A Knudsen heat pump system based on radiative flow effect

Abstract

This invention provides a Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect, comprising a Knudsen pump unit, a first heat exchanger, an expander, and a second heat exchanger, with the working medium circulating within its closed-loop circuit. This invention completely eliminates the need for a traditional compressor, employing a Knudsen pump unit designed based on the radiative flow effect. Driven solely by temperature difference, it has no moving parts, completely avoiding component wear and significantly improving its service life and reliability. This not only greatly extends the lifespan of the heat pump system but also further reduces its operating costs over its lifespan. Functionally, it allows for flexible adjustment of the heat pump system's operating mode, freely switching between heating and cooling modes, making it particularly suitable for miniaturized and compact heat pump applications. It also features a simple structure, small footprint, low operating noise, easy maintenance, and low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of heat pump system technology, and in particular relates to a Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect. Background Technology

[0002] As a highly efficient energy conversion and utilization device, heat pumps are mainly used for heat transfer. They do not directly generate heat, but rather transfer heat from a low-temperature environment to a high-temperature environment. Traditional heat pumps have been widely used in building heating, industrial waste heat recovery, and low-temperature refrigeration. Compared with traditional electric heating or fossil fuel heating methods, they have significant energy-saving and environmental protection advantages.

[0003] However, the compressors in traditional heat pump systems mainly use scroll compressors, rotary compressors, screw compressors, reciprocating compressors, and centrifugal compressors. Although these compressors each have their own advantages and characteristics, the moving parts inside the compressor will inevitably wear down after a long period of use, which will lead to a gradual decrease in the service life and reliability of the compressor.

[0004] Therefore, the lifespan of a traditional heat pump system is directly affected by the lifespan and reliability of the compressor, and the operating cost of a traditional heat pump system during its lifespan is also closely related to the lifespan and reliability of the compressor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect, completely eliminating the need for a traditional compressor. Employing a Knudsen pump unit designed based on the radiative flow effect, it uses only temperature difference as the driving force, with no moving parts, thus completely avoiding component wear and significantly improving its service life and reliability. This not only greatly extends the lifespan of the heat pump system but also further reduces its operating costs throughout its lifespan. Functionally, it allows for flexible adjustment of the heat pump system's operating mode, freely switching between heating and cooling modes, making it particularly suitable for miniaturized and compact heat pump applications. It also features a simple structure, small footprint, low operating noise, easy maintenance, and low cost.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect, comprising a Knudsen pump unit, a first heat exchanger, an expander, and a second heat exchanger; one end of the Knudsen pump unit is connected to one end of the first heat exchanger, the other end of the first heat exchanger is connected to one end of the expander, the other end of the expander is connected to one end of the second heat exchanger, and the other end of the second heat exchanger is connected to the other end of the Knudsen pump unit, so that the Knudsen pump unit, the first heat exchanger, the expander, and the second heat exchanger form a closed loop, and the working medium circulates within the closed loop.

[0007] The Knudsen pump set is composed of several Knudsen pump units arranged in parallel; each Knudsen pump unit includes a front temperature control plate, a back temperature control plate, and a heat insulation plate; the heat insulation plate is fixedly clamped between the front temperature control plate and the back temperature control plate, and the heat insulation plate is tightly attached to both the front temperature control plate and the back temperature control plate, forming a composite body.

[0008] The composite body, consisting of the front temperature control plate, the insulation plate, and the back temperature control plate, is densely covered with micron-sized microporous channels that penetrate the composite body.

[0009] One end of the micron-sized microporous channel is connected to the first heat exchanger via a pipeline, and the other end of the micron-sized microporous channel is connected to the second heat exchanger via a pipeline. The working medium circulates between the micron-sized microporous channel, the first heat exchanger, the expander, and the second heat exchanger.

[0010] A first pressure sensor is installed on the pipeline between the micron-sized microporous channel and the first heat exchanger, and a second pressure sensor is installed on the pipeline between the micron-sized microporous channel and the second heat exchanger.

[0011] A front temperature control medium flow channel is provided through the body of the front temperature control plate. The front temperature control medium flow channel and the micron-level microporous flow channel are distributed perpendicularly and interspersed and are not connected to each other.

