Gas-liquid separator and heat pump system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a gas-liquid separator and a heat pump system, and the gas-liquid separator comprises a shell which is provided with a gas inlet part and a gas outlet part; the gas-liquid separation mechanism is arranged in the shell, and the gas-liquid separation mechanism is communicated with the gas inlet part and the gas outlet part respectively; wherein the gas-liquid separation mechanism comprises a separation bracket and a separation membrane, and the separation membrane is arranged on the separation bracket in a sleeving manner; the separation membrane is arranged to separate the gas-liquid mixture, so that liquid in the gas-liquid mixture is retained in the shell, and gas in the gas-liquid mixture is discharged through the gas outlet part. And the gas-liquid separation mechanism is additionally arranged on the gas outlet part, so that liquid is prevented from entering the compressor through the gas outlet part of the gas-liquid separator under a severe working condition, and the reliability of the compressor is improved. And a separation membrane in the gas-liquid separation mechanism can efficiently separate gas components and liquid components in the gas-liquid mixture, the liquid components are intercepted, the gas is discharged, and the separation efficiency is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of compressors, and in particular to a gas-liquid separator and a heat pump system. Background Art

[0002] In the refrigeration system, the gas-liquid separator (gas separator for short) is a key component that undertakes the important task of improving the overall reliability of the system. Its core function is to effectively separate gas and liquid to ensure that the compressor will not be damaged by excessive liquid return during operation. Specifically, when the refrigerant circulates in the system, it will undergo a transition from liquid to gas. If it is not properly separated, the liquid refrigerant will directly enter the compressor, causing the lubricating oil inside the compressor to be excessively diluted. The dilution of the lubricating oil will not only reduce its lubrication performance, but may also increase the wear of the compressor bearings, thereby affecting the operating efficiency and life of the compressor. Therefore, the existence of the gas-liquid separator is of immeasurable value in maintaining the normal working condition of the compressor and extending its service life.

[0003] However, in actual applications, especially when facing extreme or harsh working conditions, the gas-liquid separators in related technologies face severe challenges. On the one hand, complex and changeable working conditions may cause the refrigerant flow state to be unstable, increasing the difficulty of gas-liquid separation; on the other hand, even a well-designed gas separator may be difficult to completely prevent liquid refrigerant from entering the compressor due to limitations in materials, structure or working principles. Once the liquid refrigerant breaks through the barrier of the gas separator and enters the compressor, it will directly threaten the safe operation of the compressor. The most direct consequence is that it may cause liquid hammer, resulting in damage to the compressor scroll. Liquid hammer will not only cause immediate failure of the compressor, but may also trigger a chain reaction, affecting the stability and efficiency of the entire refrigeration system.

[0004] In summary, while gas-liquid separators play a vital role in refrigeration systems, the limitations of related technologies make it difficult to fully meet the requirements of preventing liquid from entering the compressor and protecting the compressor from liquid hammer damage when facing harsh operating conditions. Therefore, developing more efficient and reliable gas-liquid separation technologies to cope with complex and changing operating conditions has become the key to improving the overall performance and reliability of refrigeration systems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present application provides a gas-liquid separator and a heat pump system, which can select a separation method based on the working conditions, improve the reliability of the gas-liquid separator, meet the gas-liquid separation requirements, and effectively prevent liquid from entering the heat pump system.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a gas-liquid separator, comprising:

[0007] a housing provided with an air inlet and an air outlet; and

[0008] A gas-liquid separation mechanism is provided in the housing, the gas-liquid separation mechanism being in communication with the gas inlet and the gas outlet, respectively; wherein the gas-liquid separation mechanism comprises a separation bracket and a separation membrane, the separation membrane being sleeved on the separation bracket;

[0009] The separation membrane is configured to separate a gas-liquid mixture, so that the liquid in the gas-liquid mixture is retained in the shell, and the gas in the gas-liquid mixture is discharged through the gas outlet.

[0010] In a possible implementation, the separation membrane includes a liquid-proof and breathable membrane.

[0011] In a possible implementation, the separation bracket includes a first mounting body, the first mounting body is provided with a first flow cavity, and the first flow cavity is communicated with the air outlet;

[0012] The first installation body is provided with a plurality of first circulation holes, which are communicated with the first circulation cavity. The separation membrane is sleeved on the first installation body to cover the first circulation holes.

[0013] In a possible implementation, the separation bracket further includes a second mounting body, the second mounting body being provided with a second flow cavity, and the second mounting body being sleeved on the first mounting body through the second flow cavity, so that the separation membrane is sandwiched between the first mounting body and the second mounting body;

[0014] The second mounting body is provided with a plurality of second circulation holes, and the plurality of second circulation holes are communicated with the second circulation cavity.

[0015] In a possible implementation manner, the shape of the first circulation hole is the same as or different from the shape of the second circulation hole.

[0016] In a possible implementation, the gas outlet portion includes a gas outlet pipe, a branch pipe, and a transfer pipe;

[0017] The first end of the adapter pipe is connected to one end of the outlet pipe, and the other end of the outlet pipe passes through the shell to the outside;

[0018] The second end of the adapter pipe is in communication with the separation bracket;

[0019] The third end of the transfer pipe is communicated with one end of the branch pipe, and the other end of the branch pipe is communicated with the interior of the shell.

