Phase change energy storage heat exchanger
By designing a phase change energy storage heat exchanger, using the cooperation of two sets of U-tube heat exchangers and the shell, the storage and efficient utilization of LNG cold energy is achieved, and the problem of low LNG cold energy utilization efficiency is solved, and the improvement of LNG cold energy utilization efficiency is improved. Energy utilization efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421184685.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-05-28
AI Technical Summary
How to effectively utilize LNG's cold energy, convert it into value in practical applications, and solve the current problem of low LNG cold energy utilization efficiency.
A phase change energy storage heat exchanger is designed, and the storage and efficient utilization of LNG cold energy is achieved through the use of two sets of U-tube heat exchangers and the shell. Specific solutions include: the first heat exchanger on the top is used for heat exchange between LNG and refrigerant, the refrigerant absorbs the cold amount of LNG and stores it in the shell medium; the second heat exchanger on the bottom uses the stored cold energy for cooling or other cooling use.
Through the installation of two sets of U-tube heat exchangers, the storage and efficient utilization of cold energy are achieved, the energy utilization efficiency is improved, the equipment structure is simplified, the maintenance cost is reduced, and it is suitable for LNG receiving stations of different sizes.
Smart Images
Figure CN222460402U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model belongs to the technical field of heat exchange equipment, and specifically relates to a phase-change energy storage heat exchanger. Background Art
[0002] Cryogenic liquids, such as LNG (liquefied natural gas), generally maintain an extremely low temperature of around -162°C in liquid form. When LNG flows out of a storage tank or transportation facility and comes into contact with the outside environment, since the ambient temperature is much higher than the storage temperature of LNG, heat energy will naturally flow from the surrounding environment to the LNG, causing it to gradually heat up and gasify. In this process, LNG will absorb a large amount of heat, thus showing the phenomenon of cold release.
[0003] In addition, the main component of LNG is methane, as well as other small amounts of hydrocarbons such as ethane and propane. These components store a large amount of latent heat when they are in liquid state, and when they change from liquid to gas, they release this latent heat, which is also an important reason for the release of LNG cold energy.
[0004] This cold release characteristic makes the cold energy of LNG a valuable energy source. However, how to effectively utilize this cold energy and convert it into value in practical applications is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently. Utility Model Content
[0005] The utility model provides a phase-change energy storage heat exchanger, which realizes the storage and efficient utilization of LNG cold energy and improves energy utilization efficiency through the coordinated use of two sets of U-tube heat exchangers and a shell.
[0006] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve its technical problems is:
[0007] A phase-change energy storage heat exchanger comprises a shell, the inner space of which is filled with refrigerant as the shell side; two sets of U-tube heat exchangers are installed in the shell: a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger; the first heat exchanger is installed at the top of one side of the shell, and is used for heat exchange between cryogenic liquid and refrigerant; the second heat exchanger is installed at the bottom of the other side of the shell, and is used for heat exchange with the refrigerant after absorbing the cold energy of the cryogenic liquid.
[0008] Furthermore, the right side wall plate of the shell below the first heat exchanger is an outwardly protruding arc structure for guiding the refrigerant flowing into the second heat exchanger.
[0009] Furthermore, the shell wall plate above the second heat exchanger has an inclined plate section extending obliquely from bottom to top toward the first heat exchanger to guide the refrigerant flowing into the first heat exchanger.
[0010] Furthermore, a heat-insulating layer is provided on the outer wall of the shell.
[0011] Furthermore, the first heat exchanger is fixedly mounted to the shell through a tube bundle hanger.
[0012] The beneficial effects of the utility model include:
[0013] Through the setting of two sets of U-tube heat exchangers, the storage and efficient use of cold energy are realized, and the energy utilization efficiency is improved: the first heat exchanger on the top is used for heat exchange between LNG or cryogenic liquid and refrigerant, and the refrigerant absorbs the cold released by LNG or cryogenic liquid and stores the cold energy in the shell medium; the second heat exchanger on the bottom uses the stored cold energy for cooling or other cooling purposes, realizing the effective transfer of energy. The overall structure is simple and easy to manufacture, and the tube bundle can be replaced as a whole, which reduces maintenance costs and improves the reliability of the equipment. The phase change energy storage heat exchanger can be combined and expanded according to actual needs, and is suitable for places such as LNG receiving stations of different sizes.
[0014] The right side wall of the shell below the first heat exchanger is designed as an outwardly protruding arc structure, which can guide the flow of the refrigerant and facilitate its smooth flow into the second heat exchanger. At the same time, the shell wall above the second heat exchanger has an inclined plate section, which also plays a guiding role, facilitating the smooth flow of the refrigerant into the first heat exchanger, ensuring the continuity and stability of the system. The outer wall of the shell is provided with an insulation layer, which can effectively reduce heat loss and improve the thermal insulation performance of the system. The first heat exchanger is fixed to the shell through the tube bundle hanger, which ensures the stability of the top heat exchanger and facilitates subsequent maintenance and replacement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the utility model.