[0012] A back temperature control medium flow channel is provided through the body of the back temperature control plate. The back temperature control medium flow channel and the micron-level microporous flow channel are distributed perpendicularly and alternately and are not interconnected.

[0013] The Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect further includes a high-temperature heat source, a constant-temperature cold water source, a first two-position four-way solenoid valve, and a second two-position four-way solenoid valve. The outlet of the high-temperature heat source is connected to the front and back temperature-controlled medium channels through the first two-position four-way solenoid valve, and the inlet of the high-temperature heat source is connected to the front and back temperature-controlled medium channels through the second two-position four-way solenoid valve. The outlet of the constant-temperature cold water source is connected to the front and back temperature-controlled medium channels through the first two-position four-way solenoid valve, and the inlet of the constant-temperature cold water source is connected to the front and back temperature-controlled medium channels through the second two-position four-way solenoid valve.

[0014] A high-temperature heat flow temperature sensor, a high-temperature heat flow mass flow meter, and a high-temperature heat flow electrically controlled valve are installed on the pipeline between the high-temperature heat flow source and the first two-position four-way solenoid valve and the second two-position four-way solenoid valve; a constant-temperature cold water temperature sensor, a constant-temperature cold water mass flow meter, and a constant-temperature cold water electrically controlled valve are installed on the pipeline between the constant-temperature cold water source and the first two-position four-way solenoid valve and the second two-position four-way solenoid valve.

[0015] The Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect also includes a controller. The first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the first two-position four-way solenoid valve, the second two-position four-way solenoid valve, the high-temperature heat flow temperature sensor, the high-temperature heat flow mass flow meter, the high-temperature heat flow electrically controlled valve, the constant-temperature cold water temperature sensor, the constant-temperature cold water mass flow meter, and the constant-temperature cold water electrically controlled valve are all electrically connected to the controller.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: The Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect of this invention completely eliminates the need for a traditional compressor. Employing a Knudsen pump unit designed based on the radiative flow effect, it uses only temperature difference as the driving force, with no moving parts, thus completely avoiding component wear and significantly improving its service life and reliability. This not only greatly extends the lifespan of the heat pump system but also further reduces its operating costs throughout its lifespan. Functionally, it allows for flexible adjustment of the heat pump system's operating mode, freely switching between heating and cooling modes, making it particularly suitable for miniaturized and compact heat pump applications. It also features a simple structure, small footprint, low operating noise, easy maintenance, and low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram (heating mode) of a Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect according to the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram (cooling mode) of a Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect according to the present invention. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the Knudsen pump unit of the present invention; In the diagram, 1—Knussen pump unit, 2—first heat exchanger, 3—expansioner, 4—second heat exchanger, 5—Knussen pump unit, 6—front temperature control panel, 7—rear temperature control panel, 8—insulation plate, 9—high-temperature heat source, 10—constant-temperature cold water source, 11—first two-position four-way solenoid valve, 12—second two-position four-way solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0019] like Figures 1-3As shown, a Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect includes a Knudsen pump unit 1, a first heat exchanger 2, an expander 3, and a second heat exchanger 4. One end of the Knudsen pump unit 1 is connected to one end of the first heat exchanger 2, the other end of the first heat exchanger 2 is connected to one end of the expander 3, the other end of the expander 3 is connected to one end of the second heat exchanger 4, and the other end of the second heat exchanger 4 is connected to the other end of the Knudsen pump unit 1, so that the Knudsen pump unit 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the expander 3, and the second heat exchanger 4 form a closed loop, and the working medium circulates within the closed loop.

[0020] The Knudsen pump assembly 1 is composed of several Knudsen pump units 5 arranged in parallel; each Knudsen pump unit 5 includes a front temperature control plate 6, a back temperature control plate 7, and a heat insulation plate 8; the heat insulation plate 8 is fixedly clamped between the front temperature control plate 6 and the back temperature control plate 7, and the heat insulation plate 8 is tightly fitted to both the front temperature control plate 6 and the back temperature control plate 7, forming a composite body.

[0021] The composite body, consisting of the front temperature control plate 6, the insulation plate 8, and the back temperature control plate 7, is densely covered with micron-sized microporous channels that penetrate the composite body.