[0020] In a possible implementation, the air outlet portion further includes a throttle member, and the throttle member is disposed between the adapter pipe and the branch pipe.

[0021] In a possible implementation, the air intake portion includes a first pipe and a second pipe, one end of the first pipe passes through the housing to the outside, the other end of the first pipe is connected to one end of the second pipe, and the other end of the second pipe is connected to the interior of the housing;

[0022] Wherein, there is a preset angle between the first pipe and the second pipe.

[0023] In a possible implementation, the shell includes a top plate, a cylinder, a bottom plate, and a support seat, wherein the top plate and the bottom plate are separately arranged along the axis direction of the cylinder and seal the cylinder;

[0024] The support seat is connected to the bottom plate and / or the cylinder.

[0025] In a second aspect, the present application provides a heat pump system comprising the gas-liquid separator as described in the first aspect.

[0026] The above technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present application has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0027] The gas-liquid separator and heat pump system provided in the embodiments of the present application incorporate a gas-liquid separation mechanism on the gas outlet of the gas-liquid separator to prevent liquid from entering the compressor through the gas outlet under adverse operating conditions, thereby improving compressor reliability. Furthermore, the separation membrane in the gas-liquid separation mechanism efficiently separates the gas and liquid components of the gas-liquid mixture, retaining the liquid component and discharging the gas, effectively improving separation efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present invention, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0030] One or more embodiments are exemplarily illustrated by pictures in the corresponding drawings. These exemplifications do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings are represented as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0031] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a gas-liquid separator provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the gas-liquid separation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 3 An explosion diagram of the gas-liquid separation mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a first installation body provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of a second mounting body provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 6 A flow chart of a gas-liquid separation method provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Description of reference numerals:

[0038] 1. Housing; 11. Air inlet; 111. First pipe; 112. Second pipe; 12. Air outlet; 121. Air outlet pipe; 1211. One side channel; 1212. Bend channel; 1213. Other side channel; 122. Branch pipe; 123. Transfer pipe; 124. Throttle; 13. Support seat; 131. Support body; 1311. Crossbeam; 13111. Mounting hole; 1312. First support beam; 1313. Second support beam; 14. Top plate; 141. First channel; 142. Second channel; 143. First flange structure; 144. Second flange structure; 15. Cylinder; 16. Bottom plate

[0039] 2. Gas-liquid separation mechanism; 21. Separation bracket; 211. First mounting body; 212. First flow cavity; 213. First flow hole; 214. Second mounting body; 215. Second flow cavity; 216. Second flow hole; 217. First opening; 218. Second opening; 22. Separation membrane. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of the present invention. To simplify the disclosure of the present invention, the components and configurations of specific examples are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the present invention may repeat reference numbers and / or letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0042] For ease of description, spatially relative terms may be used herein to describe the relative position or movement of one element or feature relative to another element or feature as shown in the figures, such as "inside," "outside," "inside," "outside," "below," "beneath," "above," "above," "front," "back," and the like. Such spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures undergoes a positional flip or a change in posture or a change in motion, then these directional indications will also change accordingly. For example, an element described as "below" or "below" another element or feature will subsequently be oriented as "above" or "above" another element or feature. Thus, the example term "below" can include both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented otherwise (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0043] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, a gas-liquid separator is used in a heat pump system. The heat pump system includes a compressor. The gas-liquid separator is connected to the compressor. The gas-liquid separator is designed to effectively separate the gas-liquid mixture and prevent liquid from entering the compressor, thereby protecting the compressor from damage.

[0044] The gas-liquid separator includes a shell 1 and a gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 . The gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 is installed in the shell 1 to improve the stability of the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 .

[0045] The housing 1, serving as the primary container for gas-liquid separation, is provided with an air inlet 11 and an air outlet 12. The air inlet 11 is located at an appropriate position of the housing 1, such as the upper portion, to facilitate the smooth entry of the gas-liquid mixture. The air outlet 12 is located at an appropriate position of the housing 1 and is spaced apart from the air inlet 11 to avoid mutual interference. The air outlet 12 is used to discharge the separated gas.

[0046] The gas-liquid mixture enters the shell 1 through the air inlet 11. It collides with the walls of the shell 1, rapidly slowing the liquid and allowing it to flow along the walls to the bottom. The gas, however, is deflected in the opposite direction within the shell 1 due to the pressure differential, achieving a preliminary separation of the gas and liquid. At this point, if the heat pump system is operating normally, the liquid remains within the shell 1, while the gas is discharged through the air outlet 12.

[0047] The gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 is disposed in the housing 1 to further ensure effective separation of gas and liquid under harsh working conditions. The gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 is communicated with the gas inlet 11 and the gas outlet 12 respectively, forming a complete separation path.

[0048] After initial separation, if the heat pump system is operating in adverse conditions, resulting in liquid remaining in the gas, the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 becomes effective. The controlled gas passes through the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 and enters the gas outlet 12. Further separation by the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 effectively intercepts the liquid, ensuring that only gas is discharged into the gas outlet 12, preventing liquid from entering along with the gas. The purified gas exits the housing 1 through the gas outlet 12 and enters the next stage of the heat pump system, while the liquid remains within the housing 1 for disposal or recovery via appropriate discharge devices.

