Optical fiber laser thermal management system used in low-temperature environment
By adding a refrigerant heating device between the condenser and the expansion valve, increasing the refrigerant pressure and temperature, and combining the cold plate and bypass pipe control, the heat dissipation problem of the fiber laser in low-temperature environments was solved, achieving efficient cooling and stable laser output.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422815463.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-11-19
AI Technical Summary
The existing condensation system cannot effectively achieve high cooling capacity output in low-temperature environments, resulting in laser temperature changes and affecting the stability of laser output.
A refrigerant heating device is added between the condenser and the expansion valve. The refrigerant pressure and temperature are increased by heating the refrigerant, thereby increasing the refrigerant flow rate. The fiber laser is cooled by a cold plate, and the flow rate is controlled by combining the first bypass pipe and the control valve to form a circulating cooling system.
It achieves efficient cooling of fiber lasers in low-temperature environments, keeps the temperature within a reasonable range, reduces the probability of laser operation abnormalities, and reduces system energy consumption.
Smart Images
Figure CN223331945U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of lasers, in particular to a fiber laser thermal management system used in low-temperature environments. Background Art
[0002] With the widespread application of fiber lasers, the demand for high-power lasers is increasing. However, during the operation of the laser, components such as the control chip will generate heat, and the higher the power, the greater the heat generated, which will cause the temperature of the laser to rise. According to the working principle of the laser, if the temperature of the laser changes during operation, the emission length of the laser will also change accordingly. In other words, the increase in the temperature of components such as the control chip and the resulting change in the temperature of the laser will prevent the laser from outputting a stable and consistent laser. The existing cooling method for lasers is usually to set up a condensation system. During the operation of the laser, the speed is adjusted by the condensation fan and the condensation bypass valve is used to bypass and adjust the system operating pressure parameters. When the existing conventional condensation system is operated at a low temperature below 10°C, the condensation pressure and evaporation pressure are low, both exceeding the allowable range of the compressor operation. At the same time, the system cooling capacity output is small, which cannot effectively achieve the cooling of the laser, resulting in abnormal laser operation. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of the present utility model is to provide a fiber laser thermal management system for use in a low-temperature environment. The fiber laser thermal management system for use in a low-temperature environment can achieve high cooling capacity output in a low-temperature environment, can better cool the fiber laser, ensure that the temperature of the fiber laser is always maintained in a reasonable range, and reduce the probability of abnormal operation of the fiber laser.
[0004] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:
[0005] The utility model discloses a fiber laser thermal management system for use in a low-temperature environment, comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve and at least one cold plate for forming a cooling circuit, wherein the cooling circuit is used to circulate a refrigerant to provide cooling for the heat-generating components in the fiber laser, and the fiber laser thermal management system for use in a low-temperature environment further comprises a refrigerant heating device and a first bypass pipe, wherein the refrigerant heating device is arranged between the condenser and the expansion valve along the flow direction of the refrigerant to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser; one end of the first bypass pipe is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, and the other end is connected to the intake port of the compressor; wherein a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the exhaust port of the compressor is throttled in the first bypass pipe and then returns to the compressor through the intake port.
[0006] In some specific embodiments, a capillary tube and a first control valve are provided on the first bypass pipe. The capillary tube is used to throttle the refrigerant, and the first control valve is used to control the opening and closing of the first bypass pipe.
[0007] In some embodiments, the fiber laser thermal management system for low-temperature environments further includes a second bypass pipe, which is arranged in parallel with the condenser and the refrigerant heating device, and a second control valve is provided on the second bypass pipe for controlling the on and off of the second bypass pipe.
[0008] In some embodiments, a first temperature detection component and a pressure detection component are provided at both the exhaust port and the intake port of the compressor.
[0009] In some embodiments, the fiber laser thermal management system for low-temperature environments further includes a third control valve and a fourth control valve provided at both ends of the cold plate, wherein the third control valve is used to control the on-off connection between the expansion valve and the cold plate, and the fourth control valve is used to control the on-off connection between the cold plate and the air intake of the compressor.
[0010] In some embodiments, the cold plate is disposed in close contact with the heat-generating component to directly cool the heat-generating component.
[0011] In some embodiments, at least one second temperature detecting element is further provided on the cold plate, and the second temperature detecting element is used to detect the temperature of the heat-generating component.
[0012] In some embodiments, the fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environments further includes a liquid storage tank, and along the flow direction of the refrigerant, the liquid storage tank is located between the refrigerant heating device and the expansion valve.
[0013] In some embodiments, the thermal management system for a fiber laser in a low temperature environment is applicable to the fiber laser having an operating power greater than 6 kW.
[0014] In some embodiments, the thermal management system for a fiber laser in a low temperature environment is suitable for an ambient temperature below 10°C.
