Ice melting device for large ice storage unit

Abstract

This invention discloses an ice-melting device for a large-scale ice storage chiller unit, relating to the technical field of ice storage air conditioning systems. It includes a base with an ice storage chiller casing fixedly mounted on its top outer wall. A serpentine ice storage coil is fixedly installed in the lower interior region of the ice storage chiller casing, and a detachable top cover is fixedly mounted on the top outer wall of the casing. A mechanical ice-breaking mechanism is installed inside the ice storage chiller casing, comprising a fixed frame, a rotating shaft, a spiral ice-breaking blade, a rotary driver, and a reciprocating motion assembly. When the ice thickness sensor detects a thick ice layer, the controller first activates the mechanical ice-breaking mechanism. The spiral ice-breaking blade, through rotation and reciprocating motion, breaks the thick ice layer on the surface of the coil into smaller pieces, significantly increasing the heat exchange area between the ice layer and the heat transfer medium. Subsequently, the heat transfer medium circulates to heat and melt the ice, effectively shortening the melting time and ensuring timely release of cooling capacity during peak daytime cooling periods.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ice storage air conditioning system technology, and in particular to an ice melting device for a large-scale ice storage unit. Background Technology

[0002] Ice storage cooling technology utilizes off-peak electricity from the power grid at night to produce and store ice, releasing the stored cold energy for cooling during peak daytime electricity consumption, thus achieving peak-shifting and valley-filling of electricity demand. With the adjustment of urban building scale and energy structure, ice storage cooling systems have been widely used in areas such as district cooling, large commercial complexes, and data centers.

[0003] Large-scale ice storage chiller units typically consist of a casing, ice storage coils, and a control system. During the ice melting stage, a high-temperature heat transfer medium is introduced into the ice storage coils to melt the ice layer attached to the outer surface of the coils, releasing cooling energy. This released cooling energy is then transferred to refrigeration equipment such as air conditioners through a heat exchanger.

[0004] In existing large-scale ice storage units, the ice-melting efficiency is low when the ice layer thickness is uneven. After prolonged ice storage, a thick layer of ice will adhere to the surface of the ice storage coil. Traditional ice-melting methods rely solely on the circulation of the heat transfer medium for heating, with heat conducted from the inner wall of the coil to the outside. The ice layer melts slowly, and as the ice layer thickens, the thermal resistance increases linearly, significantly extending the ice-melting time and affecting the cooling output during peak daytime cooling periods. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an ice-melting device for large-scale ice storage units, which solves the problems of low ice-melting efficiency, lack of active ice-breaking methods, and inability to adaptively adjust existing ice-melting devices.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An ice-melting device for a large-scale ice storage unit includes a base on which an ice storage unit housing is fixedly installed on the top outer wall, a serpentine ice storage coil is fixedly installed in the lower interior area of ​​the ice storage unit housing, and a detachable top cover is fixedly installed on the top outer wall of the ice storage unit housing. The ice storage chiller is equipped with a mechanical ice-breaking mechanism inside its casing. The mechanical ice-breaking mechanism includes a fixed frame, a rotating shaft rotatably installed in the fixed frame, a spiral ice-breaking blade welded to the outer wall of the rotating shaft, a rotary driver, and a reciprocating moving component. The reciprocating moving assembly includes a fixed cover fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the disassembly top cover, a stepper motor fixedly installed on the side wall of the fixed cover, a ball screw rotatably installed inside the fixed cover, a screw pair threadedly connected to the ball screw, a reciprocating slider, and an electric push rod fixedly installed on the bottom outer wall of the reciprocating slider. An ice thickness sensor is fixedly installed on the top outer wall of the disassembled top cover. The top of the base is also equipped with a heat medium circulation pumping mechanism, which includes an electric heating box fixedly installed on the top outer wall of the base, a liquid supply pump fixedly connected to the lower outer wall of one side of the electric heating box through a pump seat, and a return pipe fixedly connected to the lower part of one side of the electric heating box.

[0007] Preferably, the inlet and outlet ends of the serpentine ice storage coil are both sealed and fixedly connected to one side of the ice storage chiller casing through a sealing element, and the outlet end of the serpentine ice storage coil is fixedly connected to one end of the return pipe through a flange structure.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solutions, the seals ensure that the cold water inside the chassis will not leak; the flange connection facilitates disassembly and maintenance, while ensuring the sealing of the heat medium circulation loop and preventing heat medium leakage.

