Airflow circulation optimization structure and energy-saving control method of large walk-in constant temperature and humidity laboratory

Abstract

The invention discloses an airflow circulation optimization structure and an energy-saving control method of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity laboratory, the airflow circulation optimization structure comprises a laboratory box body and an airflow circulation system arranged in the box body, and the airflow circulation system comprises two groups of air supply units and a group of air return units which are symmetrically arranged along the length direction of the box body. Through the combination of the symmetrically arranged air supply units and the rotational flow air supply outlets, a gear linkage adjusting mechanism and a particle swarm algorithm are matched, accurate and synchronous optimization of the angles of the air supply outlets is achieved, rotational flow full coverage is achieved, local dead angles are eliminated, the temperature and humidity uniformity in the box is greatly improved, and the reliability of test data is guaranteed. And a flow equalizing plate and a multi-probe sensor group of the main air return channel ensure the accuracy of monitoring data and provide reliable feedback for control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of constant temperature and humidity testing equipment technology, specifically to an optimized airflow circulation structure and energy-saving control method for a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity testing chamber. Background Technology

[0002] In aerospace, electronics manufacturing, and new materials research and development, large walk-in temperature and humidity test chambers are core equipment for ensuring product environmental adaptability testing. Their temperature and humidity uniformity, energy consumption control, and operational stability directly affect the reliability of test data and operating costs. However, existing technologies have significant drawbacks: First, the airflow circulation structure design is unreasonable, often using single-sided air supply or direct-blowing air outlets, which easily creates airflow dead zones and stratification, resulting in poor temperature and humidity uniformity within the chamber and making it difficult to meet high-precision testing requirements. Second, the air supply outlet adjustment lacks synchronization and intelligent optimization; manual trial and error or independent adjustment methods result in slow response and low accuracy, failing to adapt to different test piece sizes and temperature and humidity targets. Third, return air monitoring is susceptible to turbulence interference, and data collected by single-point or small-scale probes is distorted, leading to control feedback deviations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technical solutions, this invention provides an optimized airflow circulation structure and energy-saving control method for a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber, which can effectively solve the problems raised in the background technology.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: An optimized airflow circulation structure for a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber includes a test chamber housing and an airflow circulation system installed inside the housing. The airflow circulation system includes two sets of air supply units and one set of return air units symmetrically arranged along the length of the housing. The air supply unit includes an upper static pressure box, a vertical air supply channel, and a lower air supply box connected sequentially from top to bottom. The side wall of the lower air supply box is provided with multiple adjustable swirl air outlets. The return air unit includes a return air outlet located at the center of the top of the box and a main return air channel connected to the return air outlet.

[0005] As a further description of the above technical solution, the swirl air outlet includes a rotatable spherical air outlet body, the air outlet body is provided with spiral guide vanes, and the lower air supply box is provided with a linkage adjustment mechanism for driving all swirl air outlets to deflect synchronously.

[0006] As a further description of the above technical solution, the linkage adjustment mechanism includes a drive motor disposed in the lower air supply box, a drive gear connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and a driven gear fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of each swirl air supply port and meshing with the drive gear.

[0007] As a further description of the above technical solution, the main return air duct is provided with an airflow equalization plate and a temperature and humidity sensor group, the temperature and humidity sensor group including multiple sensor probes distributed along the airflow direction.

[0008] As a further description of the above technical solution, the airflow circulation system is also connected to a heat recovery device. The air inlet of the heat recovery device is connected to the main return air channel, and the air outlet is connected to the upper static pressure box through a pipeline.

[0009] An energy-saving control method for an optimized airflow circulation structure applied to a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber includes the following steps: Step S1: Based on the test requirements, set the target temperature and humidity curve and uniformity requirements in the control system; Step S2: Monitor the air parameters at the return air vent in real time using a temperature and humidity sensor array, and calculate their average value and uniformity. Step S3: If the monitored uniformity does not meet the set requirements, start the air supply optimization program and control the drive motor to adjust the air supply angle of the swirl air outlet until the uniformity meets the standard. Step S4: Based on the heat load prediction model and real-time monitored temperature and humidity data, dynamically adjust the output power of the compressor, heater and humidifier; Step S5: When the rate of change of heat load inside the test chamber is lower than the set threshold, start the heat recovery device to pre-treat fresh air or participate in the airflow regulation inside the chamber using return air energy.

