Heat pump water heater and heat pump system thereof

Abstract

The utility model provides a heat pump water heater and a heat pump system thereof. The heat pump system comprises a four-way reversing valve and a compressor, the first pipe end of the four-way reversing valve communicates with an air suction port of the compressor through a first air guide channel, and the second pipe end of the four-way reversing valve communicates with an exhaust port of the compressor through a second air guide channel; a one-way valve which is in one-way conduction from the four-way reversing valve to the compressor is arranged on the first air guide channel; and when the compressor is shut down, the one-way valve prevents the refrigerant from flowing back and moving so as to reduce the amount of the refrigerant entering the compressor through the first air guide channel at the moment of next starting of the compressor. The one-way valve is arranged on the air guide channel between the air suction pipe end of the four-way reversing valve and the air suction port of the compressor, when the compressor is shut down, the one-way valve prevents refrigerants from flowing back and moving, the amount of the refrigerants entering the compressor through the air guide channel at the next starting moment of the compressor can be reduced, and the liquid impact risk of the compressor is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of water heaters, in particular to a heat pump water heater and its heat pump system. Background Art

[0002] A heat pump water heater is an efficient heat energy boosting and transfer device based on the reverse Carnot cycle. It uses a small amount of electric energy as power, takes a refrigerant as a carrier, continuously absorbs low-grade heat energy in the air, converts it into available high-grade heat energy, and then releases the high-grade heat energy into the water to be heated to produce domestic hot water, and then transports it to users through a hot water pipeline.

[0003] Specifically, the heat pump water heater takes a water source or an air source as a heat source, a refrigerant as a heat transfer medium, and a compressor, a condenser, a throttler and an evaporator as core components to form a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Driven by electricity, it realizes the improvement of the heat energy grade and the transfer of heat. Through continuous cycles, the water temperature is continuously increased until it meets the use requirements.

[0004] However, when the heat pump water heater finishes one operation and the compressor stops, the pressure begins to balance, and then the refrigerant will migrate towards the place with a lower temperature, that is, the evaporator. At this time, a part of the refrigerant at the high-pressure end will evaporate, and a part of the refrigerant at the low-pressure end will condense. When the compressor is started next time, a large amount of liquid refrigerant will flow into the gas-liquid separator, and even overflow into the compressor, causing liquid slugging to the compressor and affecting the normal use of the heat pump water heater.

[0005] In view of this, the present utility model is specifically proposed. Content of the Utility Model

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present utility model is to at least overcome some deficiencies of the prior art, and provide a heat pump system for a heat pump water heater. By arranging a check valve that conducts unidirectionally from the four-way reversing valve to the compressor on the air guide channel between the suction pipe end of the four-way reversing valve and the suction port of the compressor, when the compressor stops, the check valve can prevent the refrigerant from flowing back and migrating, which can reduce the amount of refrigerant entering the compressor through the air guide channel at the moment of the next start of the compressor and reduce the risk of liquid slugging of the compressor.

[0007] To solve the above technical problem, the present utility model provides a heat pump system for a heat pump water heater, including a four-way reversing valve and a compressor. The first pipe end of the four-way reversing valve is communicated with the suction port of the compressor through a first air guide channel, and the second pipe end of the four-way reversing valve is communicated with the exhaust port of the compressor through a second air guide channel;

[0008] A check valve that conducts unidirectionally from the four-way reversing valve to the compressor is arranged on the first air guide channel;

[0009] When the compressor stops, the one-way valve prevents the reverse flow and migration of the refrigerant, so as to reduce the amount of refrigerant entering the compressor through the first air guide channel at the moment of the next start of the compressor.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heat pump system further includes a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a throttling device;

[0011] Wherein, the third pipe end and the fourth pipe end of the four-way reversing valve are respectively communicated with the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the throttling device is arranged on the connecting pipeline between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

[0012] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger is a finned heat exchanger.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second heat exchanger is a microchannel heat exchanger.