[0009] Preferably, the pumping end of the liquid supply pump is fixedly connected to the electric heating box, and the delivery end of the liquid supply pump is fixedly connected to the inlet end of the serpentine ice storage coil through a flange structure. A solenoid valve is installed on the pumping end of the liquid supply pump, and a return check valve is installed on the return pipe.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solutions, the solenoid valve can control the on / off supply of the heat medium, the check valve prevents the heat medium from flowing back, and ensures that the heat medium circulates unidirectionally between the electric heating box and the ice storage coil, thereby improving the system reliability and safety.

[0011] Preferably, the rotary drive includes a motor fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the mounting bracket via a motor base, an active synchronous pulley fixedly mounted on the motor output shaft, and a driven synchronous pulley fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the spiral icebreaker blade on the rotating shaft can be driven to rotate at high speed through the setting of the rotary driver.

[0013] Preferably, the driving synchronous pulley and the driven synchronous pulley are connected by the same synchronous belt, and the top of the fixing frame is provided with a clearance opening for avoiding the synchronous belt.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solutions, synchronous belt drives have the advantages of precise transmission ratio, no slippage, and low noise. They are suitable for long-term operation in humid ice storage cooling environment, and the clearance ensures that the synchronous belt does not interfere with the fixed frame during transmission.

[0015] Preferably, the output shaft of the stepper motor extends through the fixed cover and is coaxially and fixedly connected to one end of the ball screw via a coupling, and the telescopic end of the electric push rod is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the top center of the fixed frame.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the stepper motor precisely controls the rotation angle of the ball screw, thereby controlling the linear displacement of the reciprocating slider; the electric push rod realizes the lifting and lowering movement of the fixed frame and the spiral icebreaker, allowing the icebreaker to penetrate into the ice layer at different depths.

[0017] Preferably, the lead screw is fixedly embedded in the reciprocating slider, a slide rail is provided on the detachable top cover, and the outer wall of the reciprocating slider is slidably connected to the inner wall of the slide rail.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the slide provides linear guidance for the reciprocating slider, ensuring its smooth movement in the horizontal direction and avoiding swaying.

[0019] Preferably, the top of the electric heating box is provided with a first filling pipe for adding heat medium, and a first sealing cap is threaded onto the first filling pipe; the top of the ice storage chiller casing is provided with a second filling pipe for adding cold water source, and a second sealing cap is threaded onto the second filling pipe; and a viewing window for observing the water level is provided at the front of the ice storage chiller casing.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solutions, the filling pipe and sealing cap facilitate the replenishment of heat medium and water source, while preventing impurities from entering; the visual observation window allows operators to intuitively check the water level inside the casing.

[0021] Preferably, a controller is fixedly installed on the front outer wall of the ice storage chiller casing, and the ice thickness sensor is an ultrasonic sensor that is electrically connected to the controller.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the ultrasonic sensor measures the ice thickness in a non-contact manner, is not affected by the ice-water interface, and has high measurement accuracy; the controller automatically starts mechanical ice breaking or adjusts the temperature of the heat medium based on sensor feedback, realizing intelligent ice melting control.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: 1. This invention combines mechanical ice breaking with thermal melting, significantly improving ice melting efficiency: When the ice thickness sensor detects a thick ice layer, the controller first activates the mechanical ice breaking mechanism. The spiral ice-breaking blade, under the combined action of rotation and reciprocating motion, breaks the thick ice layer on the coil surface into small pieces, significantly increasing the heat exchange area between the ice layer and the heat medium. Subsequently, the heat medium circulates to heat and melt the ice, effectively shortening the ice melting time and ensuring timely release of cooling capacity during peak cooling periods during the day.

[0024] 2. The adaptive ice melting strategy of this invention saves energy and reduces consumption: the ice thickness sensor monitors the ice thickness in real time, and the controller automatically selects the ice melting mode according to the thickness value. That is, the thin ice layer only adopts the method of heat medium circulation ice melting, while the thick ice layer adopts the method of heat medium and mechanical ice breaking in combination.

