] In summary, existing technologies present a fragmented state: general-purpose cold energy recovery technologies struggle to meet the demands of highly dynamic, integrated temperature control equipment; localized optimization of vortex tubes fails to fully utilize the residual cooling potential of system exhaust; and traditional mode-switching valves serve different application purposes. Their common shortcoming lies in their inability to effectively address how to intelligently balance the often contradictory core requirements of "rapid response" and "deep energy saving" within specific constraints (such as a fixed and limited compressed air source). Therefore, the industry urgently needs an innovative, integrated solution that deeply integrates the cold energy recovery structure, intelligent airflow path switching, and vortex tube temperature control system, thereby overcoming the overall performance bottlenecks in cooling rate and minimum cooling temperature while maintaining consistent air source conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention proposes a temperature regulation system that solves the problem in the prior art that, under the condition of fixed and limited compressed air source flow, it is impossible to simultaneously and flexibly achieve the two usually contradictory high-performance requirements of "rapid cooling response" and "deep energy-saving cooling".

[0005] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows:

[0006] A temperature control system includes a vortex tube cooling assembly, a heater, and a temperature-controlled ambient chamber, and further includes:

[0007] A regenerator, which is connected to the temperature-controlled environment chamber, is used to receive the gas discharged from the temperature-controlled environment chamber;

[0008] The gas pipeline connects to an external gas source by setting a gas source inlet pipe as the gas inlet end, and its gas outlet end is connected to the gas inlet of the vortex tube cooling component and the heater respectively.

[0009] The gas pipeline is provided with a first flow path and a second flow path connected in parallel. The first flow path is directly connected to its inlet and outlet, and the second flow path passes through the regenerator. The gas pipeline is provided with a valve group to control the opening and closing of the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0010] Furthermore, the regenerator is located outside the temperature-controlled environment chamber, and the exhaust port of the temperature-controlled environment chamber is connected to the air inlet side of the regenerator through an exhaust channel.

[0011] Furthermore, the first flow path includes a main air duct, and the second flow path includes a bypass pipe; the inlet end and outlet end of the bypass pipe are respectively connected to opposite sides of the regenerator.

[0012] Furthermore, the valve assembly includes a first control valve and a second control valve; the first control valve is disposed in a bypass pipeline or an air source inlet pipe to guide airflow to the main duct or the bypass pipeline; the second control valve is disposed on the other side of the bypass pipeline.

[0013] Furthermore, the exhaust channel includes a regenerating cover fixed on the temperature-controlled environment chamber, the regenerating cover being positioned outside the regenerator and communicating with the inside of the temperature-controlled environment chamber.

[0014] Furthermore, the temperature-controlled environment chamber is equipped with a return air hood, which is connected to a heat recovery hood.

[0015] Furthermore, the outlet of the gas pipeline is connected to the inlet of the vortex tube cooling assembly and the heater via multiple parallel branch pipes.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes an air supply duct, the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet of the vortex tube cooling assembly and the heater, and the outlet end of which extends into the temperature-controlled environment chamber through the air supply duct.

[0017] Furthermore, the vortex tube cooling assembly has a water eliminator at the air inlet front end.

[0018] Furthermore, the exhaust end of the vortex tube cooling assembly and / or the exhaust end of the regenerator shroud are provided with a silencer.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application are as follows:

[0020] 1. This invention provides a temperature regulation system that connects a first flow path and a second flow path in parallel on a gas pipeline, with the flow path controlled by a valve assembly. This solves the problem that vortex tube temperature control systems cannot simultaneously achieve "rapid cooling response" and "deep energy-saving cooling" under fixed gas source conditions. This design allows the system to intelligently switch between two distinctly different high-efficiency operating modes: when a rapid target temperature is required, the valve assembly controls the airflow to pass entirely through the first flow path directly into the temperature control unit, avoiding flow resistance and heat exchange delay caused by flowing through the regenerator, thereby maximizing the utilization of gas source pressure and flow rate to achieve the optimal cooling rate; when pursuing extreme low temperatures or long-term energy-saving operation, the valve assembly switches to allow the airflow to pass entirely through the second flow path, forcing it to first pass through the regenerator and fully exchange heat with the low-temperature exhaust gas from the temperature-controlled environment chamber, achieving efficient pre-cooling of the intake air. This move is equivalent to providing the vortex tube cooling components with lower-temperature "raw material air" without increasing the external air source load, significantly increasing its usable temperature drop, breaking through the lower cooling temperature limit that could not be achieved under the original air source conditions, and improving the overall energy efficiency of the system.