[0014] In some embodiments, the microchannel heat exchanger includes:

[0015] Two header pipes;

[0016] A plurality of microchannel pipes, and the plurality of microchannel pipes are arranged side by side and connected between the two header pipes;

[0017] At least one gas-liquid separation plate is respectively arranged in the two header pipes, and drain holes are formed in the gas-liquid separation plate.

[0018] In some embodiments, the throttling device is an electronic expansion valve, a thermostatic expansion valve or a capillary tube.

[0019] In some embodiments, in the heating mode, the refrigerant flows from the first heat exchanger through the four-way reversing valve and then through the first air guide channel and the one-way valve to the compressor;

[0020] In the defrosting mode, the refrigerant flows from the second heat exchanger through the four-way reversing valve and then through the first air guide channel and the one-way valve to the compressor.

[0021] In some embodiments, the one-way valve includes a valve seat and a valve flap, the valve seat is connected to the first air guide channel, and the valve flap is connected to the valve seat through a torsion spring.

[0022] The present utility model further provides a heat pump water heater, including the heat pump system according to the above.

[0023] In some embodiments, the heat pump water heater further includes an inner tank;

[0024] Wherein, the second heat exchanger is configured to heat the water in the inner tank.

[0025] After adopting the above technical solution, the utility model has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0026] For the heat pump system for a heat pump water heater provided by the utility model, by arranging a check valve that conducts unidirectionally from the four-way reversing valve to the compressor on the air guiding channel between the suction pipe end of the four-way reversing valve and the suction port of the compressor, when the compressor stops, the check valve can prevent the refrigerant from flowing back and migrating, which can reduce the amount of refrigerant entering the compressor through the air guiding channel at the moment of the next startup of the compressor and reduce the risk of liquid slugging of the compressor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The drawings, as a part of the present utility model, are used to provide a further understanding of the present utility model. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of the present utility model are used to explain the present utility model, but do not constitute an improper limitation to the present utility model. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the principle of a heat pump system for a heat pump water heater in the heating mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of the principle of a heat pump system for a heat pump water heater in the defrosting mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 FIG. 21 is a schematic structural diagram of the check valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model.

[0031] In the figure: 100, heat pump system;

[0032] 110, four-way reversing valve; 111, first pipe end; 112, second pipe end; 113, third pipe end; 114, fourth pipe end;

[0033] 120, compressor;

[0034] 130, first heat exchanger;

[0035] 140, second heat exchanger;

[0036] 150, throttling device;

[0037] 160, first air guiding channel; 161, check valve; 1611, valve seat; 1612, valve plate;

[0038] 170, second air guiding channel.

[0039] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concept of the present utility model in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present utility model to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments. Detailed implementation manners

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present utility model clearer, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present utility model. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present utility model but are not used to limit the scope of the present utility model.

[0041] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present utility model and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present utility model.

[0042] In the description of the present utility model, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installation", "connection", and "coupling" 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 directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present utility model can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0043] As recorded in the background art, for a heat pump water heater in the related art, when the heat pump water heater finishes its first operation and the compressor stops, the pressure starts to balance, and then the refrigerant will migrate towards the place with a lower temperature, that is, the evaporator. At this time, a part of the refrigerant at the high-pressure end will evaporate, and a part of the refrigerant at the low-pressure end will condense. When the compressor is started again, a large amount of liquid refrigerant will flow into the gas-liquid separator, and even overflow into the compressor, causing liquid hammer to the compressor and affecting the normal use of the heat pump water heater.

[0044] To solve the above problems, the present utility model provides a heat pump system for a heat pump water heater, which includes a four-way reversing valve and a compressor. The first pipe end of the four-way reversing valve is communicated with the suction port of the compressor through a first air guide channel, and the second pipe end of the four-way reversing valve is communicated with the discharge port of the compressor through a second air guide channel. A check valve that conducts unidirectionally from the four-way reversing valve to the compressor is arranged on the first air guide channel. When the compressor stops, the check valve prevents the refrigerant from flowing back and migrating, so as to reduce the amount of refrigerant entering the compressor through the first air guide channel at the moment of the next start of the compressor, reduce the risk of liquid slugging of the compressor, and ensure the quality and safety of the compressor.