[0022] One end of the micron-sized microporous channel is connected to the first heat exchanger 2 via a pipeline, and the other end of the micron-sized microporous channel is connected to the second heat exchanger 4 via a pipeline. The working medium circulates between the micron-sized microporous channel, the first heat exchanger 2, the expander 3, and the second heat exchanger 4.

[0023] A first pressure sensor is installed on the pipeline between the micron-sized microporous channel and the first heat exchanger 2, and a second pressure sensor is installed on the pipeline between the micron-sized microporous channel and the second heat exchanger 4.

[0024] A front temperature control medium flow channel is provided through the body of the front temperature control plate 6. The front temperature control medium flow channel and the micron-level microporous flow channel are distributed perpendicularly and intersectingly and are not connected to each other.

[0025] A back temperature control medium flow channel is provided through the body of the back temperature control plate 7. The back temperature control medium flow channel and the micron-level microporous flow channel are distributed perpendicularly and intersectingly and are not connected to each other.

[0026] The Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect further includes a high-temperature heat source 9, a constant-temperature cold water source 10, a first two-position four-way solenoid valve 11, and a second two-position four-way solenoid valve 12. The outlet end of the high-temperature heat source 9 is connected to the front temperature-controlled medium channel and the back temperature-controlled medium channel through the first two-position four-way solenoid valve 11, and the inlet end of the high-temperature heat source 9 is connected to the front temperature-controlled medium channel and the back temperature-controlled medium channel through the second two-position four-way solenoid valve 12. The outlet end of the constant-temperature cold water source 10 is connected to the front temperature-controlled medium channel and the back temperature-controlled medium channel through the first two-position four-way solenoid valve 11, and the inlet end of the constant-temperature cold water source 10 is connected to the front temperature-controlled medium channel and the back temperature-controlled medium channel through the second two-position four-way solenoid valve 12.

[0027] A high-temperature heat flow temperature sensor, a high-temperature heat flow mass flow meter, and a high-temperature heat flow electrically controlled valve are installed on the pipeline between the high-temperature heat flow source 9 and the first two-position four-way solenoid valve 11 and the second two-position four-way solenoid valve 12; a constant-temperature cold water temperature sensor, a constant-temperature cold water mass flow meter, and a constant-temperature cold water electrically controlled valve are installed on the pipeline between the constant-temperature cold water source 10 and the first two-position four-way solenoid valve 11 and the second two-position four-way solenoid valve 12.

[0028] The Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect also includes a controller. The first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the first two-position four-way solenoid valve 11, the second two-position four-way solenoid valve 12, the high-temperature heat flow temperature sensor, the high-temperature heat flow mass flow meter, the high-temperature heat flow electrically controlled valve, the constant-temperature cold water temperature sensor, the constant-temperature cold water mass flow meter, and the constant-temperature cold water electrically controlled valve are all electrically connected to the controller.

[0029] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates the usage of this invention: In this embodiment, both the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 4 adopt a copper tube finned structure to achieve functional interchangeability between the condenser and the evaporator; the expander 3 adopts an electronic expander; the front temperature control plate 6 and the back temperature control plate 7 are both made of aluminum alloy, and the insulation plate 8 is made of aerogel; the working medium is an environmentally friendly gaseous working fluid; the pore size of the micron-level microporous channel is 1μm to 10μm; the high-temperature heat source 9 adopts an insulated water tank with constant temperature regulation function to output constant temperature hot water at the set temperature; the constant temperature cold water source 10 adopts an insulated water tank with constant temperature regulation function to output constant temperature cold water at the set temperature.

[0030] When the heat pump system is in heating mode, the high-temperature heat source 9 and the constant-temperature cold water source 10 are started simultaneously, and the valve cores of the first two-position four-way solenoid valve 11 and the second two-position four-way solenoid valve 12 are simultaneously adjusted to the left control position.