[0010] As a further description of the above technical solution, in step S3, the air supply optimization procedure specifically involves: establishing an optimization model with the deflection angle of the swirl air outlet as the variable and the temperature and humidity uniformity of multiple representative measuring points inside the box as the objective, and using the particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve for the optimal combination of air supply angles.

[0011] As a further description of the above technical solution, in step S4, the heat load prediction model is a time-series prediction model built on a long short-term memory neural network (LSTM). Its input features include historical temperature and humidity data, the current operating power of the equipment, and the future temperature and humidity change trend set in the test program.

[0012] As a further description of the above technical solution, the method also includes step S6, in which, if the system power remains stable during the constant temperature and humidity maintenance stage, the system automatically switches to a low power consumption operation mode, specifically including reducing the fan speed to the minimum limit for maintaining uniformity, and using a pulse interval method to control the heater and humidifier.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: The present invention discloses an optimized airflow circulation structure and energy-saving control method for a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber, which has at least one of the following beneficial effects during use: By combining symmetrically arranged air supply units with swirling air outlets, along with a gear-linked adjustment mechanism and particle swarm optimization algorithm, precise and synchronous optimization of the air outlet angle is achieved. The swirling airflow provides full coverage, eliminating local dead zones and significantly improving the uniformity of temperature and humidity within the chamber, ensuring the reliability of test data. The flow distribution plate and multi-probe sensor array in the main return air duct ensure accurate monitoring data, providing reliable feedback for control.

[0014] The LSTM heat load prediction model anticipates load changes and dynamically adjusts equipment power. Combined with a return air heat recovery device, it significantly reduces energy consumption. The low-power mode during the constant temperature maintenance phase further saves energy by optimizing fan speed and pulse control for heating and humidification. The equipment operates under a reasonable load, reducing wear and extending its service life. It is adaptable to different testing scenarios, highly intelligent, and responsive, balancing high precision and economy to meet the stringent testing requirements of various fields. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the airflow circulation optimization structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a side view of the optimized airflow circulation structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first part of the optimized airflow circulation structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second part of the airflow circulation optimization structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third part of the airflow circulation optimization structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to the present invention.

[0016] Numbering on the map: 1. Laboratory housing; 101. Heat recovery device; 2. Air supply unit; 201. Swirl air outlet; 202. Upper static pressure box; 203. Vertical air supply channel; 204. Lower air supply box; 205. Drive motor; 206. Drive gear; 207. Driven gear; 208. Spherical air outlet body; 209. Spiral guide vanes; 3. Return air unit; 301. Main return air channel; 302. Return air outlet; 303. Airflow equalization plate; 304. Temperature and humidity sensor group. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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 skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the present invention provides an optimized airflow circulation structure for a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber, including a test chamber housing 1 and an airflow circulation system installed inside the housing. The airflow circulation system includes two sets of air supply units 2 and one set of return air units 3 symmetrically arranged along the length of the housing. The air supply unit 2 includes an upper static pressure box 202, a vertical air supply channel 203, and a lower air supply box 204 connected from top to bottom. The lower air supply box 204 has multiple adjustable swirl air outlets 201 on its side wall. The return air unit 3 includes a return air outlet 302 located at the center of the top of the box and a main return air channel 301 connected to the return air outlet 302.

[0019] In this embodiment, the air (or airflow pre-treated by the heat recovery device 101) processed by the compressor, heater, and humidifier enters two sets of air supply units 2 symmetrically arranged along the length of the housing. The airflow sequentially passes through the upper static pressure box 202 (to stabilize the airflow pressure and avoid airflow fluctuations), the vertical air supply channel 203 (to guide the airflow downwards), and the lower air supply box 204 (to collect and evenly distribute the airflow), and is finally injected into the housing through the swirl air outlet 201 on the side wall of the lower air supply box 204. The spiral guide vanes 209 of the swirl air outlet 201 cause the airflow to form a strong diffusion swirl, which evenly covers the interior space from both sides of the housing, eliminating local airflow dead zones.

