Active combustible refrigerant discharging device and air conditioning system

Abstract

The utility model belongs to the technical field of safe use of combustible refrigerants, and particularly relates to an active combustible refrigerant discharging device which comprises a metal shell, low-melting-point alloy, an electric heater, an inlet connector and an outlet connector. The low-melting-point alloy is hermetically filled in a channel between the inlet joint and the outlet joint of the metal shell; the electric heater is arranged at the position, corresponding to the low-melting-point alloy, outside the metal shell, or the electric heater is inserted into the low-melting-point alloy. When the active discharging device is applied to the air conditioning system, the shell is filled with the low-melting-point alloy, and when the air conditioning device is normally used, reliable sealing and no leakage of refrigerants in the air conditioning system can be achieved. When refrigerant leakage or fire disasters and the like are detected, the electric heater rapidly heats after being electrified to heat the low-melting-point alloy until the low-melting-point alloy is melted, and the melted alloy is blown to the atmosphere under the action of internal pressure of a refrigerating system, so that the safety risk caused by indoor leakage of the refrigerant is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model belongs to the field of safe use of flammable refrigerants, and more specifically, relates to an active flammable refrigerant discharge device and an air-conditioning system. Background Art

[0002] As people pay more attention to the depletion of the ozone layer and the intensification of the greenhouse effect, countries around the world have gradually phased out chlorine-containing refrigerants with an ODP greater than zero, and have begun to restrict the use of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP). In October 2016, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol clarified the control of 18 HFCs, and the task of finding alternative refrigerants with excellent performance is urgent. Currently, one of the main ideas for refrigerant replacement is hydrocarbon refrigerants with extremely low GWP, such as propane and propylene. However, the common feature of hydrocarbon refrigerants is that they are all flammable. In actual use, there are great safety risks, especially in room air conditioners, single-unit air conditioning units, multi-split units, and other refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump applications that are in close contact with personnel.

[0003] In order to avoid the harm of flammable, toxic and other refrigerants to personnel, reducing the amount of refrigerant charged as much as possible is one of the important methods. However, reducing the amount of refrigerant charged is limited by the volume of the refrigeration system compressor, evaporator, condenser, connecting pipes and some auxiliary components, and the refrigerant charge of the refrigeration system will directly affect the performance of the refrigeration system. To solve this problem, the related technology adopts a method in which when a flammable refrigerant leak is detected on the indoor side, the refrigerant is blown from the drain port to the outdoors through the indoor unit fan to reduce the concentration of flammable refrigerant on the indoor side; another related technology adopts a method in which when a flammable refrigerant leak is detected on the indoor side, the refrigerant is pumped from the indoor heat exchanger to the outdoor heat exchanger or liquid storage tank for storage through the compressor suction. However, the above method has the problems of long exhaust time, low efficiency, inability to quickly solve safety hazards, and high transformation cost.

[0004] The existing safe discharge method of flammable refrigerants is controlled by solenoid valves, safety valves and other valves. Due to the large pressure difference between the refrigerant inside the air conditioner and the atmospheric environment, the solenoid valve cannot achieve complete sealing without leakage. The safety valve is a passive discharge device that uses temperature or pressure as a driving force to discharge refrigerant in dangerous situations, and cannot actively control the discharge. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the above defects or improvement needs of the prior art, the utility model provides an active flammable refrigerant discharge device, which aims to solve the technical problem of safety risks caused by refrigerant leakage in existing flammable refrigerant air-conditioning systems.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one aspect of the utility model, an active flammable refrigerant discharge device is provided, comprising: a metal shell, a low melting point alloy, an electric heater, an inlet connector and an outlet connector;

[0007] A low melting point alloy seal is filled in the passage between the inlet joint and the outlet joint of the metal shell;

[0008] The electric heater is arranged at a position outside the metal shell corresponding to the low melting point alloy, or,

[0009] The electric heater is inserted in the low melting point alloy.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes an insulating protective cover, which is arranged outside the electric heater.

[0011] Furthermore, the electric heater includes resistance heating, electromagnetic induction heating, high frequency induction heating, infrared heating or PTC heating.

[0012] To achieve the above objective, according to another aspect of the utility model, an air conditioning system is provided, comprising the active flammable refrigerant discharge device as described in any of the preceding items.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a controller and a detector, and the controller is connected to the electric heater and the detector.