[0031] The constant-temperature hot water output from the high-temperature heat source 9 first passes through the first two-position four-way solenoid valve 11, and then flows through the front temperature control medium channel of the front temperature control plate 6. The front temperature control plate 6 exchanges heat with the constant-temperature hot water and gradually heats up. The hot water flowing out of the front temperature control medium channel will experience a temperature drop. After the temperature drop, the hot water returns to the high-temperature heat source 9 after passing through the second two-position four-way solenoid valve 12, and is constant-temperature regulated in the high-temperature heat source 9. Then it is output in a constant-temperature state. After the constant-temperature hot water circulates for a period of time, the temperature data monitored by the high-temperature heat flow temperature sensor will gradually stabilize. When the temperature data is completely stable, it means that the plate temperature of the front temperature control plate 6 is consistent with the water temperature of the constant-temperature hot water. At this time, the plate temperature of the front temperature control plate 6 also dynamically maintains a constant temperature state.

[0032] Meanwhile, the constant temperature cold water output from the constant temperature cold water source 10 first passes through the first two-position four-way solenoid valve 11, and then flows through the back temperature control medium flow channel of the back temperature control plate 7. The back temperature control plate 7 exchanges heat with the constant temperature cold water and gradually cools down. The cold water flowing out of the back temperature control medium flow channel will experience a temperature rise. After the temperature rise, the cold water returns to the constant temperature cold water source 10 after passing through the second two-position four-way solenoid valve 12, and is constant temperature regulated in the constant temperature cold water source 10. Then it is output in a constant temperature state. After the constant temperature cold water circulates for a period of time, the temperature data of the constant temperature cold water temperature sensor will gradually stabilize. When the temperature data is completely stable, it means that the plate temperature of the back temperature control plate 7 and the water temperature of the constant temperature cold water have reached the same level. At this time, the plate temperature of the back temperature control plate 7 also dynamically maintains a constant temperature state.

[0033] When the temperatures of both the front temperature control plate 6 and the back temperature control plate 7 are dynamically maintained at a constant temperature, a stable temperature difference can be formed between the front temperature control plate 6 and the back temperature control plate 7. Under the action of this temperature difference, the working medium will generate a radiative flow effect in the micron-level microporous channel, causing the working medium to flow from the low-temperature side of the back temperature control plate 7 to the high-temperature side of the front temperature control plate 6, and forming a stable pressure difference at both ends of the micron-level microporous channel, thereby enabling the working medium to form a stable directional flow. This pressure difference can be determined by the difference between the monitoring data of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor.

[0034] As the working medium forms a stable directional flow, it first flows through the second heat exchanger 4, where it condenses and releases heat. The released heat then acts as a heating agent. After condensation and heat release, the working medium further flows through the expander 3, where it undergoes throttling and pressure reduction. The throttled and pressure-reduced working medium then flows through the first heat exchanger 2, where it evaporates and absorbs heat. Finally, it flows back into the micron-sized microporous channels of the Knudsen pump unit 1, thus achieving the circulation of the working medium.

[0035] Similarly, when the heat pump system needs to switch from heating mode to cooling mode, the valve cores of the first two-position four-way solenoid reversing valve 11 and the second two-position four-way solenoid reversing valve 12 are simultaneously adjusted to the right control position to realize the reversal of constant temperature hot water and constant temperature cold water. The constant temperature hot water flows through the back temperature control medium flow channel of the back temperature control plate 7, and the constant temperature cold water flows through the front temperature control medium flow channel of the front temperature control plate 6. This makes the front temperature control plate 6 the low temperature side and the back temperature control plate 7 the high temperature side. Finally, the working medium flows from the low temperature side of the front temperature control plate 6 to the high temperature side of the back temperature control plate 7, forming a temperature gradient in completely opposite directions, until a stable temperature difference is re-established between the back temperature control plate 7 and the front temperature control plate 6.

[0036] As the working medium forms a stable directional flow in opposite directions, the working medium first flows through the first heat exchanger 2, where it condenses and releases heat. After condensation and heat release, the working medium further flows through the expander 3, where it is throttled and depressurized. Then, the throttled and depressurized working medium flows through the second heat exchanger 4, where it evaporates and absorbs heat. Refrigeration is achieved through evaporation and heat absorption. Finally, it flows back into the micron-sized microporous channels of the Knudsen pump unit 1, thus realizing the circulation of the working medium.

[0037] During the operation of the heat pump system, the pressure difference between the two ends of the micron-level microporous channel can be adjusted by adjusting the temperature difference between the front temperature control plate 6 and the back temperature control plate 7, thereby satisfying the pressure adjustment of the Knudsen pump group 1, and at the same time satisfying the adjustment of the heating / cooling power and energy efficiency ratio of the heat pump system.