[0021] 2. This invention places the regenerator externally and connects it through an exhaust channel comprising a regenerator shroud and a return gas shroud, bringing multiple synergistic advantages. Firstly, this structure achieves efficient directional recovery of exhaust gas. The return gas shroud, acting as a collector for the gas inside the chamber, together with the regenerator shroud, forms a dedicated exhaust channel with low flow resistance and high sealing performance, ensuring that the lowest-temperature exhaust gas is concentrated and guided to the heat exchange surface of the regenerator, greatly reducing the loss of cold energy during transport. Secondly, the regenerator shroud, as an integrated outer shell, not only provides physical protection for the regenerator but also forms a stable heat exchange chamber inside, optimizing the flow field distribution and heat exchange uniformity of exhaust and intake air within the regenerator, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature regulation module of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the temperature regulation module of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3This is an exploded view of the temperature regulation module of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature regulation system of the present invention.

[0027] In the diagram: 1 Gas pipeline assembly, 11 Gas source inlet pipe, 12 Connecting pipe, 13 Main air duct, 2 Heater, 3 Vortex tube refrigeration assembly, 4 Air supply duct, 41 Air supply hood, 5 Regenerator, 51 Regenerator hood, 52 Exhaust port, 6 Temperature control environment chamber, 61 Return gas hood. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the temperature control system of this embodiment of the invention comprises a vortex tube refrigeration assembly 3 for providing a cold source, a heater 2 for providing a heat source, a temperature-controlled environmental chamber 6 requiring precise temperature control, a regenerator 5 for recovering exhaust cooling capacity, and a gas pipeline 1 for conveying and distributing the gas source. The entire system is constructed around the gas pipeline 1 with a switchable dual airflow path, enabling flexible switching of operating modes.

[0030] Specifically, gas line 1 is responsible for introducing and distributing external compressed air to various parts of the system. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the starting end of gas pipeline 1 is gas source inlet pipe 11, which is used to connect to an external gas source system. The end of gas pipeline 1, i.e., the outlet end, is branched to the inlets of vortex tube cooling assembly 3 and heater 2, respectively, to supply gaseous working fluid to these two temperature actuators.

[0031] One of the key innovations of this invention lies in the two independent flow paths connected in parallel on the gas pipeline 1. The first flow path is a direct flow path, directly connecting the inlet and outlet ends of the gas pipeline 1. The second flow path is a regenerative flow path, which is not directly connected but passes through the regenerator 5. By using a valve assembly installed on the gas pipeline 1, the on / off state of these two flow paths can be precisely controlled, thereby determining whether the source gas flows directly to the temperature actuator or first flows through the regenerator 5 for pre-cooling before flowing to the temperature actuator.

[0032] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the first direct flow path is physically realized by the main air duct 13. The main air duct 13 serves as the trunk pipeline for gas transportation. One end of it is connected to the gas source inlet pipe 11 or its branch near the gas source inlet point, while the other end extends to the vicinity of the vortex tube cooling assembly 3 and the heater 2, where it supplies gas to both through a branch structure.

[0033] The second regenerative flow path is physically formed by the bypass pipe 12 and the regenerator 5. The inlet and outlet ends of the bypass pipe 12 are connected to the interfaces on two opposite sides of the regenerator 5, so that a specific flow channel of the regenerator 5 is connected in series to the bypass pipe 12. Therefore, when the airflow selects the second flow path, its flow path is as follows: it flows out from the air source inlet pipe 11, enters the inlet of the bypass pipe 12, then flows through the interior of the regenerator 5 for heat exchange, and then flows out from the regenerator 5, flowing through the outlet of the bypass pipe 12 into the main air duct 13 or directly to the temperature actuator.

[0034] To achieve flow path switching, the system is equipped with a control valve assembly. This assembly includes at least a first control valve and a second control valve. The first control valve is typically located at the decision point of the gas source flow direction, such as at the connection between the gas source inlet pipe 11 and the inlet of the bypass pipe 12, or directly integrated into the inlet of the bypass pipe 12. Its function is to selectively guide the airflow from the gas source to the main duct 13 or to the bypass pipe 12. The second control valve is located on the bypass pipe 12, typically on the downstream outlet side of the regenerator 5, and is used to close the pipe when the airflow does not flow through it, preventing gas backflow or crossflow.