[0014] Furthermore, the detector is a temperature detector, a flammable refrigerant detector or a fire detector.

[0015] Furthermore, the detector is arranged on the indoor side and / or the outdoor side.

[0016] Furthermore, the controller is equipped with a battery.

[0017] Furthermore, the outlet connector is in communication with the outdoor atmosphere.

[0018] Furthermore, the battery is also connected to an electric heater.

[0019] In general, the above technical solutions conceived by the utility model can achieve the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0020] 1. The active flammable refrigerant discharge device of the utility model can ensure that the refrigerant is reliably sealed and leak-free under normal circumstances by sealing and filling a low-melting-point alloy inside a metal shell. When an abnormal situation occurs, such as refrigerant leakage or fire, the low-melting-point alloy can be heated by an electric heater to achieve active control of refrigerant discharge, which is conducive to timely response to dangerous abnormal conditions and reducing safety risks caused by indoor leakage of refrigerant.

[0021] 2. The active flammable refrigerant discharge device of the utility model provides an insulating protective cover on the outside of the electric heater to reduce the risk of electric leakage.

[0022] 3. The active flammable refrigerant discharge device of the utility model can be applied to different types of electric heaters and has a wide range of application scenarios.

[0023] 4. The active flammable refrigerant discharge device of the utility model has a simple structure, low cost, and fast response, and can effectively solve the safety problems caused by the leakage of flammable refrigerant on the indoor side of the air-conditioning system.

[0024] 5. By setting up a controller and a detector in the air-conditioning system, the electric heater can be triggered based on the detection signal of the detector, such as an electrical signal, so as to achieve a timely response to safety risks. The electric heater can be started by the controller to achieve active control of the refrigerator discharge. In different operating states of shutdown, cooling and heating, the flammable refrigerant can be quickly discharged into the outdoor atmosphere.

[0025] 6. The utility model can be applied to different types of detector triggers, thus adapting to different safety risk management needs.

[0026] 7. The detector of the utility model can be installed indoors and / or outdoors to meet different security risk management needs.

[0027] 8. During the refrigerant discharge process, the air-conditioning system of the utility model is connected to the atmospheric environment, so the compressor does not need to overcome a large pressure difference, which can greatly increase the discharge speed, shorten the discharge time, and reduce the safety risks caused by the leakage of flammable refrigerants.

[0028] 9. The controller of the utility model is equipped with a battery. When the indoor power grid is out of power, the battery can be used to power the controller without AC power supply to maintain the normal use of the detector. When the detector detects leakage of flammable refrigerant or fire, the electric heater can be powered to melt the low-melting-point alloy. The melted alloy is blown into the atmosphere under the internal pressure of the air-conditioning refrigeration system, thereby quickly connecting the flammable refrigerant in the refrigeration system with the atmosphere, thereby achieving the purpose of quickly and actively discharging the high-pressure refrigerant in the system into the atmosphere.

[0029] 10. The active flammable refrigerant discharge device proposed in the utility model is characterized in that it can realize active control and rapid discharge of flammable refrigerant, greatly improving the safety performance of the flammable refrigerant air-conditioning system, while ensuring that the piping system of the air-conditioning system is completely sealed and leak-free during normal use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1It is a structural schematic diagram of an active flammable refrigerant discharge device provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of an active flammable refrigerant discharge device provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an active flammable refrigerant discharge device provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0033] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of an active flammable refrigerant discharge device and a controller provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0034] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of a built-in active flammable refrigerant discharge device provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0035] Figure 6 It is a structural schematic diagram of a built-in active flammable refrigerant discharge device provided by an embodiment of the utility model;

[0036] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein:

[0037] 1-metal shell, 2-insulating protective cover, 3-low melting point alloy, 4-electric heater, 5-inlet connector, 6-outlet connector, 7-controller, 8-battery, 9-first flammable refrigerant detector, 10-second flammable refrigerant detector, 11-third flammable refrigerant detector, 12-electric heater wiring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the utility model more clear, the utility model is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the utility model and are not used to limit the utility model. In addition, the technical features involved in each embodiment of the utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0039] The utility model provides an active flammable refrigerant discharge device, such as Figure 1-6 As shown, the active flammable refrigerant discharge device and the corresponding air conditioning system are widely applicable to various small and medium-sized refrigeration and air conditioning or heat pump units. As a preferred solution, the air conditioning system with the active flammable refrigerant discharge device may include a controller, a metal shell, a low melting point alloy, an electric heater, an insulating protective sleeve, an inlet connector and an outlet connector. When the detector detects a flammable refrigerant leak or a fire, the controller controls the electric heater to be energized. Figure 4 As shown, the electric heater generates heat quickly after being powered on, heating the shell and the low-melting-point alloy inside. The low-melting-point alloy is heated rapidly. When the temperature is higher than its melting point, the low-melting-point alloy melts. Under the action of the internal pressure of the refrigeration system, the melted alloy is blown into the atmosphere, thereby allowing the flammable refrigerant in the refrigeration system to be quickly connected to the atmosphere, thereby achieving the purpose of quickly discharging the high-pressure refrigerant in the system into the atmosphere through the active discharge device.