[0015] The laser cooler of the present invention has the following beneficial effects: Since the fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environments is provided with a refrigerant heating device between the condenser and the expansion valve, the refrigerant heating device can further increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. The increase in condensation pressure and temperature increases the refrigerant flow rate of the system. The greater the flow rate, the more heat absorption and the better the cooling effect. Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing a refrigerant heating device to control the refrigerant pressure and temperature, the heat dissipation problem of the continuous fiber laser in low temperature environments (-20℃-10℃) can be solved, and the fiber laser can be cooled well, ensuring that the temperature of the fiber laser is always maintained in a reasonable range, reducing the probability of abnormal operation of the fiber laser. At the same time, in the actual operation process of the added first bypass pipe, the compressor compresses the refrigerant, turning the refrigerant into high-temperature and high-pressure gas. After the refrigerant flows out, a portion of the flow passes through the first bypass pipe and is throttled in the first bypass pipe. It mixes with the refrigerant in the main circuit that has been condensed and throttled and passed through the cold plate. After that, the relatively low-temperature refrigerant gas returns to the compressor for compression again, and this reciprocating cycle ensures sufficient cooling capacity while reducing system energy consumption.
[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be given in part in the following description and will become apparent from the following description or learned through practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of a fiber laser thermal management system for use in a low-temperature environment according to an embodiment of the present utility model.
[0018] Reference numerals:
[0019] 1. Compressor; 101. Exhaust port; 102. Intake port; 2. Condenser; 3. Expansion valve; 4. Condensing fan; 5. Cold plate; 51. First cold plate; 52. Second cold plate; 6. Refrigerant heating device; 7. First bypass pipe; 8. First control valve; 9. Capillary tube; 10. Second bypass pipe; 11. Second control valve; 12. First temperature detection element; 13. Pressure detection element; 14. Third control valve; 15. Fourth control valve; 16. Second temperature detection element; 17. Liquid storage tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all of its components.
[0021] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connect," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0022] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.
[0023] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for ease of description and simplified operation. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meaning.
[0024] The utility model discloses a fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environment. Figure 1As shown, the thermal management system for a fiber laser in a low-temperature environment includes a compressor 1, a condenser 2, an expansion valve 3, and at least one cold plate 5 for forming a cooling circuit. The cooling circuit is used to circulate a refrigerant to provide cooling for the heat-generating components in the fiber laser. The thermal management system for a fiber laser in a low-temperature environment also includes a refrigerant heating device 6. Along the flow direction of the refrigerant, the refrigerant heating device 6 is arranged between the condenser 2 and the expansion valve 3 to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 2. It can be understood that in the actual working process, the compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant to turn the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas. When passing through the condenser 2, it exchanges heat with the external environment, and then controls the pressure and temperature through the refrigerant heating device 6. After throttling through the expansion valve 3, it becomes a low-temperature and low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase mixture. The refrigerant passes through the cold plate 5 to cool the fiber laser. After that, the low-temperature gas returns to the compressor 1 and is compressed again, and the cycle repeats. Since the fiber laser thermal management system of this embodiment is used in a low-temperature environment, a refrigerant heating device 6 is added between the condenser 2 and the expansion valve 3. The refrigerant heating device 6 can further increase the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant. The increase in condensation pressure and temperature increases the refrigerant circulation flow of the system. The larger the flow, the more heat is absorbed, and the better the cooling effect. Therefore, in this embodiment, by providing a refrigerant heating device 6 to control the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, the heat dissipation problem of the continuous fiber laser in a low-temperature environment (-20°C-10°C) can be solved, and the fiber laser can be better cooled, ensuring that the temperature of the fiber laser is always maintained in a reasonable range, reducing the probability of abnormal operation of the fiber laser.
[0025] It should be supplemented that, in this embodiment, copper pipes can be selected as connecting pipes for the pipes constituting the cooling circuit according to actual needs. Of course, pipes made of other materials can also be selected according to actual needs.
[0026] Optionally, the thermal management system for a fiber laser in a low-temperature environment further includes a condensing fan 4 provided corresponding to the condenser 2. The condensing fan 4 can assist the condenser 2 in exchanging heat with the external environment, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency.
[0027] Optionally, compressor 1 is a variable frequency compressor, and condensing fan 4 is a variable frequency fan. Thus, during actual operation, the operating frequency of compressor 1 and the frequency of the variable frequency fan can be adjusted according to actual refrigeration needs, thereby facilitating improved cooling effects on the fiber laser by the fiber laser thermal management system of this embodiment for use in low-temperature environments. Of course, the specific types of compressor 1 and condensing fan 4 can be adjusted according to actual needs.