[0025] 3. The invention provides full coverage of the ice-breaking range with no blind spots: the reciprocating moving component drives the spiral ice-breaking blade to move back and forth in the horizontal direction, covering the entire length of the serpentine ice storage coil; the electric push rod can adjust the height of the spiral ice-breaking blade to adapt to different ice thicknesses; the rotary driver makes the spiral ice-breaking blade rotate at high speed, and its spiral blade can effectively cut the ice layer, while pushing the ice fragments to one side to prevent secondary freezing. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the entire invention; Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional enlarged structural diagram of the electric heating box and the serpentine ice storage coil of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional enlarged structural diagram of the interior of the ice storage chiller chassis of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional enlarged structural diagram of the disassembled bottom area of ​​the top cover of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a side view of the fixing frame area of ​​the present invention; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional enlarged structural diagram of the reciprocating moving component of the present invention.

[0027] In the diagram: 1. Base; 2. Ice storage chiller chassis; 3. Snake-shaped ice storage coil; 4. Removable top cover; 5. Fixing frame; 6. Rotating shaft; 7. Spiral ice-breaking blade; 8. Motor; 9. Driving synchronous pulley; 10. Driven synchronous pulley; 11. Fixing cover; 12. Stepper motor; 13. Ball screw; 14. Screw pair; 15. Reciprocating slider; 16. Electric push rod; 17. Ice thickness sensor; 18. Slide rail; 19. Heating box; 20. Liquid supply pump; 21. Return pipe; 22. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0029] Example 1, referring to Figure 1-3 An ice-melting device for a large ice storage unit includes a base 1 on which an ice storage unit housing 2 is fixedly installed on the top outer wall, a serpentine ice storage coil 3 is fixedly installed in the lower part of the interior of the ice storage unit housing 2, and a removable top cover 4 is fixedly installed on the top outer wall of the ice storage unit housing 2. Specifically, an ice thickness sensor 17 is fixedly installed on the top outer wall of the disassembled top cover 4, and a heat medium circulation pumping mechanism is also provided on the top of the base 1. The heat medium circulation pumping mechanism includes an electric heating box 19 fixedly installed on the top outer wall of the base 1, a liquid supply pump 20 fixedly connected to the lower outer wall of one side of the electric heating box 19 through a pump seat, and a return pipe 21 fixedly connected to the lower part of one side of the electric heating box 19. Furthermore, the inlet and outlet ends of the serpentine ice storage coil 3 are both sealed and fixedly connected to one side of the ice storage chiller casing 2 through a sealing element, and the outlet end of the serpentine ice storage coil 3 is fixedly connected to one end of the return pipe 21 through a flange structure. Furthermore, the liquid pump 20 is fixedly connected to the heating box 19, the liquid pump 20 is fixedly connected to the liquid inlet of the serpentine ice storage coil 3 through a flange structure, a solenoid valve is installed on the liquid pump 20, and a return check valve is installed on the return pipe 21. Furthermore, the rotary drive includes a motor 8 fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the fixed frame 5 via a motor base, a driving synchronous pulley 9 fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor 8, and a driven synchronous pulley 10 fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft 6. The driving synchronous pulley 9 and the driven synchronous pulley 10 are connected by the same synchronous belt. The top of the fixed frame 5 is provided with a clearance opening for avoiding the synchronous belt. Furthermore, the top of the electric heating box 19 is provided with a first filling pipe for adding heat medium, and a first sealing cap is threaded onto the first filling pipe. The top of the ice storage chiller casing 2 is provided with a second filling pipe for adding cold water source, and a second sealing cap is threaded onto the second filling pipe. The front of the ice storage chiller casing 2 is provided with a viewing window for observing the water level. Furthermore, a controller 22 is fixedly installed on the front outer wall of the ice storage chiller casing 2, and the ice thickness sensor 17 is an ultrasonic sensor that is electrically connected to the controller 22.

[0030] The principle of ice thickness detection in this embodiment is as follows: The ice thickness sensor 17 is fixedly installed on the top of the removable top cover 4. Its probe emits ultrasonic pulses downwards. The pulses propagate through the air to the upper surface of the ice layer and undergo a first reflection. Some of the energy penetrates the ice layer and undergoes a second reflection at the ice-water interface (the interface between the ice layer and the water). The ice thickness sensor 17 receives the time difference between the two echoes and, combined with the propagation speed of ultrasonic waves in the ice, calculates the ice thickness. The ice thickness sensor 17 transmits the thickness signal to the controller 22 in real time.