[0020] After the air inside the chamber completes heat and humidity exchange, it converges towards the top center under the negative pressure of the fan and enters the main return air duct 301 through the return air inlet 302. The airflow equalization plate 303 in the duct stabilizes the return airflow (avoiding monitoring distortion caused by turbulence). Subsequently, the temperature and humidity sensor group 304 (multiple probes distributed along the airflow direction) collects multi-dimensional temperature and humidity data in real time, providing accurate feedback for the control system.

[0021] When the temperature and humidity uniformity is detected to be substandard, the control system activates the linkage adjustment mechanism: the drive motor 205 drives the active gear 206 to rotate, and the active gear 206 meshes with the driven gear 207 on the rotating shaft of all swirl air outlets 201, realizing the synchronous deflection of all air outlets (ensuring consistent adjustment). At the same time, an optimization model is established through particle swarm optimization (with the air outlet deflection angle as the variable and the uniformity of multiple representative measuring points in the chamber as the objective), quickly solving for the optimal angle combination to make the airflow coverage adapt to the test scenario (such as different specimen sizes, temperature and humidity targets), and correcting local parameter deviations.

[0022] When the rate of change of heat load in the laboratory is lower than the set threshold (system operation is stable), the heat recovery device 101 is automatically started: the air inlet end draws return air rich in residual heat and moisture from the main return air channel 301 and recovers energy through heat exchange; the air outlet end delivers the pre-treated airflow to the upper static pressure box 202 to participate in the airflow regulation in the box and reduce the energy input of the compressor and heater.

[0023] Furthermore, the swirl air outlet 201 includes a rotatable spherical air outlet body 208, the air outlet body is provided with spiral guide vanes 209, and the lower air supply box 204 is provided with a linkage adjustment mechanism for driving all swirl air outlets 201 to deflect synchronously.

[0024] When the airflow enters the main body of the vent, the spiral guide vanes 209 apply a tangential force to the airflow, causing the airflow to change from linear motion to strong diffusion swirling motion (similar to the diffusion pattern of a typhoon). This swirling airflow has a larger diffusion angle and a wider coverage area, which can avoid the problems of "excessively low / high temperature in the direct airflow area and no airflow in the edge area" caused by traditional direct airflow vents.

[0025] When the temperature and humidity sensor group 304 detects that the uniformity inside the chamber is not up to standard (such as the deviation of local measuring points exceeds the set value), the control system will send a command to the linkage adjustment mechanism to drive all swirl air outlets 201 to deflect synchronously, ensuring that the airflow coverage angle of the air supply units 2 on both sides is consistent, avoiding air imbalance caused by unilateral adjustment, and thus quickly correcting local temperature and humidity deviations.

[0026] Furthermore, the linkage adjustment mechanism includes a drive motor 205 disposed in the lower air supply box 204, a drive gear 206 connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 205, and a driven gear 207 fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of each swirl air outlet 201 and meshing with the drive gear 206.

[0027] The specific process is as follows: The control system receives a signal indicating that the uniformity is not up to standard and outputs an adjustment command to the drive motor 205; the drive motor 205 starts, driving the drive gear 206 on the output shaft to rotate; the drive gear 206 meshes with the driven gear 207 on the shaft of each swirl air outlet 201 (all driven gears 207 mesh directly with the drive gear 206, rather than through multi-stage transmission), synchronously transmitting the rotational power to the shaft of each swirl air outlet 201; under the action of gear transmission, all swirl air outlets 201 deflect at the same angle and speed, achieving "uniform adjustment". This ensures that there is no slippage or lag during the transmission process, thereby guaranteeing that the deflection angle of each air outlet is precise and consistent.

[0028] Furthermore, the main return air duct 301 is equipped with an airflow equalization plate 303 and a temperature and humidity sensor group 304, which includes multiple sensor probes distributed along the airflow direction.

[0029] When the return airflow enters the channel from the return air inlet 302, the flow equalization plate will "rectify" the turbulent airflow - blocking turbulence and eliminating eddies, so that the airflow passes through the channel in a stable laminar state, avoiding the distortion of sensor monitoring data caused by airflow fluctuations (such as the local airflow velocity in turbulence being too fast, causing the temperature and humidity values ​​collected by the sensor probe to deviate from the actual average level in the chamber).