[0028] refer to Figure 1As shown, the thermal management system for a fiber laser in a low-temperature environment further includes a first bypass pipe 7, one end of which is connected to the exhaust port 101 of the compressor 1, and the other end is connected to the air intake port 102 of the compressor 1; wherein, a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the exhaust port 101 of the compressor 1 is throttled in the first bypass pipe 7 and then returns to the compressor 1 through the air intake port 102. It can be understood that in the actual working process, the compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant to turn the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas. After the refrigerant flows out, a portion of the flow passes through the first bypass pipe 7 and is throttled in the first bypass pipe 7, and is mixed with the refrigerant in the main circuit that has been condensed and throttled and passed through the cold plate 5. After that, the relatively low-temperature refrigerant gas returns to the compressor 1 for compression again, and the cycle repeats.
[0029] Optionally, a capillary tube 9 and a first control valve 8 are provided on the first bypass pipe 7. The capillary tube 9 is used to throttle the refrigerant, and the first control valve 8 is used to control the on-off state of the first bypass pipe 7. During the actual operation process, the capillary tube 9 can throttle the refrigerant, and the first control valve 8 can control the on-off state of the first bypass pipe 7. In this way, bypass control can be performed according to actual needs, thereby ensuring sufficient cooling capacity while reducing system energy consumption. Of course, in other embodiments of the present invention, the throttling element on the first bypass pipe 7 can also be replaced with a structure such as an electronic expansion valve 3, and is not limited to the capillary tube 9 of this embodiment. In addition, the first control valve 8 can be a manual valve or an automatic valve according to actual needs.
[0030] Optionally, the second bypass pipe 10 is arranged in parallel with the condenser 2 and the refrigerant heating device 6, and the second bypass pipe 10 is provided with a second control valve 11 for controlling the on and off of the second bypass pipe 10. It is understandable that in the actual working process, the second control valve 11 can be adjusted to achieve bypass control. When the ambient temperature is high (greater than 10°C), the refrigerant heating device 6 may not work. At this time, the second bypass pipe 10 is required to circulate a refrigerant with a higher temperature to achieve the function of reducing the power of the refrigerant heating device 6. When the ambient temperature is low (-20°C-10°C), the second control valve 11 is opened, and part of the high-temperature and high-pressure gas passes through the second control valve 11 and merges with the condensed refrigerant in the main circuit. After that, it operates in the same manner as the normal mode, realizing the use of the heat of the exhaust gas of the compressor 1 to increase the temperature of the refrigerant after the condenser 2, reduce the power of the refrigerant heating device 6, and reduce the energy consumption of the system.
[0031] Optionally, a first temperature detecting element 12 and a pressure detecting element 13 are provided at both the exhaust port 101 and the intake port 102 of the compressor 1. It is understandable that the exhaust temperature and intake temperature of the compressor 1 can be detected relatively stably and accurately by the first temperature detecting element 12 and the pressure detecting element 13. In actual operation, the operating frequency of the compressor 1 and the power of the refrigerant heating device 6 can be adjusted according to the measurement structure of the first temperature detecting element 12 and the pressure detecting element 13, thereby ensuring the cooling effect on the fiber laser.
[0032] Optionally, the thermal management system for a fiber laser in a low-temperature environment further includes a third control valve 14 and a fourth control valve 15 provided at both ends of the cold plate 5. The third control valve 14 is used to control the on-off connection between the expansion valve 3 and the cold plate 5, and the fourth control valve 15 is used to control the on-off connection between the cold plate 5 and the air intake 102 of the compressor 1. It is understandable that when the fiber laser is working, the third control valve 14 and the fourth control valve 15 are in a normally open state, ensuring that the thermal management system for a fiber laser in a low-temperature environment can cool the heat-generating components of the fiber laser. When the cold plate 5 needs to be repaired or replaced, the third control valve 14 and the fourth control valve 15 are closed, and the expansion valve 3 and the compressor 1 are disconnected from the cold plate 5. The staff can then remove the cold plate 5 for repair or replacement, which is very convenient to operate.
[0033] Optionally, the cold plate 5 is arranged in close contact with the heat-generating component to directly cool the heat-generating component. In this way, the cooling effect of the cold plate 5 on the heat-generating component can be improved, thereby improving the cooling effect of the fiber laser thermal management system used in a low-temperature environment on the fiber laser. Specifically, in the actual working process, the heat-generating component of the fiber laser includes two parts: an optical module and an electrical module. The optical module includes a pump source and other optical elements, and the electrical module is a power supply and other electrical components. Further optionally, the cold plate 5 includes a first cold plate 51 and a second cold plate 52 arranged in series, the first cold plate 51 is used to cool the optical module, and the second cold plate 52 is used to cool the electrical module. In this embodiment, the provision of the first cold plate 51 and the second cold plate 52 is conducive to cooling the main heat-generating components of the fiber laser, thereby facilitating the improvement of the cooling effect of the fiber laser.
