Air cooler

Abstract

The air cooler comprises an air inlet pipe, an air outlet pipe and at least one heat exchange unit, and each heat exchange unit comprises a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a water collecting tank; the lower end of the first heat exchanger is communicated with the water collecting tank; the upper end of the second heat exchanger is communicated with the air outlet pipe; a first guide pipe is arranged in the first heat exchanger, a second guide pipe is arranged in the second heat exchanger, and the first guide pipe and the second guide pipe are connected through a communicating valve. Under the first working condition, the communicating valve is closed, the liquid level of the water collecting tank is kept lower than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, condensed gas enters the first heat exchanger from the gas inlet pipe to be partially condensed and then enters the second heat exchanger from the water collecting tank to be continuously condensed, and residual non-condensed gas flows out from the gas outlet pipe; under the second working condition, the communicating valve is opened, the liquid level of the water collecting tank is kept higher than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, condensed gas enters the first heat exchanger from the gas inlet pipe to be partially condensed and then flows into the second heat exchanger through the first guide pipe and the second guide pipe to be continuously condensed, and residual non-condensed gas flows out from the gas outlet pipe. The first working condition and the second working condition are switched according to the environment temperature, the heat exchange area can be adjusted, and the condensation medium is prevented from being frozen when the temperature is too low.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of air cooling, and in particular to an air cooler. Background Art

[0002] The air cooler mainly uses ambient air to cool the fluid in the tube. The lower the ambient air temperature, the better the heat exchange effect. The air in the air cooler passes horizontally on the outside of the tube bundle or is naturally ventilated with the help of a fan, and the steam flows in the tube bundle and is condensed into water. The air cooler is greatly affected by the ambient temperature. In summer, the temperature is high, and air cooling fins need to be installed to increase the heat exchange area; however, in winter, when the temperature is low, the heat exchange efficiency is high, and the condensed medium in the air cooling fins may freeze and clog, and even burst in severe cases. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of the present application is to overcome the disadvantage of the prior art that air coolers are prone to freezing and clogging during winter operation, and to provide an air cooler capable of adjusting the heat exchange area.

[0004] The technical solution of the present application provides an air cooler, comprising an air inlet pipe, an air outlet pipe and at least one heat exchange unit, wherein the heat exchange unit comprises a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a water collecting tank;

[0005] The upper end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the air inlet pipe, and the lower end is connected to the water collecting tank;

[0006] The lower end of the second heat exchanger is connected to the water collecting tank, and the upper end is connected to the air outlet pipe;

[0007] The first heat exchanger is provided with a first conduit, the second heat exchanger is provided with a second conduit, and the first conduit and the second conduit are connected via a connecting valve;

[0008] In the first working condition, the communication valve is closed, and the liquid level of the water collecting tank is kept lower than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger;

[0009] In the second working condition, the connecting valve is opened and the liquid level of the water collecting tank is kept higher than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0010] Furthermore, the air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe are located on the same straight line.

[0011] Furthermore, the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are located on the same plane, and the first conduit and the second conduit are located on the same straight line.

[0012] Furthermore, the heat exchange unit also includes a water outlet pipe, a water outlet valve and a liquid level detection device;

[0013] The water outlet pipe is in communication with the water collecting tank, and the water outlet valve is installed on the water outlet pipe;

[0014] The liquid level detection device is used to detect the liquid level of the water collecting tank, and the water outlet valve is communicatively connected with the liquid level detection device.

[0015] Furthermore, it comprises at least two heat exchange units, and a cold air channel is formed between two adjacent heat exchange units.

[0016] Furthermore, a fan is installed in each of the cold air channels.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a drain pipe, which is connected to the water outlet pipe of each heat exchange unit.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a control device, which is communicatively connected with the water outlet valve, the liquid level detection device and the connecting valve of each heat exchange unit.

[0019] Further, at least two first conduits are provided in the first heat exchanger, and at least two second conduits are provided in the second heat exchanger, and each of the first conduits is connected to one of the second conduits through one of the connecting valves.

[0020] Furthermore, the first conduits are arranged in parallel, and the second conduits are arranged in parallel.