[0031] The principle of hot medium circulation for ice melting in this embodiment is as follows: Simultaneously with or after mechanical ice breaking, the controller 22 activates the hot medium circulation pump mechanism. The electric heating element inside the heating box 19 heats the hot medium (typically a 25%-35% ethylene glycol aqueous solution) to a set temperature (e.g., 35°C). The supply pump 20 starts, and the solenoid valve at the extraction end opens, drawing the hot medium from the heating box 19 and sending it through the delivery pipeline to the inlet end of the serpentine ice storage coil 3. The hot medium flows within the serpentine ice storage coil 3, and heat is conducted through the coil wall to the ice layer (or crushed ice) on the outer surface, melting the ice. The cooled hot medium flows out from the outlet end of the coil, returns to the heating box 19 via the return pipe 21, and is reheated, forming a cycle. A one-way valve on the return pipe 21 prevents backflow of the hot and cold medium.

[0032] Example 2, refer to Figure 3-6 This embodiment is an optimization based on embodiment 1. Specifically, the ice storage chiller housing 2 is equipped with a mechanical ice-breaking mechanism, which includes a fixed frame 5, a rotating shaft 6 rotatably installed in the fixed frame 5, a spiral ice-breaking blade 7 welded to the outer wall of the rotating shaft 6, a rotary driver, and a reciprocating moving component. Furthermore, the reciprocating motion assembly includes a fixed cover 11 fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the disassembly top cover 4, a stepper motor 12 fixedly installed on the side wall of the fixed cover 11, a ball screw 13 rotatably installed inside the fixed cover 11, a screw pair 14 threadedly connected to the ball screw 13, a reciprocating slider 15, and an electric push rod 16 fixedly installed on the bottom outer wall of the reciprocating slider 15. Furthermore, the output shaft of the stepper motor 12 extends through the fixed cover 11 and is coaxially and fixedly connected to one end of the ball screw 13 via a coupling. The telescopic end of the electric push rod 16 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the top center of the fixed frame 5. The screw pair 14 is fixedly embedded in the reciprocating slider 15. A slide rail 18 is provided on the detachable top cover 4. The outer wall of the reciprocating slider 15 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the slide rail 18.

[0033] The mechanical ice-breaking principle of this embodiment is as follows: When the controller 22 determines that the ice thickness exceeds a set threshold (e.g., 30mm), the mechanical ice-breaking program is initiated. The stepper motor 12 drives the ball screw 13 to rotate, and the screw pair 14 drives the reciprocating slider 15 to move horizontally along the slide rail 18. The electric push rod 16 fixed at the bottom of the reciprocating slider 15 extends downward, lowering the spiral ice-breaking blade 7 on the fixed frame 5 to a predetermined height, so that the spiral ice-breaking blade 7 is close to the surface of the ice layer. The motor 8 starts, driving the rotating shaft 6 to rotate at high speed (300-800r / min) through the active synchronous pulley 9, synchronous belt and driven synchronous pulley 10. The spiral ice-breaking blade 7 on the rotating shaft 6 rotates accordingly, and its spiral blade cuts and breaks the ice layer. During the ice-breaking process, the stepper motor 12 periodically reverses direction, causing the reciprocating slider 15 to drive the ice-breaking blade to move back and forth in the horizontal direction, covering the entire length of the serpentine ice storage coil 3. The electric push rod 16 can be lowered gradually, allowing the ice-breaking blade to cut into the depths of the ice layer layer by layer, breaking the thick ice into small ice blocks with a diameter of 10-30mm. After the ice-breaking is completed, the electric push rod 16 rises, and the reciprocating slider 15 returns to its original position.