[0049] The gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 includes a separation bracket 21 and a separation membrane 22. The separation membrane 22 is mounted on the separation bracket 21. The separation bracket 21 is used to support and stabilize the separation membrane 22 to prevent it from shifting or falling. The separation membrane 22 separates the gas-liquid mixture. The liquid in the gas-liquid mixture is retained within the housing 1, and the gas in the gas-liquid mixture is discharged through the gas outlet 12.

[0050] The gas-liquid separator in this embodiment achieves effective separation of the gas-liquid mixture in the heat pump system through a rational structural design and an efficient separation mechanism. Particularly under adverse operating conditions, the gas-liquid separator 2 further intercepts the gas, ensuring that only gas is discharged into the gas outlet 12, effectively preventing liquid from entering the compressor along with the gas. This extends the compressor's service life and improves the overall performance and stability of the heat pump system.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the separation bracket 21 includes a first mounting body 211, which effectively supports and secures the separation membrane 22. The first mounting body 211 can be in a geometric shape, such as a cube or a sphere, to accommodate different application scenarios. In this embodiment, a cube is used, for example, to facilitate processing and assembly, effectively improving production and installation efficiency.

[0052] The first mounting body 211 is provided with a first circulation cavity 212, which is in communication with the gas outlet 12 to ensure that the separated gas can flow smoothly between the first circulation cavity 212 and the gas outlet 12. The design of the first circulation cavity 212 can minimize the resistance to gas flow to increase the flow rate of the gas.

[0053] The first mounting body 211 is provided with a plurality of first flow holes 213 , which are connected to the first flow cavity 212 . The separation membrane 22 is mounted on the first mounting body 211 to cover the first flow holes 213 , ensuring that the separated gas flows through the separation membrane 22 before passing through the first flow holes 213 .

[0054] Among them, multiple first flow holes 213 can be set on one of the side walls of the first mounting body 211, or multiple first flow holes 213 can be set on multiple side walls of the first mounting body 211, and the multiple first flow holes 213 on the same side wall can be arranged in an orderly manner, such as in an array, or can be arranged in an irregular manner, such as scattered and irregular, and the specific situation shall prevail.

[0055] First circulation holes 213 communicate with the interior of first circulation chamber 212, forming a gas flow path. First circulation holes 213 can be circular in shape, which not only facilitates processing but also effectively controls gas flow rate and improves separation efficiency. The number, size, and arrangement of first circulation holes 213 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0056] In this embodiment, if Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the separation membrane 22 is mounted on the first mounting body 211 and can tightly cover all first flow holes 213. The separation membrane 22 can have a specific pore size, which can allow gas molecules or particles of a specific size to pass through while blocking other components, thereby achieving effective gas separation.

[0057] The material selection of the separation membrane 22 needs to take into account both air permeability and separation efficiency to ensure long-term stable operation. For example, the separation membrane 22 includes a liquid-proof and breathable membrane. The liquid-proof and breathable membrane can adopt a special preparation process to compound a polymer material with excellent liquid repellency and air permeability with a reinforcing material to form a high-strength, high-permeability liquid-repellent and breathable membrane. The polymer material is, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer, etc., and the reinforcing material is, for example, glass fiber, polyester fiber, etc., and the liquid-proof and breathable membrane has an excellent liquid contact angle, such as greater than 150°, which can effectively prevent liquid penetration while allowing gas to pass smoothly.

[0058] The separation membrane 22 has a certain elasticity and can produce a slight deformation under the action of external force, so that it can be smoothly installed on the first installation body 211. When the force is removed, the separation membrane 22 recovers its state and is tightly connected to the first installation body 211, thereby achieving preliminary fixation of the separation membrane 22.

[0059] During the gas separation process, the gas-liquid mixture enters the housing 1 through the air inlet 11 to achieve initial separation. After identification and judgment, the operating status of the heat pump system is determined. The operating status can be determined, for example, by reference to the suction superheat at the air outlet 12. For example, if the suction superheat is greater than 5 degrees, the heat pump system is operating normally. If the suction superheat is less than or equal to 5 degrees, the heat pump system is operating poorly.

[0060] If the heat pump system is operating under adverse conditions, the gas is directed through the separation membrane 22 into the first circulation chamber 212 and, driven by pressure, moves toward the first circulation hole 213. Due to the barrier effect of the separation membrane 22, only gas molecules that meet the separation requirements can pass through the separation membrane and enter the gas outlet 12 through the first circulation hole 213. Gas components or particle components that do not meet the requirements are retained outside the separation membrane 22, that is, within the housing 1, and are recovered or processed through other means. If the heat pump system is operating normally, the gas is directed directly into the gas outlet 12.

[0061] The separation support 21 and separation membrane 22 provided in this embodiment achieve efficient and precise gas separation through a carefully designed separation support structure and efficient separation membrane 22 materials. Furthermore, the device boasts a simple structure, is easy to maintain, and allows for flexible adjustment of separation parameters to meet diverse needs. It is widely applicable in fields such as heat pump systems, demonstrating promising application prospects and economic benefits.