[0045] The following describes the preferred technical solutions of the heat pump water heater and its heat pump system of the present utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] The heat pump water heater has the functions of making hot water and defrosting. Defrosting can be carried out during the process of making hot water and after the hot water making is completed.

[0047] Figure 1 FIG. shows the principle of the heat pump system 100 for a heat pump water heater provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model in the heating mode. Figure 2 FIG. shows the principle of the heat pump system 100 for a heat pump water heater provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model in the defrosting mode.

[0048] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the heat pump system 100 includes a four-way reversing valve 110, a compressor 120, a first heat exchanger 130, a second heat exchanger 140, and a throttling device 150.

[0049] The first pipe end 111 of the four-way reversing valve 110 is communicated with the suction port of the compressor 120 through a first air guide channel 160, and the second pipe end 112 of the four-way reversing valve 110 is communicated with the discharge port of the compressor 120 through a second air guide channel 170. The third pipe end 113 and the fourth pipe end 114 of the four-way reversing valve 110 are respectively communicated with the first heat exchanger 130 and the second heat exchanger 140, and the throttling device 150 is arranged on the connecting pipeline between the first heat exchanger 130 and the second heat exchanger 140. The second heat exchanger 140 is configured to heat the water in the inner tank of the heat pump water heater.

[0050] A check valve 161 that conducts unidirectionally from the four-way reversing valve 110 to the compressor 120 is arranged on the first air guide channel 160. When the compressor 120 stops, the check valve 161 prevents the refrigerant from flowing back and migrating, so as to reduce the amount of refrigerant entering the compressor 120 through the first air guide channel 160 at the moment of the next start of the compressor 120.

[0051] Specifically, as Figure 1 shown, when making hot water in the heating mode, the first pipe end 111 and the third pipe end 113 of the four-way reversing valve 110 are connected, and the second pipe end 112 and the fourth pipe end 114 are connected.

[0052] After the compressor 120 starts, the superheated liquid medium absorbs the heat of a low-temperature object such as a water source or an air source in the first heat exchanger 130 and evaporates into a gaseous medium. The gaseous medium coming out of the first heat exchanger 130 enters the four-way reversing valve 110 through the third pipe end 113, and then flows through the first pipe end 111 and then through the first gas guiding channel 160 and the check valve 161 to the compressor 120. After being compressed by the compressor 120, it is transformed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous medium. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous medium enters the four-way reversing valve 110 through the second pipe end 112, and then flows out through the fourth pipe end 114 and then flows to the second heat exchanger 140. In the second heat exchanger 140, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous medium releases heat energy to the water in the inner tank and at the same time itself becomes a high-pressure and low-temperature liquid medium. The high-pressure and low-temperature liquid medium is decompressed in the throttling device 150 and then becomes a superheated liquid medium and enters the first heat exchanger 130. The above process is cycled to achieve the purpose of heating the water in the inner tank.

[0053] The throttling device 150 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve, a thermostatic expansion valve or a capillary tube, etc.

[0054] It should be noted that in the above process, the first heat exchanger 130 functions as an evaporator, while the second heat exchanger 140 functions as a condenser.

[0055] After the current heating process ends, since there is a check valve 161 that conducts unidirectionally from the four-way reversing valve 110 to the compressor 120 provided on the first gas guiding channel 160, therefore, the refrigerant evaporated into a gaseous medium cannot flow back through the four-way reversing valve 110 to the first heat exchanger 130, that is, the evaporator. In this way, when the compressor 120 starts next time, there will be no situation where a large amount of liquid refrigerant flows from the evaporator to the compressor 120 and causes liquid hammer to the compressor 120, ensuring the quality and safety of the heat pump water heater.