[0034] The workflow of this invention is as follows: First, the required heat medium is injected into the electric heating box 19 through the first filling pipe. After the injection is completed, the first sealing cap is screwed on. Then, the required cold water source is injected into the ice storage chiller casing 2 through the second filling pipe. After the injection is completed, the second sealing cap is screwed on. At this time, the cold water source in the ice storage chiller casing 2 will freeze at night. The second step is that during the daytime, the ice thickness sensor 17 will automatically detect the thickness of the ice layer. When the ice layer is thin, the controller 22 will start the heat medium circulation pumping mechanism. The heat medium circulates in the serpentine ice storage coil 3, and the heat is conducted to the ice layer on the outer surface through the coil wall, causing the ice to melt. When the ice layer is thick, the controller 22 will first start the mechanical ice breaking mechanism to break the ice mechanically. After the mechanical ice breaking is completed, the heat medium circulation pumping mechanism will be started. Third, when the ice thickness sensor 17 detects that the ice has completely melted, the controller 22 will control the heat medium circulation pumping mechanism and the mechanical ice breaking mechanism to shut down one after another. At this time, the cold energy released inside the ice storage unit 2 will be input to air conditioning and other refrigeration equipment through the external heat exchanger.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A melting device for a large-scale ice storage chiller unit, comprising a base (1) on which an ice storage chiller casing (2) is fixedly mounted on the top outer wall, characterized in that, The ice storage unit housing (2) is fixedly installed with a serpentine ice storage coil (3) in the lower part of the interior, and a detachable top cover (4) is fixedly installed on the top outer wall of the ice storage unit housing (2). The ice storage chiller housing (2) is equipped with a mechanical ice-breaking mechanism, which includes a fixed frame (5), a rotating shaft (6) rotatably installed in the fixed frame (5), a spiral ice-breaking blade (7) welded to the outer wall of the rotating shaft (6), a rotary driver and a reciprocating moving assembly; The reciprocating motion assembly includes a fixed cover (11) fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the disassembly top cover (4), a stepper motor (12) fixedly installed on the side wall of the fixed cover (11), a ball screw (13) rotatably installed inside the fixed cover (11), a screw pair (14) threadedly connected to the ball screw (13), a reciprocating slider (15), and an electric push rod (16) fixedly installed on the bottom outer wall of the reciprocating slider (15). An ice thickness sensor (17) is fixedly installed on the top outer wall of the disassembled top cover (4). The top of the base (1) is also provided with a heat medium circulation pumping mechanism, which includes an electric heating box (19) fixedly installed on the top outer wall of the base (1), a liquid supply pump (20) fixedly connected to the lower outer wall of one side of the electric heating box (19) through a pump seat, and a return pipe (21) fixedly connected to the lower side of one side of the electric heating box (19).

2. The ice-melting device for a large-scale ice storage chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet and outlet ends of the serpentine ice storage coil (3) are sealed and fixedly connected to one side of the ice storage chiller housing (2) through a sealing element, and the outlet end of the serpentine ice storage coil (3) is fixedly connected to one end of the return pipe (21) through a flange structure.

3. The ice-melting device for a large-scale ice storage chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid pump (20) is fixedly connected to the heating box (19) at the liquid pump (20), and the liquid pump (20) is fixedly connected to the liquid inlet of the serpentine ice storage coil (3) through a flange structure. A solenoid valve is installed on the liquid pump (20) at the liquid pump (20), and a return one-way valve is installed on the return pipe (21).

4. The ice-melting device for a large-scale ice storage chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotary drive includes a motor (8) fixedly connected to the top outer wall of the fixed frame (5) via a motor base, an active synchronous pulley (9) fixedly mounted on the output shaft of the motor (8), and a driven synchronous pulley (10) fixedly mounted on the rotating shaft (6).

5. The ice-melting device for a large-scale ice storage chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The active synchronous pulley (9) and the driven synchronous pulley (10) are connected by the same synchronous belt, and the top of the fixing frame (5) is provided with a clearance opening for avoiding the synchronous belt.

6. The ice-melting device for a large-scale ice storage chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output shaft of the stepper motor (12) extends through the fixed cover (11) and is coaxially fixedly connected to one end of the ball screw (13) via a coupling. The telescopic end of the electric push rod (16) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the top center of the fixed frame (5).

7. The ice-melting device for a large-scale ice storage chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lead screw pair (14) is fixedly embedded in the reciprocating slider (15), and a slide rail (18) is provided on the disassembled top cover (4), and the outer wall of the reciprocating slider (15) is slidably connected to the inner wall of the slide rail (18).

8. The ice-melting device for a large-scale ice storage chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the electric heating box (19) is provided with a first filling pipe for adding heat medium, and a first sealing cap is threaded onto the first filling pipe. The top of the ice storage machine casing (2) is provided with a second filling pipe for adding cold water source, and a second sealing cap is threaded onto the second filling pipe. The front of the ice storage machine casing (2) is provided with a viewing window for observing the water level.

9. The ice-melting device for a large-scale ice storage chiller unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (22) is fixedly installed on the front outer wall of the ice storage chiller casing (2), and the ice thickness sensor (17) is an ultrasonic sensor that is electrically connected to the controller (22).

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