[0062] In this embodiment, if Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the separation membrane 22 can be directly mounted on the first mounting body 211 to achieve installation and fixation, or it can be fixed with the help of other components to improve reliability during installation.

[0063] First example

[0064] The separation membrane 22 can be connected to the first mounting body 211 via an adhesive layer (not shown). To avoid interfering with gas flow, the adhesive layer can be positioned at the edge of the separation membrane 22, as long as it can fill the slight gap between the edge of the separation membrane 22 and the first mounting body 211. This not only achieves a sealed connection, preventing gas from escaping through the gap, but also further ensures that gas can flow smoothly through the separation membrane 22, achieving gas separation. Furthermore, the adhesive layer avoids the first flow hole 213, preventing any obstruction to gas flow and ensuring normal gas flow.

[0065] Second example

[0066] The split bracket 21 also includes a second mounting body 214. The geometry of the second mounting body 214 is based on the geometry of the first mounting body 211 to ensure a perfect fit between the two. For example, if the first mounting body 211 is a cube, then the second mounting body 214 is a cube; if the first mounting body 211 is a sphere, then the second mounting body 214 is a sphere. In this embodiment, for example, the use of a cube to fit the first mounting body 211 not only simplifies the processing and assembly process, but also improves production and installation efficiency.

[0067] The second mounting body 214 is provided with a second flow cavity 215. The shape and size of the second flow cavity 215 are related to the geometric shape and size of the first mounting body 211. The shape and size of the second flow cavity 215 match the shape and size of the first mounting body 211, so that the second flow cavity 215 can accommodate the first mounting body 211. A first opening 217 is provided on one side of the second mounting body 214. The first opening 217 is connected to the second flow cavity 215. The size of the first opening 217 is slightly larger than the cross-sectional size of the first mounting body 211, ensuring that the second mounting body 214 can be placed on the first mounting body 211 through the first opening 217, so that the first mounting body 211 is accommodated in the second flow cavity 215. The separation membrane 22 is clamped between the first mounting body 211 and the second mounting body 214. The pressing action of the second mounting body 214 effectively fixes the separation membrane 22.

[0068] The first mounting body 211 and the second mounting body 214 can be connected by welding, thereby forming a reliable structure, preventing the separation membrane 22 from falling off due to excessive pressure, and increasing the durability of the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2.

[0069] The second mounting body 214 is provided with a plurality of second flow holes 216, which are connected to the second flow cavity 215. The gas flow path is such that the gas can enter the second flow cavity 215 through the second flow holes 216, pass through the separation membrane 22 from the second flow cavity 215, enter the first flow holes 213, and finally flow to the gas outlet 12.

[0070] Among them, multiple second flow holes 216 can be set on one of the side walls of the second mounting body 214, or multiple second flow holes 216 can be set on multiple side walls of the second mounting body 214. The multiple second flow holes 216 on the same side wall can be arranged in an orderly manner, such as being arranged side by side, or can be arranged in an irregular manner, such as being scattered and irregularly arranged.

[0071] In this embodiment, if Figure 1-Figure 5As shown, the shape of the first flow hole 213 is the same as or different from the shape of the second flow hole 216. For example, the shape of the first flow hole 213 is circular, and the shape of the second flow hole 216 can also be circular. The first flow hole 213 and the second flow hole 216 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence, and the inner diameter of the second flow hole 216 is larger than the inner diameter of the first flow hole 213 to ensure the smooth flow of gas. Alternatively, the shape of the first flow hole 213 is circular, and the second flow hole 216 is a long waist hole. The length of the second flow hole 216 is slightly smaller than the length or width of the wall of the second mounting body 214. The second flow hole 216 can be arranged vertically, horizontally, or obliquely. Each second flow hole 216 corresponds to multiple first flow holes 213. Increasing the size of the second flow hole 216 can further increase the flow area and improve the gas flow efficiency.

[0072] This embodiment provides two flexible methods for installing and securing the separation membrane 22, aiming to ensure smooth gas flow and the overall stability and reliability of the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2. These two methods can be used independently or in combination, significantly enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of the second mounting body 214 in securing the separation membrane 22. Regardless of the method employed, the separation membrane 22 can be effectively and securely mounted while ensuring the free flow of gas, laying a solid foundation for the efficient operation of the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the gas outlet portion 12 includes an gas outlet pipe 121, a branch pipe 122 and a transfer pipe 123, which are intended to achieve the reception, flow and discharge of gas. The gas outlet pipe 121, the branch pipe 122 and the transfer pipe 123 can be connected by welding to improve the reliability of the connection, or they can be detachably connected, such as by screwing, etc., to facilitate disassembly and maintenance, thereby improving the reliability and maintainability of the gas outlet portion 12. When a detachable connection is adopted, it should be noted that the various components of the gas outlet portion 12 (such as the gas outlet pipe 121 and the transfer pipe 123, the branch pipe 122 and the transfer pipe 123, etc.) are designed with sealing structures, such as rubber rings, interference fits, etc., to ensure that the gas does not leak, thereby improving the sealing and safety of the gas outlet portion 12.