[0056] As Figure 2 shown, when defrosting the ice or frost on the first heat exchanger 130 in the defrosting mode, the four-way reversing valve 110 is controlled to reverse, and the first pipe end 111 and the fourth pipe end 114 are connected, and the second pipe end 112 and the third pipe end 113 are connected.

[0057] After the compressor 120 starts, the superheated liquid medium absorbs the heat of the water in the inner tank in the second heat exchanger 140 and evaporates into a gaseous medium. The gaseous medium coming out of the second heat exchanger 140 enters the four-way reversing valve 110 through the fourth pipe end 114, and then flows to the compressor 120 through the first pipe end 111 and the first air guiding channel 160 and the one-way valve 161. After being compressed by the compressor 120, it is transformed into a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous medium. The high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous medium enters the four-way reversing valve 110 through the second pipe end 112, and then flows to the first heat exchanger 130 after being discharged through the third pipe end 113. In the first heat exchanger 130, the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous medium releases heat energy to the housing of the first heat exchanger 130 for defrosting, and at the same time itself becomes a high-pressure and low-temperature liquid medium. The high-pressure and low-temperature liquid medium is depressurized in the throttling device 150 and then becomes a superheated liquid medium and enters the second heat exchanger 140. The above process is cycled to achieve the purpose of defrosting the first heat exchanger 130.

[0058] It should be noted that in the above process, the second heat exchanger 140 functions as an evaporator, while the first heat exchanger 130 functions as a condenser.

[0059] After the current defrosting process ends, since there is a one-way valve 161 on the first air guiding channel 160 that conducts unidirectionally from the four-way reversing valve 110 to the compressor 120, the refrigerant evaporated into a gaseous medium cannot flow back through the four-way reversing valve 110 to the second heat exchanger 140, that is, the evaporator. In this way, when the compressor 120 starts next time, there will be no situation where a large amount of liquid refrigerant flows into the compressor 120 to cause liquid hammer to the compressor 120, ensuring the quality and safety of the heat pump water heater.

[0060] From the above solution, it can be seen that whether in the heating mode or the defrosting mode, the one-way valve 161 can prevent the refrigerant from flowing to the evaporator when the compressor 120 stops, thereby reducing the amount of liquid refrigerant entering the compressor 120 at the moment when the compressor 120 starts next time, and thus reducing the risk of liquid hammer of the compressor 120, achieving the purpose of protecting the compressor 120.

[0061] It should be noted that the next start of the compressor 120 mentioned above refers to continuing to start the heating mode or continuing to start the defrosting mode.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3As shown, the one-way valve 161 includes a valve seat 1611 and a valve flap 1612. The valve seat 1611 is connected to the first air guide channel 160, and the valve flap 1612 is connected to the valve seat 1611 by a torsion spring. When the compressor 120 starts, the suction force of the compressor 120 overcomes the restoring force of the torsion spring to open the valve flap 1612, allowing the refrigerant to pass through the first air guide channel 160. When the compressor 120 stops, the valve flap 1612 closes under the action of the restoring force of the torsion spring, preventing the refrigerant from flowing backward in the first air guide channel 160.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first heat exchanger 130 is a finned heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger 140 is a microchannel heat exchanger.

[0064] As an example, the microchannel heat exchanger includes two header pipes and multiple microchannel tubes. The multiple microchannel tubes are arranged side by side and connected between the two header pipes; at least one gas-liquid separation plate is provided in each of the two header pipes, and drain holes are formed in the gas-liquid separation plate.