[0030] The temperature and humidity sensor group 304 consists of multiple sensor probes distributed along the airflow direction, with each probe collecting data independently. The control system performs a weighted average calculation on the data from all probes to obtain an "average parameter" that accurately reflects the overall temperature and humidity state inside the chamber, while also calculating the deviation value of the data from each probe.

[0031] Furthermore, the airflow circulation system is also connected to a heat recovery device 101. The air inlet of the heat recovery device 101 is connected to the main return air channel 301, and the air outlet is connected to the upper static pressure box 202 through a pipeline.

[0032] The heat recovery device 101 adopts a plate heat exchanger (or a rotary heat exchanger). Its air inlet end is connected to the main return air channel 301 through a pipeline, and its air outlet end is connected to the upper static pressure box 202 through a pipeline, forming a closed loop of "return air energy recovery - supply air pretreatment".

[0033] The control system activates the heat recovery device 101: the return air (rich in residual heat and humidity) in the main return air duct 301 enters one side of the heat exchanger; the fresh air (or circulating air) that needs to enter the upper static pressure box 202 enters the other side of the heat exchanger; through the heat exchanger, the residual heat and humidity of the return air are transferred to the fresh air (or circulating air), realizing energy recovery; the pre-treated airflow (temperature / humidity close to the target value) enters the upper static pressure box 202 and participates in the subsequent air supply circulation.

[0034] An energy-saving control method for an optimized airflow circulation structure applied to a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber includes the following steps: Step S1: Based on the test requirements, set the target temperature and humidity curve and uniformity requirements in the control system; Step S2: Monitor the air parameters of the return air vent 302 in real time through the temperature and humidity sensor group 304, and calculate its average value and uniformity; Steps S1-S2: Set the target temperature and humidity curve and uniformity requirements, monitor the return air parameters in real time through a multi-probe sensor group, and calculate the average value and uniformity.

[0035] Step S3: If the monitored uniformity does not meet the set requirements, start the air supply optimization program and control the drive motor 205 to adjust the air supply angle of the swirl air outlet 201 until the uniformity meets the standard. Step S3: If the uniformity does not meet the standard, start the particle swarm optimization program and control the linkage mechanism to adjust the air outlet angle until the standard is met.

[0036] Step S4: Based on the heat load prediction model and real-time monitored temperature and humidity data, dynamically adjust the output power of the compressor, heater and humidifier; A heat load prediction model based on an LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) neural network (input features: historical temperature and humidity data, current power of equipment, and future temperature and humidity trends) can predict heat load changes in advance and dynamically adjust the output power of compressors, heaters, and humidifiers to avoid over-adjustment and waste.

[0037] Step S5: When the rate of change of heat load inside the test chamber is lower than the set threshold, start the heat recovery device 101 to pre-treat fresh air or participate in the airflow regulation inside the chamber using return air energy.

[0038] Steps S5-S6: Heat recovery is started after the system stabilizes; during the constant temperature and humidity maintenance phase, if the power remains stable, it automatically switches to low power consumption mode (reduces the fan speed to the minimum uniformity limit, and controls heating / humidification with pulse intervals).

[0039] To further explain, in step S3, the air supply optimization procedure specifically involves: establishing an optimization model with the deflection angle of the swirl air outlet 201 as the variable and the temperature and humidity uniformity of multiple representative measuring points inside the box as the objective, and using the particle swarm optimization algorithm to solve for the optimal combination of air supply angles.

[0040] Compared to traditional "trial and error" methods (manual adjustment) or "genetic algorithms" (numerous iterations and slow convergence), this method can more accurately find the optimal angle for the appropriate scenario, avoiding data distortion caused by substandard local uniformity.

[0041] Furthermore, in step S4, the heat load prediction model is a time-series prediction model built on a long short-term memory neural network (LSTM). Its input features include historical temperature and humidity data, the current operating power of the equipment, and the future temperature and humidity change trend set in the test program.

[0042] It can effectively capture the long-term and short-term dependencies in time series data, avoid the prediction distortion of nonlinear and long-period data by traditional time series models (such as ARIMA), and maintain the accuracy of heat load prediction under complex operating conditions to ensure stable system operation.