[0074] The first end of the adapter pipe 123 is connected to one end of the air outlet pipe 121, and the other end of the air outlet pipe 121 passes through the shell 1 to the outside. The air outlet pipe 121 can be, for example, U-shaped, so that the air outlet pipe 121 includes a side channel 1211, a bending channel 1212 and another side channel 1213 that are connected in sequence. The gas enters from the side channel 1211, passes through the flow limiting effect of the bending channel 1212, slows down the flow rate, and then flows out from the other side channel 1213, effectively avoiding excessive impact when the gas flows out of the air outlet part 12, and reducing noise and possible damage. The other side channel 1213 passes through the shell 1 and extends to the external environment. During assembly, it is necessary to ensure the sealing between the air outlet pipe 121 and the shell 1 to prevent gas leakage.

[0075] The second end of the adapter pipe 123 communicates with the separation bracket 21. For example, a second opening 218 is provided on one side of the first mounting body 211 of the separation bracket 21. The size and shape of the second opening 218 match the size and shape of the second end of the adapter pipe 123. The first mounting body 211 can be mounted onto the second end of the adapter pipe 123 through the second opening 218. The second opening 218 communicates with the first circulation cavity 212, allowing gas to enter the adapter pipe 123 through the first circulation cavity 212 and ultimately flow to the outlet pipe 121.

[0076] The second opening 218 can form an interference fit with the second end of the adapter pipe 123 to enhance connection reliability. The second end of the adapter pipe 123 can be bonded or welded to the second opening 218, which is simple and easy to implement and meets sealing requirements. Alternatively, the second end of the adapter pipe 123 can be threaded to the second opening 218 to achieve a removable connection, facilitating replacement or maintenance of the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2. A sealing structure such as a rubber ring can be used during the threaded connection to ensure a tight seal.

[0077] The third end of the adapter pipe 123 is connected to one end of the branch pipe 122, and the other end of the branch pipe 122 is connected to the interior of the shell 1, so that the gas can smoothly enter the adapter pipe 123 and eventually flow to the outlet pipe 121, thereby achieving effective collection and discharge of the gas. Among them, the branch pipe 122 is, for example, L-shaped, which can further buffer the gas so that the gas can smoothly transition before entering the adapter pipe 123, reducing the impact on the adapter pipe 123. The other end of the branch pipe 122 is open upward and close to the top of the shell 1. Since the gas will reversely bend in the shell 1 and then gather at the top of the shell 1, the other end of the branch pipe 122 is set to ensure that the branch pipe 122 can smoothly receive the gas.

[0078] The transfer pipe 123 is, for example, a three-way structure, forming a first end channel, a second end channel, and a third end channel of the transfer pipe 123, which can flexibly realize gas aggregation or diversion. This design allows the gas outlet portion 12 to adapt to different gas flow requirements, improving the flexibility and adaptability of the system.

[0079] In some applications, gas may contain liquid components such as water and oil. The design of the gas outlet 12 allows the gas to be separated by the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 before entering the gas outlet pipe 121, ensuring that only pure gas is discharged. The design of the gas outlet 12 further optimizes the entire gas-liquid separator. Through reasonable layout and piping design, the resistance and energy consumption of the gas-liquid separator can be reduced, thereby improving the overall performance of the gas-liquid separator.

[0080] The design of the gas outlet 12 has a certain degree of scalability. As the demand for the gas-liquid separator increases or changes, it can adapt to new demands by increasing or decreasing the number of pipelines, adjusting the pipeline layout, etc. This design makes the gas-liquid separator more flexible and scalable.

[0081] The design of the gas outlet section 12, comprising the gas outlet pipe 121, branch pipe 122, and adapter pipe 123, offers numerous benefits, including gas flow management, gas-liquid separation and gas collection, sealing and reliability, and gas-liquid separator optimization and expansion. These benefits make the gas outlet section 12 a crucial component of gas processing equipment, ensuring the proper operation and stable performance of the gas-liquid separator.

[0082] In this embodiment, if Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the air outlet portion 12 further includes a throttle member 124, which is disposed between the adapter pipe 123 and the branch pipe 122 and serves to regulate the flow rate. The throttle member 124 is, for example, a two-way stop valve. One end of the throttle member 124 is tightly connected to the third end of the adapter pipe 123, while the other end of the throttle member 124 is in communication with the branch pipe 122, ensuring smooth airflow. The throttle member 124 can control the flow between the adapter pipe 123 and the branch pipe 122, thereby regulating the gas flow rate.

[0083] When the heat pump system is in normal working condition, the throttle member 124 is opened, allowing the gas to freely pass through the transfer pipe 123 and the branch pipe 122 and enter the gas outlet portion 12 for subsequent processing.

[0084] The situation is different when the heat pump system faces extreme temperatures, pressure fluctuations or other harsh working conditions. In order to ensure the stable operation of the heat pump system and prevent airflow disturbances or airflow shocks, the operator can quickly cut off the connection between the adapter pipe 123 and the branch pipe 122 by closing the throttle 124, thereby preventing the gas from freely passing through the adapter pipe 123 and the branch pipe 122. At this time, the gas can only enter the gas outlet 12 through the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2. As another important component in the heat pump system, the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 is designed to effectively separate the liquid components in the gas to ensure that the gas entering the subsequent process is pure and stable. Alternatively, the passage opening of the throttle 124 can be adjusted as small as possible to allow a small amount of gas to pass freely through the adapter pipe 123 and the branch pipe 122, and most of the gas still enters the gas outlet 12 through the gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 for subsequent processing.