[0035] The regenerator 5 is located outside the temperature-controlled environment chamber 6. This external layout facilitates maintenance and reduces thermal interference to the interior space. More importantly, the temperature-regulated gas (exhaust gas) generated during the operation of the temperature-controlled environment chamber 6 needs to be directed to the regenerator 5 for heat recovery. To this end, the exhaust port of the temperature-controlled environment chamber 6 is connected to the intake side of the regenerator 5 through a dedicated exhaust channel, thereby delivering the exhaust gas rich in cold or heat to the regenerator 5 for non-contact heat exchange with the fresh intake gas flowing through the bypass pipe 12.

[0036] To efficiently and centrally collect and guide the gas discharged from the temperature-controlled environmental chamber 6, this invention employs an optimized exhaust channel structure. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the structure includes a regenerating cover 51 fixed to the outer wall of the temperature-controlled environment chamber 6. The regenerating cover 51 is a hollow cover that houses the regenerator 5, i.e., the regenerator 5 is enclosed within the regenerating cover 51. The internal cavity of the regenerating cover 51 is connected to the interior of the temperature-controlled environment chamber 6 through an opening or pipe, allowing gas inside the chamber to flow smoothly into the regenerating cover 51 and wash over the heat exchange surface of the regenerator 5.

[0037] To further improve the efficiency and targeting of exhaust gas collection, a return hood 61 can be installed inside the temperature-controlled environment chamber 6, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown. The return hood 61 is typically located downstream of the airflow organization within the chamber or in the exhaust concentration area. Its function is to more effectively collect the gas that has undergone heat exchange within the chamber. The return hood 61 is connected to the internal cavity of the external regenerator hood 51 via a pipe or a direct opening, thus forming a complete, low-resistance exhaust delivery channel from the return hood 61 inside the chamber to the regenerator hood 51 outside the chamber, ensuring that the low-temperature exhaust gas can be directed to the regenerator 5 to the maximum extent.

[0038] The outlet of gas line 1 needs to supply gas to both the parallel-connected vortex tube cooling assembly 3 and heater 2. This distribution function is achieved through multiple branch pipes arranged in parallel. Specifically, two branch pipes are branched off at the end of the main duct 13 or at a suitable location. One branch pipe is connected to the air inlet of the vortex tube cooling assembly 3, and the other branch pipe is connected to the air inlet of the heater 2. An independent throttle valve or on / off valve can be installed on each branch pipe to precisely regulate and distribute the flow and pressure to the two components.

[0039] The low-temperature gas generated by the vortex tube cooling assembly 3 and the hot gas generated by the heater 2 need to be mixed or directly transported into the temperature-controlled environmental chamber 6. For this purpose, the system also includes an air supply duct 4. The inlet end of the air supply duct 4 is connected to both the cold gas outlet of the vortex tube cooling assembly 3 and the hot gas outlet of the heater 2. The outlet end of the air supply duct 4 passes through the wall of the temperature-controlled environmental chamber 6 and extends into its interior. To ensure uniform airflow, an air supply hood 41 can be connected to the end of the air supply duct 4 extending into the chamber, allowing the airflow to act evenly on the interior space or experimental model in a diffused manner.

[0040] Compressed air often contains moisture and oil. If it enters the vortex tube refrigeration assembly 3 directly, it may freeze at the low-temperature end, causing blockage and affecting performance and lifespan. Therefore, a water eliminator is installed at the air inlet of the vortex tube refrigeration assembly 3, i.e., before its connection to the air supply branch pipe. This water eliminator can be a filter dryer or a gas-liquid separator, etc., and its function is to remove liquid water and oil mist from the compressed air, ensuring that the gas entering the vortex tube is dry and clean.

[0041] When the vortex tube cooling assembly 3 is in operation, its exhaust end generates significant aerodynamic noise. Simultaneously, the gas discharged from the exhaust port of the regenerator shroud 51 may also generate airflow noise. To reduce the overall operating noise of the system and improve the experimental environment, a silencer is installed at the exhaust end of the vortex tube cooling assembly 3. Furthermore, a silencer is also installed at the exhaust port 52 of the regenerator shroud 51. These silencers effectively attenuate exhaust noise, complying with environmentally friendly design principles.