[0016] In the figure: 1. Shell; 2. First heat exchanger; 3. Second heat exchanger; 4. Refrigerant; 5. Tube bundle hanger; 6. Right side wall panel; 7. Inclined plate section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The technical solution of the utility model will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the utility model, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the utility model, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the utility model.
[0018] In addition, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0019] Example 1
[0020] A phase change energy storage heat exchanger, such as Figure 1As shown, it includes a shell 1, the inner space of the shell 1 is filled with refrigerant 4 as the shell side; two sets of U-tube heat exchangers are installed in the shell 1. The first heat exchanger 2 at the top is used for heat exchange between LNG or cryogenic liquid and refrigerant 4 medium, and stores cold energy in the shell side medium; the second heat exchanger 3 at the bottom utilizes the stored cold energy for temperature reduction or other cooling purposes.
[0021] The first heat exchanger 2 is connected to the inlet pipe and outlet pipe of the first heat exchanger 2 at the end cap, and the second heat exchanger 3 is connected to the inlet pipe and outlet pipe of the second heat exchanger 3 at the end cap; the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 3 are respectively provided with end cap flanges, which are connected to the end caps; the end cap of the top first heat exchanger 2 adopts a sealed welding structure to ensure that the top first heat exchanger 2 has good sealing performance when processing cryogenic liquids to prevent liquid leakage. The first heat exchanger 2 is fixedly installed with the shell 1 through the tube bundle hanger 5 to ensure installation stability and facilitate disassembly and assembly.
[0022] The right side wall panel 6 of the shell 1 below the first heat exchanger 2 is an arc-shaped structure protruding outward. After the refrigerant absorbs the cold released by the cryogenic liquid in the tube side of the first heat exchanger 2, the temperature decreases and the density increases. Under the action of gravity, the refrigerant is guided downward by the space inside the right side wall panel 6 and flows toward the second heat exchanger 3 on the left; the shell 1 wall panel above the second heat exchanger 3 has an inclined plate section 7 extending from bottom to top toward the first heat exchanger 2. After the refrigerant exchanges heat with the second heat exchanger 3, it absorbs heat and evaporates, moves upward along the inclined plate section 7, and then moves toward the first heat exchanger 2 on the right side to exchange heat with the cryogenic liquid in the tube side of the first heat exchanger 2.
[0023] After the refrigerant absorbs the cold, it is stored at the bottom of the shell 1 and can be used for heat exchange at any time through the second heat exchanger 3 below. An insulation layer is provided outside the shell 1 to preserve the cold.
[0024] Overall working principle:
[0025] When LNG flows out from the storage tank or transportation facility, it enters the tube side of the top first heat exchanger 2 through the inlet pipe of the first heat exchanger 2, and exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the shell side. In this process, the cold released by LNG is absorbed by the refrigerant and stored in the shell side. When the cold is needed, the refrigerant flows into the bottom second heat exchanger 3, exchanges heat with the medium to be cooled in the tube side of the second heat exchanger 3, releases cold, and absorbs the heat of the medium in the second heat exchanger 3 to evaporate, move upward, and circulate to the first heat exchanger 2.
[0026] The advantages of this phase change energy storage heat exchanger are:
[0027] The compact structure and simple manufacturing process reduce production costs. The system design takes maintenance convenience into consideration, and the tube bundle can be replaced as a whole, which improves the reliability and maintenance efficiency of the equipment. It can be enlarged according to actual needs and is suitable for LNG receiving stations of different sizes. Through the coordinated use of two sets of U-tube heat exchangers, the storage and efficient use of cold energy are realized, and the energy utilization efficiency is improved. The top first heat exchanger head adopts a sealed welding structure to effectively prevent the leakage of cryogenic liquid and ensure the safe operation of the equipment.
[0028] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely examples for the purpose of clear explanation, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods. For those skilled in the art, other different forms of changes or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is not necessary and impossible to list all the implementation methods here. The obvious changes or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of the invention.
Claims
1. A phase change energy storage heat exchanger, characterized in that: The invention comprises a shell (1), the inner space of the shell (1) being filled with a refrigerant (4) as a shell side; two sets of U-tube heat exchangers are installed in the shell (1): a first heat exchanger (2) and a second heat exchanger (3); the first heat exchanger (2) is installed at the top of one side of the shell (1) and is used for heat exchange between a cryogenic liquid and the refrigerant (4); the second heat exchanger (3) is installed at the bottom of the other side of the shell (1) and is used for heat exchange with the refrigerant (4) after absorbing the cold energy of the cryogenic liquid.
2. A phase change energy storage heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The right side wall plate (6) of the shell (1) below the first heat exchanger (2) is an outwardly protruding arc structure for guiding the refrigerant (4) flowing into the second heat exchanger (3).
3. A phase change energy storage heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The shell (1) wall plate above the second heat exchanger (3) has an inclined plate section (7) extending obliquely from bottom to top toward the first heat exchanger (2) for guiding the refrigerant (4) flowing into the first heat exchanger (2).
4. A phase change energy storage heat exchanger according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer wall of the shell (1) is provided with a heat-insulating layer.
5. A phase change energy storage heat exchanger according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that: The first heat exchanger (2) is fixedly mounted on the shell (1) via a tube bundle hanger (5).