[0085] In this way, the introduction of throttling element 124 not only enhances the heat pump system's adaptability to harsh operating conditions, but also improves the operating efficiency and stability of the entire heat pump system. In practical applications, this design enables the heat pump system to maintain efficient and reliable operation in a variety of complex environments, providing users with a more stable and comfortable user experience.

[0086] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the air inlet 11, a key component, is meticulously designed to optimize the introduction and initial separation of the gas-liquid mixture. The air inlet 11 comprises a first conduit 111 and a second conduit 112. One end of the first conduit 111 extends outside the housing 1, facilitating the direct collection and introduction of the external gas-liquid mixture. The other end of the first conduit 111 communicates with one end of the second conduit 112, which in turn communicates with the interior of the housing 1, allowing the gas-liquid mixture to flow through the first and second conduits 111, 112, into the housing 1.

[0087] The first pipe 111 and the second pipe 112 have a preset angle between them, such as 45°-75°. The first pipe 111 extends vertically and then passes through the top of the shell 1, ensuring that the gas-liquid mixture can smoothly and stably enter the interior of the shell 1. The other end of the first pipe 111 is located above the interior space of the shell 1, but is not directly aligned with the center. Instead, a certain spatial layout is reserved to prepare for the subsequent guidance of the gas-liquid mixture.

[0088] Second pipe 112 serves as a key bridge connecting first pipe 111 with the interior of shell 1. Its other end is connected to first pipe 111, forming a continuous gas-liquid flow path. Second pipe 112 is tilted relative to first pipe 111, creating a preset angle between first and second pipes 111, 112. This design ensures a smooth transition between the gas-liquid mixture and effectively adjusts the flow direction. The other end of second pipe 112 points toward the sidewall of shell 1, rather than directly toward the bottom or center, to achieve a specific separation mechanism.

[0089] When the gas-liquid mixture is introduced through first conduit 111, it flows vertically and then enters second conduit 112. Due to the inclined design of second conduit 112, the mixture is directed toward the sidewall of shell 1. When the mixture strikes the wall of shell 1, the liquid's velocity rapidly decreases due to the collision, and inertia causes it to flow downward along the wall, ultimately accumulating at the bottom of shell 1. The gas, however, due to its lower density and the pressure differential, undergoes a reverse flow within shell 1. This means that the gas no longer continues downward along the path of the liquid, but instead flows in the opposite direction, thus achieving a preliminary separation of gas and liquid.

[0090] This design not only improves the efficiency of gas-liquid separation, but also achieves a separation process without additional energy consumption through simple physical principles, reducing overall operating costs. In addition, by adjusting the angle between the first pipe 111 and the second pipe 112, the separation effect can be further optimized to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0091] In some exemplary embodiments, Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the purpose is to provide a gas-liquid separator housing 1 with excellent sealing, a stable structure, and a long service life. Housing 1 comprises a top plate 14, a cylinder 15, and a bottom plate 16. Top plate 14 and bottom plate 16 are located at opposite ends of the cylinder 15 in the axial direction. Top plate 14 and bottom plate 16 are precision welded to cylinder 15 to ensure seamless joints, thereby forming a sealed space for gas-liquid separation. This welding method not only improves the sealing performance of housing 1, but also enhances the durability and reinforcement of the overall structure, effectively extending the service life of housing 1.

[0092] Among them, a first channel 141 and a second channel 142 are provided on the top plate 14. A first flange structure 143 is provided in the first channel 141, and the first flange structure 143 can firmly weld the first pipe 111 of the air inlet 11 thereon, ensuring smooth entry of the airflow. The first flange structure 143 can increase the welding area with the first pipe 111, making the connection between the two more reliable. A second flange structure 144 is provided in the second channel 142, and the second flange structure 144 can firmly weld the outlet pipe 121 of the air outlet part 12 thereon, similarly, it can ensure the smooth discharge of gas, and the second flange structure 144 can increase the welding area with the outlet pipe 121, making the connection between the two more reliable.

[0093] In this embodiment, if Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the housing 1 further includes a support base 13, which is used to support the gas-liquid separator to enhance stability. The support base 13 may comprise, for example, multiple supports 131, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the cylinder 15 to ensure balanced support force. One end of each of the supports 131 supports the housing 1, while the other ends of the supports 131 rest securely on the ground.

[0094] Specifically, each support body 131 includes, for example, a crossbeam 1311, a first support beam 1312, and a second support beam 1313. The first support beam 1312 and the second support beam 1313 are symmetrically arranged on the crossbeam 1311, which not only enhances the stability of the support body 131 but also makes the entire support structure more compact. The crossbeam 1311 is placed on the ground, which can increase the contact area with the ground and further improve the stability of the gas-liquid separator.

[0095] Among them, a mounting hole 13111 can be set on the beam 1311, and fasteners (not shown in the figure), such as screws, bolts, etc., can be used to pass through the mounting hole 13111 to firmly fix the support base 13 on the ground or the target position to achieve a detachable connection, which is convenient for subsequent maintenance and replacement.