[0042] When the system requires rapid cooling, the valve assembly activates the rapid cooling mode. At this time, the first control valve directs all gas supply to the main duct 13, while the second control valve closes the bypass duct 12. The high-pressure gas directly and without resistance loss enters the vortex tube cooling assembly 3 and is converted into low-temperature gas, which is then rapidly delivered to the temperature-controlled ambient chamber 6 via the air supply duct 4. In this mode, the system focuses on utilizing all gas supply energy to achieve the maximum cooling rate; exhaust gas is directly discharged through the heat recovery hood 51, and the cooling capacity is not recovered.

[0043] When the system requires extreme low temperatures or prolonged energy-saving operation, the valve assembly switches to a deep energy-saving cooling mode. In this mode, the first control valve directs the gas source gas to the bypass pipe 12, and the second control valve opens. As the gas flows through the regenerator 5, it exchanges heat with the low-temperature exhaust gas introduced from the temperature-controlled ambient chamber 6 via the return gas hood 61 and the regenerator hood 51, thus pre-cooling the gas itself. The pre-cooled gas then enters the vortex tube cooling assembly 3. Due to its lower inlet temperature, it expands through the vortex tube to achieve an even lower outlet temperature, thereby exceeding the cooling limit of the original gas source. In this mode, the system significantly improves energy efficiency and final cooling capacity by recovering the exhaust gas's cooling capacity.

[0044] This specific embodiment discloses the protected technical solution. The system, through a parallel dual-flow path design on gas pipeline 1 and in conjunction with an intelligent valve assembly, physically achieves mechanical switching between two efficient operating modes. The external regenerator 5, along with the integrated regenerator shroud 51 and return gas shroud 61, constitutes a highly efficient and compact cold energy recovery unit. From gas source processing, distribution, temperature control, and air supply to exhaust gas recovery and noise reduction, each subsystem is integrated into an organic whole through clear connections and spatial layout. This is not merely a simple assembly of components, but a complete system solution with synergistic effects, addressing the specific technical problem of "simultaneously achieving rapid cooling and deep refrigeration under a fixed gas source."

[0045] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A temperature control system, comprising a vortex tube cooling assembly (3), a heater (2), and a temperature-controlled ambient chamber (6), characterized in that, Also includes: A regenerator (5), which is connected to the temperature-controlled environment chamber (6), is used to receive the gas discharged from the temperature-controlled environment chamber (6); The gas pipeline (1) is connected to an external gas source by setting a gas source access pipe (11) as the gas inlet end, and its gas outlet end is connected to the gas inlet of the vortex tube cooling assembly (3) and the heater (2) respectively. The gas pipeline (1) is provided with a first flow path and a second flow path in parallel. The first flow path is directly connected to its inlet end and outlet end, and the second flow path is installed in the regenerator (5). The gas pipeline (1) is provided with a valve group to control the opening and closing of the first flow path and the second flow path.

2. The temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The regenerator (5) is located outside the temperature control environment box (6), and the exhaust port of the temperature control environment box (6) is connected to the air inlet side of the regenerator (5) through an exhaust channel.

3. The temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first flow path includes a main air duct (13), and the second flow path includes a bypass pipe (12); the inlet and outlet ends of the bypass pipe (12) are respectively connected to opposite sides of the regenerator (5).

4. The temperature control system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve group includes a first control valve and a second control valve; the first control valve is located on the bypass pipe (12) or the air source inlet pipe (11) to direct the airflow to the main air pipe (13) or the bypass pipe (12); the second control valve is located on the other side of the bypass pipe (12).

5. The temperature control system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The exhaust channel includes a heat recovery cover (51) fixed on the temperature control environment box (6). The heat recovery cover (51) covers the outside of the heat recovery unit (5) and communicates with the inside of the temperature control environment box (6).

6. The temperature control system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The temperature-controlled environment chamber (6) is equipped with a return air hood (61), which is connected to the heat recovery hood (51).

7. The temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the gas pipeline (1) is connected to the inlet of the vortex tube cooling assembly (3) and the heater (2) respectively through multiple parallel branch pipes.

8. The temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an air supply duct (4), the inlet end of which is connected to the outlet of the vortex tube cooling assembly (3) and the heater (2), and its outlet end extends into the temperature control environment box (6) through the air supply duct (4).

9. The temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vortex tube cooling assembly (3) is equipped with a water eliminator at the air inlet front end.

10. The temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust end of the vortex tube cooling assembly (3) and / or the exhaust end of the regenerator shroud (51) are provided with a silencer.

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