[0043] Furthermore, the method also includes step S6, in which, during the constant temperature and humidity maintenance stage, if the system power remains stable, it automatically switches to a low power consumption operation mode, specifically including reducing the fan speed to the minimum limit for maintaining uniformity, and using a pulse interval method to control the heater and humidifier.

[0044] In low-power mode, the control system gradually reduces the fan speed based on real-time feedback from the temperature and humidity sensor group 304 until it reaches the "minimum limit for maintaining uniformity within the chamber." During this maintenance phase, overall energy consumption is significantly reduced compared to the conventional mode, resulting in particularly significant energy savings. When the fan operates at low speed, bearing wear and motor heating are significantly reduced, and the heating and humidification equipment operates intermittently, avoiding component aging caused by prolonged high-load operation.

[0045] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An optimized airflow circulation structure for a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber, comprising a test chamber housing (1) and an airflow circulation system disposed within the housing, characterized in that: The airflow circulation system includes two sets of air supply units (2) and one set of return air units (3) arranged symmetrically along the length of the housing; The air supply unit (2) includes an upper static pressure box (202), a vertical air supply channel (203) and a lower air supply box (204) connected from top to bottom. The lower air supply box (204) has multiple adjustable swirl air outlets (201) on its side wall. The return air unit (3) includes a return air outlet (302) located at the center of the top of the box and a main return air channel (301) connected to the return air outlet (302).

2. The optimized airflow circulation structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The swirl air outlet (201) includes a rotatable spherical air outlet body (208), the air outlet body is provided with spiral guide vanes (209), and the lower air supply box (204) is provided with a linkage adjustment mechanism for driving all swirl air outlets (201) to deflect synchronously.

3. The optimized airflow circulation structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to claim 2, characterized in that: The linkage adjustment mechanism includes a drive motor (205) installed in the lower air box (204), a drive gear (206) connected to the output shaft of the drive motor (205), and a driven gear (207) fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of each swirl air outlet (201) and meshing with the drive gear (206).

4. The optimized airflow circulation structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main return air duct (301) is equipped with an airflow equalization plate (303) and a temperature and humidity sensor group (304), which includes multiple sensor probes distributed along the airflow direction.

5. The optimized airflow circulation structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to claim 1, characterized in that: The airflow circulation system is also connected to a heat recovery device (101). The air inlet of the heat recovery device (101) is connected to the main return air channel (301), and the air outlet is connected to the upper static pressure box (202) through a pipeline.

6. An energy-saving control method for the airflow circulation optimization structure applied to the large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step S1: Based on the test requirements, set the target temperature and humidity curve and uniformity requirements in the control system; Step S2: Monitor the air parameters of the return air vent (302) in real time using the temperature and humidity sensor group (304), and calculate its average value and uniformity; Step S3: If the detected uniformity does not meet the set requirements, start the air supply optimization program and control the drive motor (205) to adjust the air supply angle of the swirl air outlet (201) until the uniformity meets the standard. Step S4: Based on the heat load prediction model and real-time monitored temperature and humidity data, dynamically adjust the output power of the compressor, heater and humidifier; Step S5: When the rate of change of heat load inside the test chamber is lower than the set threshold, start the heat recovery device (101) to pre-treat fresh air or participate in the airflow regulation inside the chamber using return air energy.

7. The energy-saving control method for the airflow circulation optimization structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to claim 6, characterized in that: In step S3, the air supply optimization procedure specifically involves: establishing an optimization model with the deflection angle of the swirl air outlet (201) as the variable and the temperature and humidity uniformity of multiple representative measurement points inside the box as the objective, and using the particle swarm algorithm to solve for the optimal air supply angle combination.

8. The energy-saving control method for the airflow circulation optimization structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to claim 6, characterized in that: In step S4, the heat load prediction model is a time-series prediction model built on a long short-term memory neural network (LSTM). Its input features include historical temperature and humidity data, the current operating power of the equipment, and the future temperature and humidity change trend set in the test program.

9. The energy-saving control method for the airflow circulation optimization structure of a large walk-in constant temperature and humidity test chamber according to claim 6, characterized in that: The method further includes step S6, in which, during the constant temperature and humidity maintenance stage, if the system power remains stable, the system automatically switches to a low power consumption operation mode, specifically by reducing the fan speed to the minimum limit for maintaining uniformity and using a pulse interval method to control the heater and humidifier.

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