[0096] In terms of connection method, the first support beam 1312 can be directly fixedly connected to the cylinder 15, or fixedly connected to the bottom plate 16, or the first support beam 1312 can be connected to the cylinder 15 and the bottom plate 16 at the same time. This diversified connection method further increases the connection area, improves the connection effect, and makes the entire gas-liquid separator more stable and reliable.

[0097] It should be noted that the housing 1 can be made of a variety of materials, such as carbon steel, stainless steel and other corrosion-resistant materials.

[0098] Carbon steel has excellent strength and rigidity, capable of withstanding high pressures and loads. Its relatively low price helps reduce the overall manufacturing cost of gas-liquid separators. Carbon steel is easy to machine and weld, making it convenient to manufacture gas-liquid separator housings 1 in various shapes and sizes, and it meets the strength and rigidity requirements of most industrial applications.

[0099] Stainless steel is a steel alloy with excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance, capable of maintaining its performance in harsh environments. It effectively resists a variety of corrosive media, extending the life of gas-liquid separators. Its smooth surface makes it easy to clean, making it suitable for applications requiring high hygiene standards. It also maintains its performance over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for both high and low temperature environments.

[0100] Other corrosion-resistant materials, such as plastics and ceramics, have specific corrosion resistance properties suitable for specific media and environments. They can provide excellent protection against specific corrosive media and reduce equipment maintenance costs. Furthermore, some corrosion-resistant materials (such as plastics) are lightweight, which helps reduce the overall weight and transportation costs of the gas-liquid separator.

[0101] In summary, when selecting the material for the gas-liquid separator housing 1, multiple factors need to be considered, including operating pressure, chemical properties of the medium, flow rate, and operating environment. Different materials have different advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should be based on the specific application scenario. For example, in highly corrosive environments, stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials are a better choice; in applications with high cost requirements, carbon steel is more competitive.

[0102] In addition, with the advancement of technology and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, more and more gas-liquid separator shells 1 begin to use new materials that meet environmental protection standards. These materials not only have excellent performance, but also can reduce pollution to the environment and harm to the human body.

[0103] In summary, the material selection of the gas-liquid separator housing 1 should be comprehensively considered according to the specific application scenario and requirements to ensure the effective operation and long-term stability of the equipment. The gas-liquid separator housing 1 provided in this embodiment has the advantages of good sealing, stable structure, and long service life, and can meet the use requirements in various complex environments.

[0104] This application also provides a heat pump system, which is a device that extracts heat from a low-temperature heat source and transfers it to a high-temperature environment through a heat exchange process. It is widely used in various fields such as heating, cooling, and hot water supply. The heat pump system in this embodiment further improves the efficiency and stability of the system by introducing an optimized gas-liquid separator.

[0105] The heat pump system includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, an evaporator, and a gas-liquid separator as described in any of the above embodiments. In the gas-liquid separator, a separation membrane is added to the transfer pipe at the gas outlet to prevent liquid from entering the compressor through the gas-liquid separator's gas outlet pipe under adverse operating conditions, thereby improving the reliability of the compressor.

[0106] The separation membrane utilizes liquid-proof, breathable membrane technology to ensure efficient separation of the gas and liquid components of the refrigerant during heat pump system operation, retaining the liquid component and discharging the gas, effectively improving separation efficiency. The liquid-proof, breathable membrane material offers excellent chemical resistance and mechanical strength, enabling long-term stable operation and reducing maintenance and replacement costs.

[0107] The gas-liquid separator has a compact overall structure, occupies a small area, and is easy to install and maintain. The gas-liquid separator is simple, reliable, and highly practical, and has high promotion value.

[0108] The compressor compresses low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas into high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The condenser cools and liquefies the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas output by the compressor, releasing heat. The expansion valve throttles and reduces the pressure of the liquefied refrigerant, converting it into a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid before it enters the evaporator. Inside the evaporator, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant liquid absorbs heat and vaporizes, completing the refrigerant cycle.

[0109] During heat pump system operation, refrigerant circulates between the compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator. When the refrigerant exits the evaporator, it may contain a certain amount of gas. At this point, the refrigerant enters the gas-liquid separator for separation. The gaseous components are discharged or re-enter the compressor for compression, while the liquid components continue to flow to the condenser for cooling and liquefaction. Through this cyclical process, the heat pump system continuously extracts heat from the low-temperature heat source and transfers it to the high-temperature environment.

[0110] Because the gas-liquid separator efficiently separates the gas and liquid components of the refrigerant, it reduces energy consumption and wear on the compressor when handling mixed refrigerants, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the system. The design of the gas-liquid separator fully considers the volatility and uncertainty of the heat pump system, ensuring the system's stability and reliability over long-term use. By reducing wear and failure rates on key components such as the compressor, the heat pump system in this embodiment can maintain efficient operation for a longer period of time, thereby extending the equipment's service life.

[0111] The present application also provides a gas-liquid separation method, which is applied to the gas-liquid separator in any of the above embodiments, such as Figure 1-Figure 5As shown, the gas-liquid separator includes a shell 1 and a gas-liquid separation mechanism 2. The shell 1 is provided with an air inlet 11 and an air outlet 12. The air outlet 12 includes an air outlet pipe 121, a branch pipe 122, a transfer pipe 123 and a throttling device 124, thereby realizing efficient gas-liquid separation and gas discharge.