[0038] The solutions described in the embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent implementations or modifications that do not depart from the present invention are included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect, characterized in that: It includes a Knudsen pump set, a first heat exchanger, an expander, and a second heat exchanger; one end of the Knudsen pump set is connected to one end of the first heat exchanger, the other end of the first heat exchanger is connected to one end of the expander, the other end of the expander is connected to one end of the second heat exchanger, and the other end of the second heat exchanger is connected to the other end of the Knudsen pump set, so that the Knudsen pump set, the first heat exchanger, the expander, and the second heat exchanger form a closed loop, and the working medium circulates within the closed loop.

2. The Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect according to claim 1, characterized in that: The Knudsen pump set is composed of several Knudsen pump units arranged in parallel; each Knudsen pump unit includes a front temperature control plate, a back temperature control plate, and a heat insulation plate; the heat insulation plate is fixedly clamped between the front temperature control plate and the back temperature control plate, and the heat insulation plate is tightly attached to both the front temperature control plate and the back temperature control plate, forming a composite body.

3. A Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect according to claim 2, characterized in that: The composite body, consisting of the front temperature control plate, the insulation plate, and the back temperature control plate, is densely covered with micron-sized microporous channels that penetrate the composite body.

4. A Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect according to claim 3, characterized in that: One end of the micron-sized microporous channel is connected to the first heat exchanger via a pipeline, and the other end of the micron-sized microporous channel is connected to the second heat exchanger via a pipeline. The working medium circulates between the micron-sized microporous channel, the first heat exchanger, the expander, and the second heat exchanger.

5. A Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect according to claim 4, characterized in that: A first pressure sensor is installed on the pipeline between the micron-sized microporous channel and the first heat exchanger, and a second pressure sensor is installed on the pipeline between the micron-sized microporous channel and the second heat exchanger.

6. A Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect according to claim 5, characterized in that: A front temperature control medium flow channel is provided through the body of the front temperature control plate. The front temperature control medium flow channel and the micron-level microporous flow channel are distributed perpendicularly and interspersed and are not connected to each other.

7. A Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect according to claim 6, characterized in that: A back temperature control medium flow channel is provided through the body of the back temperature control plate. The back temperature control medium flow channel and the micron-level microporous flow channel are distributed perpendicularly and alternately and are not interconnected.

8. A Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a high-temperature heat source, a constant-temperature cold water source, a first two-position four-way solenoid directional valve, and a second two-position four-way solenoid directional valve; the outlet end of the high-temperature heat source is connected to the front temperature-controlled medium channel and the back temperature-controlled medium channel through the first two-position four-way solenoid directional valve, and the inlet end of the high-temperature heat source is connected to the front temperature-controlled medium channel and the back temperature-controlled medium channel through the second two-position four-way solenoid directional valve; the outlet end of the constant-temperature cold water source is connected to the front temperature-controlled medium channel and the back temperature-controlled medium channel through the first two-position four-way solenoid directional valve, and the inlet end of the constant-temperature cold water source is connected to the front temperature-controlled medium channel and the back temperature-controlled medium channel through the second two-position four-way solenoid directional valve.

9. A Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect according to claim 8, characterized in that: A high-temperature heat flow temperature sensor, a high-temperature heat flow mass flow meter, and a high-temperature heat flow electrically controlled valve are installed on the pipeline between the high-temperature heat flow source and the first two-position four-way solenoid valve and the second two-position four-way solenoid valve; a constant-temperature cold water temperature sensor, a constant-temperature cold water mass flow meter, and a constant-temperature cold water electrically controlled valve are installed on the pipeline between the constant-temperature cold water source and the first two-position four-way solenoid valve and the second two-position four-way solenoid valve.

10. A Knudsen heat pump system based on the radiative flow effect according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a controller, and the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the first two-position four-way solenoid directional valve, the second two-position four-way solenoid directional valve, the high-temperature heat flow temperature sensor, the high-temperature heat flow mass flow meter, the high-temperature heat flow electrically controlled valve, the constant-temperature cold water temperature sensor, the constant-temperature cold water mass flow meter, and the constant-temperature cold water electrically controlled valve are all electrically connected to the controller.

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