[0021] After adopting the above technical solution, the following beneficial effects are achieved:

[0022] The present application is capable of adjusting the heat exchange area of ​​the air cooler by setting a first conduit and a second conduit connected by a connecting valve. Under a first operating condition, the connecting valve is closed, the liquid level of the water collecting tank is kept lower than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the condensed gas enters the first heat exchanger from the air inlet pipe, is partially condensed, and then enters the second heat exchanger from the water collecting tank to continue condensing, and the remaining non-condensable gas flows out from the air outlet pipe; under a second operating condition, the connecting valve is opened, the liquid level of the water collecting tank is higher than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, the condensed gas enters the first heat exchanger from the air inlet pipe, is partially condensed, and then flows into the second heat exchanger through the first conduit and the second conduit to continue condensing, and the remaining non-condensable gas flows out from the air outlet pipe; the condensation path of the condensed gas under the first operating condition is greater than the condensation path of the condenser under the second operating condition, and the heat exchange area can be adjusted by switching between the first operating condition and the second operating condition according to the ambient temperature to avoid freezing of the condensing medium when the temperature is too low. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The disclosure of the present application will become easier to understand with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1is a schematic diagram of an air cooler in an embodiment of the present application operating in a first working condition;

[0025] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of an air cooler in one embodiment of the present application operating in the second working condition.

[0026] Reference table of reference numerals:

[0027] Inlet pipe 01, outlet pipe 02;

[0028] Heat exchange unit 03: first heat exchanger 31, second heat exchanger 32, water collecting tank 33, first conduit 34, second conduit 35, connecting valve 36, water outlet pipe 37, water outlet valve 38, liquid level detection device 39;

[0029] Fan 04, drain pipe 05. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The specific implementation of the present application is further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It is easy to understand that according to the technical solution of the present application, without changing the essential spirit of the present application, a variety of structural modes and implementation modes that can be replaced by those skilled in the art can be replaced with each other. Therefore, the following specific implementation modes and drawings are only exemplary descriptions of the technical solution of the present application, and should not be regarded as the entirety of the present application or as a limitation or restriction on the technical solution of the application.

[0032] The directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, back, front, back, top, bottom, etc. mentioned or may be mentioned in this specification are defined relative to the structures shown in the drawings. They are relative concepts and may change accordingly according to their different positions and different usage conditions. Therefore, these or other directional terms should not be interpreted as restrictive terms. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection" and "connection" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above-mentioned in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0034] The air cooler in the embodiment of the present application is as follows: Figure 1 , 2As shown, it includes an air inlet pipe 01, an air outlet pipe 02 and at least one heat exchange unit 03, and the heat exchange unit 03 includes a first heat exchanger 31, a second heat exchanger 32 and a water collecting tank 33;

[0035] The upper end of the first heat exchanger 31 is connected to the air inlet pipe 01, and the lower end is connected to the water collecting tank 33;

[0036] The lower end of the second heat exchanger 32 is connected to the water collecting tank 33, and the upper end is connected to the air outlet pipe 01;

[0037] The first heat exchanger 31 is provided with a first conduit 34, the second heat exchanger 32 is provided with a second conduit 35, and the first conduit 34 and the second conduit 35 are connected via a connecting valve 36;

[0038] In the first working condition, the communication valve 36 is closed, and the liquid level of the water collecting tank 33 is kept lower than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32;

[0039] In the second working condition, the communication valve 36 is opened, and the liquid level of the water collecting tank 33 is kept higher than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32 .

[0040] Specifically, the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32 are arranged side by side, and the water collecting tank 33 is connected to the lower ends of the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32. The condensed gas is condensed into liquid in the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32 and then flows into the water collecting tank 33 under the action of gravity.

[0041] The first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32 have similar structures. The first heat exchanger 31 is described in detail below: a heat exchange pipe for the condensing gas to flow through is provided in the first heat exchanger 31, and a first conduit 34 is provided in the heat exchange pipe to separate the heat exchange pipe into a first section of the pipe and a second section of the pipe. The condensing gas flows through the first section of the pipe, the first conduit 34, and the second section of the pipe in sequence, wherein the first section of the pipe is arranged above the first conduit 34, and the second section of the pipe is arranged below the first conduit 34. It should be noted that the specific structure of the heat exchange pipe is not the focus of this application, and the heat exchange pipe structure in the prior art can be referred to.

[0042] like Figure 1As shown, in the first working condition, the connecting valve 36 is closed, and the liquid level of the water collecting tank 33 is kept lower than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32, that is, the water collecting tank 33 is kept in communication with the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32. The condensed gas flows into the first heat exchanger 31 from the air inlet pipe 01 for heat exchange, and the condensed water flows into the water collecting tank 33 under the action of gravity. The remaining condensed gas flows into the lower end of the second heat exchanger 32 through the water collecting tank 33, and flows from the lower end of the second heat exchanger 32 to the outlet pipe 02 at the upper end. The condensed gas continues to condense condensed water in the second heat exchanger 32 and flows into the water collecting tank 33, and then the remaining non-condensable gas flows out from the outlet pipe 02. In the first working condition, the heat exchange area of ​​the condensed gas is the entire area of ​​the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32. The heat exchange area is large, which is suitable for use in summer when the heat exchange efficiency is low.