[0112] like Figure 6 As shown, the gas-liquid separation method includes:

[0113] S110: Obtain the suction superheat of the air outlet.

[0114] In step S110 , a sensor (not shown in the figure) may be provided in the gas outlet portion 12 , and the sensor may be capable of monitoring and recording the suction superheat of the gas passing through the gas outlet pipe 121 in real time.

[0115] S120: Determine whether the intake air superheat is greater than a preset threshold.

[0116] In step S120, the system determines the intake air superheat detected by the sensor and sets a preset threshold, such as 5 degrees (K), as the critical point for determining normal and severe operating conditions.

[0117] The current intake superheat is compared with a preset threshold. If the intake superheat is greater than the preset threshold, the system is determined to be in a normal operating condition and step S130 is executed. If the intake superheat is less than or equal to the preset threshold, the system is determined to be in a severe operating condition with a risk of liquid carryover and step S140 is executed.

[0118] S130, the gas directly enters the gas outlet.

[0119] In step S130, under normal operating conditions, the separated gas, without additional processing, enters branch pipe 122 of outlet section 12 directly, resulting in a simple and efficient gas path. Subsequently, the gas passes through adapter pipe 123 and outlet pipe 121, smoothly exiting casing 1 and ultimately entering the compressor for subsequent processing, ensuring stable operation and high efficiency of the system.

[0120] S140. The gas enters the gas outlet through the gas-liquid separation mechanism.

[0121] In step S140, under severe operating conditions, the system takes immediate action to prevent damage to the compressor from excessive liquid carried in the gas. By closing or significantly reducing throttle element 124, the connection between transfer pipe 123 and branch pipe 122 is cut off or restricted. This forces most of the gas to pass through gas-liquid separation mechanism 2 for secondary separation. While this process increases the gas flow path, it effectively avoids the risk of liquid carryover, ensuring that the gas contains virtually no liquid, protecting the safety of the compressor and demonstrating the flexibility and reliability of this method under complex operating conditions.

[0122] The gas-liquid separation method provided in this embodiment can intelligently adjust the exhaust mode of the gas-liquid separator according to the real-time monitored suction superheat, which not only ensures efficient operation under normal working conditions, but also effectively prevents the risk of liquid carryover under severe working conditions, thereby improving the stability and safety of the entire system.

[0123] It should be understood that the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific example embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "one", "an" and "said" as used herein may also be meant to include plural forms. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order described or illustrated, unless the order of execution is clearly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0124] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used in the text to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence when used in the text. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teaching of the example embodiments.

[0125] The foregoing description is intended only to provide specific embodiments of the present invention, intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but rather to be construed in the broadest manner consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A gas-liquid separator, characterized in that: include: The housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet; as well as A gas-liquid separation mechanism is provided in the housing, the gas-liquid separation mechanism being in communication with the gas inlet and the gas outlet, respectively; wherein the gas-liquid separation mechanism comprises a separation bracket and a separation membrane, the separation membrane being sleeved on the separation bracket; The separation membrane is configured to separate a gas-liquid mixture, so that the liquid in the gas-liquid mixture is retained in the shell, and the gas in the gas-liquid mixture is discharged through the gas outlet.

2. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that The separation membrane includes a liquid-proof and gas-permeable membrane.

3. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 2, characterized in that The separation bracket includes a first mounting body, the first mounting body is provided with a first flow cavity, and the first flow cavity is communicated with the air outlet; The first installation body is provided with a plurality of first circulation holes, which are communicated with the first circulation cavity. The separation membrane is sleeved on the first installation body to cover the first circulation holes.

4. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 3, characterized in that The separation bracket further includes a second mounting body, the second mounting body being provided with a second flow cavity, and the second mounting body being sleeved on the first mounting body through the second flow cavity, so that the separation membrane is sandwiched between the first mounting body and the second mounting body; The second mounting body is provided with a plurality of second circulation holes, and the plurality of second circulation holes are communicated with the second circulation cavity.

5. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The shape of the first circulation hole is the same as or different from the shape of the second circulation hole.

6. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that The gas outlet portion includes a gas outlet pipe, a branch pipe and a transfer pipe; The first end of the adapter pipe is connected to one end of the outlet pipe, and the other end of the outlet pipe passes through the shell to the outside; The second end of the adapter pipe is in communication with the separation bracket; The third end of the transfer pipe is communicated with one end of the branch pipe, and the other end of the branch pipe is communicated with the interior of the shell.

7. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 6, characterized in that The air outlet portion further includes a throttling member, which is arranged between the adapter pipe and the branch pipe.

8. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that The air intake portion includes a first pipe and a second pipe, one end of the first pipe passes through the housing to the outside, the other end of the first pipe is connected to one end of the second pipe, and the other end of the second pipe is connected to the inside of the housing; Wherein, there is a preset angle between the first pipe and the second pipe.

9. The gas-liquid separator according to claim 1, characterized in that The shell includes a top plate, a cylinder, a bottom plate and a support seat, wherein the top plate and the bottom plate are arranged along the axis of the cylinder and seal the cylinder; The support seat is connected to the bottom plate and / or the cylinder.

10. A heat pump system, characterized in that: Comprising the gas-liquid separator according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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