[0040] During the specific implementation of the present invention, when the detector detects the presence of flammable refrigerant leakage or fire on the indoor side, the flammable refrigerant can be quickly discharged to the outdoor atmosphere in different operating states such as shutdown, cooling and heating according to the operating state of the air-conditioning system. The present invention is described in more detail below through several more specific embodiments.

[0041] Embodiment 1:

[0042] A straight-through active flammable refrigerant discharge device, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes a metal shell 1, an insulating protective sleeve 2, a low-melting point alloy 3, an electric heater 4, an inlet joint 5 and an outlet joint 6. The low-melting point alloy is poured into the metal shell to isolate the refrigerant from the atmospheric environment. The low-melting point alloy melts when heated and discharges the refrigerant into the atmosphere. Preferably, the electric heater can be any method such as resistance heating, electromagnetic induction heating, high-frequency induction heating, infrared heating, PTC heating, etc. to meet the needs of different working scenes or working environments. The connection types of the inlet joint and the outlet joint include threaded connection, welding, expansion connection, etc. to meet different installation requirements. When the active flammable refrigerant discharge device is applied to a flammable refrigerant air-conditioning system, the low-melting point alloy fills the inside of the shell. When the air-conditioning device is used normally, the refrigerant inside the air-conditioning system can be reliably sealed without leakage.

[0043] The active flammable refrigerant of this embodiment is applied to air conditioning systems, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the detector detects that a flammable refrigerant leaks or a fire occurs, the controller 7 controls the electric heater to be powered on. After the electric heater is powered on, it generates heat quickly, and heats the shell and the low-melting-point alloy inside. The low-melting-point alloy is heated rapidly. When the temperature is higher than its melting point, the low-melting-point alloy melts. Under the action of the internal pressure of the refrigeration system, the melted alloy is blown into the atmosphere, thereby allowing the flammable refrigerant inside the refrigeration system to be quickly connected to the atmosphere, thereby achieving the purpose of quickly discharging the high-pressure refrigerant in the system into the atmosphere through the active discharge device.

[0044] Embodiment 2:

[0045] A three-way active flammable refrigerant discharge device, such as Figure 2As shown, it includes a metal shell 1, an insulating protective sleeve 2, a low melting point alloy 3, an electric heater 4, an inlet joint 5 and an outlet joint 6. The main difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the inlet joint 5 and the outlet joint 6 in embodiment 1 are straight-through structures, while in this embodiment, there are two inlet joints 5 and the outlet joint 6 form a three-way structure, so as to facilitate the introduction of more refrigerant pipelines to realize active emission control.

[0046] The low melting point alloy is poured into the metal shell to isolate the refrigerant from the atmosphere. The low melting point alloy melts when heated and discharges the refrigerant into the atmosphere. The electric heater includes resistance heating, electromagnetic induction heating, high frequency induction heating, infrared heating, PTC heating and the like. The connection types of the inlet joint and the outlet joint include threaded connection, welding, expansion connection and the like. When the active flammable refrigerant discharge device is applied to a flammable refrigerant air conditioning system, the low melting point alloy fills the inside of the shell. When the air conditioning device is used normally, the refrigerant inside the air conditioning system can be reliably sealed without leakage.

[0047] The active flammable refrigerant of this embodiment is applied to air conditioning systems, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the detector detects that a flammable refrigerant leaks or a fire occurs, the controller 7 controls the electric heater to be powered on. After the electric heater is powered on, it generates heat quickly, and heats the shell and the low-melting-point alloy inside. The low-melting-point alloy is heated rapidly. When the temperature is higher than its melting point, the low-melting-point alloy melts. Under the action of the internal pressure of the refrigeration system, the melted alloy is blown into the atmosphere, thereby allowing the flammable refrigerant inside the refrigeration system to be quickly connected to the atmosphere, thereby achieving the purpose of quickly discharging the high-pressure refrigerant in the system into the atmosphere through the active discharge device.