[0043] like Figure 2 As shown, in the second working condition, the connecting valve 36 is opened, and the liquid level of the water collecting tank 33 is kept higher than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32, that is, the lower end channels of the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32 are blocked by the water collecting tank 33 filled with water. The condensed gas flows into the first heat exchanger 31 from the air inlet pipe 01 for heat exchange, and the condensed water flows into the water collecting tank 33 under the action of gravity. The remaining condensed gas flows from the first conduit 34 through the connecting valve 36 into the second conduit 35, and then flows into the second heat exchanger 32 and flows into the outlet pipe 02 at the upper end. The condensed gas continues to condense condensed water in the second heat exchanger 32 and flows into the water collecting tank 33, and then the remaining non-condensable gas flows out from the outlet pipe 02. In the second working condition, the heat exchange area of ​​the condensed gas is the part above the first conduit 34 in the first heat exchanger 31 and the part above the second conduit 35 in the second heat exchanger 32. The heat exchange area is small, which is suitable for use in winter when the heat exchange efficiency is high. At the same time, since the liquid level of the water collecting tank 33 is relatively high and the amount of condensed water is relatively large, the condensed water with a relatively high temperature can also provide heat for the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32 to prevent freezing.

[0044] The embodiment of the present application can switch between the first operating condition and the second operating condition according to the ambient temperature, and can adjust the heat exchange area to avoid freezing of the condensing medium when the temperature is too low.

[0045] In one embodiment, the air inlet pipe 01 and the air outlet pipe 02 are located on the same straight line, the first heat exchanger 31 and the second heat exchanger 32 in the heat exchange unit 03 are located on the same plane, and the first conduit 34 and the second conduit 35 are located on the same straight line. This makes the structure of the air cooler neater and simpler, and also facilitates the installation of the connecting valve 36 between the first conduit 34 and the second conduit 35.

[0046] In one embodiment, the heat exchange unit 03 further includes a water outlet pipe 37, a water outlet valve 38 and a liquid level detection device 39;

[0047] The water outlet pipe 37 is connected to the water collecting box 33, and the water outlet valve 38 is installed on the water outlet pipe 02;

[0048] The liquid level detection device 39 is used to detect the liquid level of the water collecting tank 33 , and the water outlet valve 38 is communicatively connected with the liquid level detection device 39 .

[0049] Specifically, the outlet pipe 37 is led out from the bottom of the water collecting tank 33, and the outlet valve 38 is arranged on the outlet pipe 37. The water output of the water collecting tank 33 is adjusted by adjusting the opening of the outlet valve 38, thereby adjusting the liquid level of the water collecting tank 33. The liquid level detection device 39 can adopt a liquid level detection sensor to detect the liquid level of the water collecting tank 33. The outlet valve 38 adopts an electric valve. The liquid level detection device 39 is connected to the outlet valve 38 in communication, and can automatically adjust the opening of the outlet valve 38 according to the liquid level according to the preset rules, so that the liquid level of the water collecting tank 33 can be maintained at the required liquid level of the current working condition.

[0050] In one embodiment, the air cooler includes at least two heat exchange units 03 , and a cold air channel is formed between two adjacent heat exchange units 03 .

[0051] Figure 1 , 2 An example of two heat exchange units 03 is shown. The upper ends of the two heat exchange units 03 are connected to the air inlet pipe 01 and the air outlet pipe 02, and the lower ends extend to both sides at an angle. The air cooler is triangular in shape as a whole and has a relatively stable structure. A cold air channel is formed between the two heat exchange units 03 for air flow to pass through.

[0052] Optionally, more than two heat exchange units 03 may be provided. When the number of heat exchange units 03 is large, the diameters of the air inlet pipe 01 and the air outlet pipe 02 may be appropriately increased.

[0053] Furthermore, a fan 04 is installed in each cold air channel, and the fan 04 is used to increase the flow rate of the airflow, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency. The wind speed of the fan 04 can be appropriately adjusted according to the ambient temperature.

[0054] In one embodiment, the air cooler further includes a drain pipe 05 , which is connected to the water outlet pipe 37 of each heat exchange unit 03 .