[0065] Specifically, in the microchannel heat exchanger, by arranging a gas-liquid separation plate in the header pipe, the header pipe is divided into multiple flow channels by the gas-liquid separation plate, and the microchannel tubes are correspondingly connected to the corresponding flow channels on both sides to enable the refrigerant to flow downward along the microchannel tubes. When the gaseous refrigerant enters the microchannel heat exchanger for transportation, after heat exchange, part of the liquid refrigerant will be formed, and the transmission speed of the liquid refrigerant in the microchannel tubes is slower. Therefore, for the refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed state in the header pipe, the liquid refrigerant falls onto the gas-liquid separation plate under the action of gravity, and the liquid refrigerant will quickly flow toward the bottom of the header pipe through the drain holes. In this way, since the liquid refrigerant can quickly flow to the bottom of the header pipe through the drain holes, and the gaseous refrigerant can flow smoothly in the microchannel tubes, it can effectively reduce the problem of low heat exchange efficiency caused by the refrigerant in the gas-liquid mixed state flowing into the microchannel tubes. Using the gas-liquid separation plate to separate the gas-liquid mixed refrigerant in the header pipe can, on the one hand, enable the liquid refrigerant to flow quickly to the bottom of the header pipe to quickly output the liquid refrigerant, and on the other hand, reduce the gas resistance generated by the liquid refrigerant to the gaseous refrigerant in the microchannel tubes, so as to increase the transmission speed of the gaseous refrigerant, thereby more effectively improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0066] The present invention also provides a heat pump water heater, including an inner tank and the above-mentioned heat pump system 100. Among them, the second heat exchanger 140 in the heat pump system 100 is arranged around the side wall of the inner tank to heat the water in the inner tank for user use. Among them, the heat exchanger adopts the microchannel heat exchanger in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0067] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present utility model, and do not impose any form of limitation on the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been disclosed above with the preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any person skilled in the art of the present utility model, without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model, may make some changes or modifications using the technical content prompted above to form equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes. However, as long as it does not depart from the content of the technical solution of the present utility model, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiments according to the technical essence of the present utility model still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A heat pump system for a heat pump water heater, comprising a four-way reversing valve and a compressor. The first pipe end of the four-way reversing valve is communicated with the suction port of the compressor through a first air guiding channel, and the second pipe end of the four-way reversing valve is communicated with the discharge port of the compressor through a second air guiding channel; It is characterized in that A check valve that conducts unidirectionally from the four-way reversing valve to the compressor is provided on the first air guiding channel; When the compressor stops operating, the check valve prevents the refrigerant from flowing back and migrating, so as to reduce the amount of refrigerant entering the compressor through the first air guiding channel at the moment of the next startup of the compressor.

2. The heat pump system for a heat pump water heater according to claim 1, wherein It further comprises a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger and a throttling device; Wherein, the third pipe end and the fourth pipe end of the four-way reversing valve are respectively communicated with the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, and the throttling device is arranged on the connecting pipeline between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger.

3. The heat pump system for a heat pump water heater according to claim 2, wherein The first heat exchanger is a finned heat exchanger.

4. The heat pump system for a heat pump water heater according to claim 2, wherein The second heat exchanger is a microchannel heat exchanger.

5. The heat pump system for a heat pump water heater according to claim 4, wherein The microchannel heat exchanger comprises: Two header pipes; Multiple microchannel pipes, and the multiple microchannel pipes are arranged side by side and connected between the two header pipes; At least one gas-liquid separation plate is respectively arranged in the two header pipes, and drain holes are formed in the gas-liquid separation plate.

6. The heat pump system for a heat pump water heater according to claim 2, wherein The throttling device is an electronic expansion valve, a thermostatic expansion valve or a capillary tube.

7. The heat pump system for a heat pump water heater according to claim 2, wherein In the heating mode, the refrigerant flows from the first heat exchanger through the four-way reversing valve and then through the first air guiding channel and the check valve to the compressor; In the defrosting mode, the refrigerant flows from the second heat exchanger through the four-way reversing valve and then through the first air guiding channel and the check valve to the compressor.

8. The heat pump system for a heat pump water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The check valve comprises a valve seat and a valve disc, the valve seat is connected with the first air guiding channel, and the valve disc is connected with the valve seat through a torsion spring.

9. A heat pump water heater, characterized in that, Comprises the heat pump system according to any one of claims 2 to 8.

10. The heat pump water heater according to claim 9, characterized in that, It further comprises an inner tank; Wherein, the second heat exchanger is configured to heat the water in the inner tank.

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