[0048] Preferably, the controller 7 is equipped with a battery 8. When the indoor power grid is out of power, the air-conditioning system safety control system can switch to the battery to power the controller in the absence of AC power supply, so as to maintain the normal use of the first flammable refrigerant detector 9, the second flammable refrigerant detector 10 and the third flammable refrigerant detector 11, and when the sensor detects a flammable refrigerant leakage or a fire, the electric heater of the active flammable refrigerant discharge device is energized to melt the low-melting point alloy, and the melted alloy is blown into the atmosphere under the action of the internal pressure of the refrigeration system, so that the flammable refrigerant inside the refrigeration system is quickly connected to the atmosphere, thereby achieving the purpose of quickly discharging the high-pressure refrigerant in the system into the atmosphere through the active discharge device.

[0049] Embodiment 3:

[0050] An active flammable refrigerant discharge device, such as Figure 5 and 6As shown, it includes a metal shell 1, an electric heater wiring 12, a low melting point alloy 3, an electric heater 4, an inlet joint 5 and an outlet joint 6.

[0051] The main difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that the electric heater 4 of this embodiment is inserted into the low melting point alloy 3, and power is supplied to the electric heater 4 through the electric heater wiring 12. The electric heater wiring 12 can be powered by directly connecting to a power source, connecting to an onboard power supply circuit, or connecting to a battery 8, etc., to adapt to different working scenarios and circuit design requirements.

[0052] The low melting point alloy is poured into the metal shell to isolate the refrigerant from the atmosphere. The low melting point alloy melts when heated and discharges the refrigerant into the atmosphere. The electric heater includes resistance heating, electromagnetic induction heating, high frequency induction heating, infrared heating, PTC heating and the like. The connection types of the inlet joint and the outlet joint include threaded connection, welding, expansion connection and the like. When the active flammable refrigerant discharge device is applied to a flammable refrigerant air conditioning system, the low melting point alloy fills the inside of the shell. When the air conditioning device is used normally, the refrigerant inside the air conditioning system can be reliably sealed without leakage.

[0053] The active flammable refrigerant of this embodiment is applied to the air conditioning system. When the detector detects a flammable refrigerant leak or a fire, the Figure 4 As shown, the controller controls the electric heater to be powered on. After the electric heater is powered on, it quickly heats up and heats the low-melting-point alloy inside the shell. The low-melting-point alloy is heated rapidly. When the temperature is higher than its melting point, the low-melting-point alloy melts. Under the action of the internal pressure of the refrigeration system, the melted alloy is blown into the atmosphere, thereby allowing the flammable refrigerant in the refrigeration system to be quickly connected to the atmosphere, thereby achieving the purpose of quickly discharging the high-pressure refrigerant in the system into the atmosphere through the active discharge device.

[0054] It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An active flammable refrigerant discharge device, characterized in that: include: A metal shell (1), a low melting point alloy (3), an electric heater (4), an inlet connector (5) and an outlet connector (6); The low melting point alloy (3) is sealed and filled in the channel between the inlet joint (5) and the outlet joint (6) of the metal shell (1); The electric heater is arranged at a position outside the metal shell (1) corresponding to the low melting point alloy (3), or, The electric heater (4) is inserted into the low melting point alloy (3).

2. An active flammable refrigerant discharge device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises an insulating protective sleeve (2), which is arranged outside the electric heater (4).

3. An active flammable refrigerant discharge device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The electric heater (4) includes resistance heating, electromagnetic induction heating, high-frequency induction heating, infrared heating or PTC heating.

4. An air conditioning system, characterized in that: It comprises the active flammable refrigerant discharge device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An air conditioning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a controller (7) and a detector, wherein the controller (7) is connected to the electric heater (4) and the detector.

6. An air conditioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The detector is a temperature detector, a flammable refrigerant detector or a fire detector.

7. An air conditioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The detector is arranged on the indoor side and / or the outdoor side.

8. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that: The controller is equipped with a battery (8).

9. An air conditioning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outlet connector (6) is connected to the outdoor atmosphere.

10. An air conditioning system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The battery (8) is also connected to an electric heater.

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