[0055] By providing a drainage pipe 05 connected to the water outlet pipe 37 of each heat exchange unit 03, all heat exchange units 03 can drain water through one pipe, which facilitates the collection of condensed water.

[0056] In one embodiment, the air cooler further includes a control device (not shown), which is communicatively connected with the water outlet valve 38 , the liquid level detection device 39 and the connecting valve 36 of each heat exchange unit 03 .

[0057] Specifically, the control device can adopt a controller with control functions such as a single-chip microcomputer, a programmable logic controller, etc., which can automatically adjust the opening of the corresponding water outlet valve 38 according to the signal of the liquid level detection device 39 of each heat exchange unit 03 and the state of the connecting valve 36 according to the preset control method, so as to maintain the required liquid level of the water collecting tank 33 under the current working conditions.

[0058] Preferably, the control device may also be connected to an input device, and the user can select the working condition of the air cooler according to the input device, so that the control device controls the opening and closing of each connecting valve 36, thereby realizing automatic switching of the working condition.

[0059] In one embodiment, at least two first conduits 34 are provided in the first heat exchanger 31, and at least two second conduits 35 are provided in the second heat exchanger 32. Each first conduit 34 is connected to a second conduit 35 via a connecting valve 36, and the number of the first conduits 34 and the number of the second conduits 35 are equal.

[0060] In the embodiment of the present application, an example is given in which two first conduits 34 are provided in the first heat exchanger 31 and two second conduits 35 are provided in the second heat exchanger 32. By providing two first conduits 34 in the first heat exchanger 31, the heat exchange pipe in the first heat exchanger 31 is divided into three sections of pipes. Similarly, the two second conduits 35 divide the heat exchange pipe of the second heat exchanger 32 into three sections of pipes. One of the connecting valves 36 is selected to be opened, thereby adjusting the heat exchange area. Specifically, the more the number of first pipes 34 and second pipes 35, the more adjustable schemes there are for the heat exchange area.

[0061] Preferably, all the first conduits 34 are arranged in parallel, all the second conduits 35 are arranged in parallel, and the connected first conduits 34 and second conduits 35 are located on the same straight line.

[0062] As needed, the above technical solutions can be combined to achieve the best technical effect.

[0063] The above description is only the principle and preferred embodiment of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this field, the implementation methods obtained by appropriately combining the technical solutions disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. On the basis of the principle of the present application, several other variations can be made, which should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. An air cooler, characterized in that: It includes an air inlet pipe, an air outlet pipe and at least one heat exchange unit, wherein the heat exchange unit includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a water collecting tank; The upper end of the first heat exchanger is connected to the air inlet pipe, and the lower end is connected to the water collecting tank; The lower end of the second heat exchanger is connected to the water collecting tank, and the upper end is connected to the air outlet pipe; The first heat exchanger is provided with a first conduit, the second heat exchanger is provided with a second conduit, and the first conduit and the second conduit are connected via a connecting valve; In the first working condition, the communication valve is closed, and the liquid level of the water collecting tank is kept lower than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger; In the second working condition, the connecting valve is opened and the liquid level of the water collecting tank is kept higher than the lower ends of the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

2. The air cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet pipe and the air outlet pipe are located on the same straight line.

3. The air cooler according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are located on the same plane, and the first conduit and the second conduit are located on the same straight line.

4. The air cooler according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The heat exchange unit also includes a water outlet pipe, a water outlet valve and a liquid level detection device; The water outlet pipe is in communication with the water collecting tank, and the water outlet valve is installed on the water outlet pipe; The liquid level detection device is used to detect the liquid level of the water collecting tank, and the water outlet valve is communicatively connected with the liquid level detection device.

5. The air cooler according to claim 4, characterized in that: It comprises at least two heat exchange units, and a cold air channel is formed between two adjacent heat exchange units.

6. The air cooler according to claim 5, characterized in that: A fan is installed in each of the cold air channels.

7. The air cooler according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a drain pipe, which is connected to the water outlet pipe of each heat exchange unit.

8. The air cooler according to claim 5, characterized in that: It also includes a control device, which is communicatively connected with the water outlet valve, the liquid level detection device and the connecting valve of each heat exchange unit.

9. The air cooler according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two first conduits are provided in the first heat exchanger, and at least two second conduits are provided in the second heat exchanger. Each of the first conduits is connected to one of the second conduits through one of the connecting valves.

10. The air cooler according to claim 9, characterized in that: The first conduits are arranged in parallel, and the second conduits are arranged in parallel.

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