[0034] Optionally, at least one second temperature detection element 16 is further provided on the cold plate 5, and the second temperature detection element 16 is used to detect the temperature of the heat-generating component. It is understandable that during the operation, the second temperature detection element 16 is used to detect the temperature of the heat-generating component, and the power of the compressor 1 and the refrigerant heating device 6 and other structures is controlled by the detection result of the second temperature detection element 16, thereby ensuring a good cooling effect on the fiber laser while controlling the energy consumption of the system. Optionally, the second temperature detection element 16 can be a thermistor or other temperature detection element. Optionally, when there are multiple cold plates 5, in order to ensure stable monitoring of various parts of the fiber laser, multiple second temperature detection elements 16 can be provided corresponding to multiple cold plates 5.
[0035] Optionally, the thermal management system for a fiber laser used in a low-temperature environment further includes a liquid storage tank 17, which is located between the refrigerant heating device 6 and the expansion valve 3 along the flow direction of the refrigerant. It can be understood that the liquid storage tank 17 is mainly used to store liquid refrigerant to ensure that the refrigerant in the system is always in a saturated state. When the thermal management system for a fiber laser used in a low-temperature environment is running, the compressor 1 compresses the gas to the condenser 2 for heat dissipation. During this process, liquid refrigerant and gaseous refrigerant flow together in the cooling circuit. If there is too much liquid refrigerant, the part that exceeds the system's requirements will be stored in the liquid storage tank 17. On the contrary, when the refrigerant is insufficient, the liquid storage tank 17 will be automatically replenished to maintain stable operation of the system.
[0036] Optionally, the refrigerant heating device 6 is a heating tube. The heating tube has a simple structure, is easy to install, and has high heating efficiency. Using a heating tube as the refrigerant heating device 6 is beneficial to reducing the manufacturing cost and system energy consumption of the fiber laser thermal management system used in low-temperature environments.
[0037] Optionally, the refrigerant uses environmentally friendly refrigerant R32, and R410A can also be used. Of course, other refrigerant structures can also be selected according to actual needs.
[0038] Optionally, the fiber laser thermal management system for low-temperature environments is applicable to fiber lasers operating at power levels greater than 6 kW. It is understood that fiber lasers operating at power levels greater than 6 kW can be effectively cooled using the fiber laser thermal management system for low-temperature environments of this embodiment, ensuring operational stability.
[0039] Optionally, the thermal management system for a fiber laser in a low-temperature environment is suitable for an ambient temperature below 10°C. It is understandable that by providing a refrigerant heating device 6 to control the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, the heat dissipation problem of the continuous fiber laser in a low-temperature environment (below 10°C) can be solved, and the fiber laser can be cooled better to ensure that the temperature of the fiber laser is always maintained in a reasonable range, thereby reducing the probability of abnormal operation of the fiber laser.
[0040] Throughout this specification, references to "some embodiments," "other embodiments," and the like indicate that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of these terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.
[0041] Obviously, the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for the purpose of clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the manner in which the present invention is to be implemented. A person skilled in the art would be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.
Claims
1. A fiber laser thermal management system for use in a low-temperature environment, comprising a compressor (1), a condenser (2), an expansion valve (3), and at least one cold plate (5) for forming a cooling circuit, wherein the cooling circuit is used for circulating a refrigerant to provide cooling for heat-generating components in the fiber laser, and wherein: The fiber laser thermal management system for low-temperature environments further comprises a refrigerant heating device (6) and a first bypass pipe (7). The refrigerant heating device (6) is arranged between the condenser (2) and the expansion valve (3) along the flow direction of the refrigerant to heat the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser (2); one end of the first bypass pipe (7) is connected to the exhaust port (101) of the compressor (1), and the other end is connected to the intake port (102) of the compressor (1); wherein a portion of the refrigerant flowing out of the exhaust port (101) of the compressor (1) is throttled in the first bypass pipe (7) and then returns to the compressor (1) through the intake port (102).
2. The fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first bypass pipe (7) is provided with a capillary tube (9) and a first control valve (8), wherein the capillary tube (9) is used for throttling the refrigerant, and the first control valve (8) is used for controlling the on-off of the first bypass pipe (7).
3. The fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fiber laser thermal management system for low-temperature environments further comprises a second bypass pipe (10), the second bypass pipe (10) being arranged in parallel with the condenser (2) and the refrigerant heating device (6), and the second bypass pipe (10) being provided with a second control valve (11) for controlling the on-off of the second bypass pipe (10).
4. The fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: A first temperature detection component (12) and a pressure detection component (13) are provided at the exhaust port (101) and the intake port (102) of the compressor (1).
5. The fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fiber laser thermal management system for low-temperature environments further comprises a third control valve (14) and a fourth control valve (15) provided at both ends of the cold plate (5), wherein the third control valve (14) is used to control the on-off connection between the expansion valve (3) and the cold plate (5), and the fourth control valve (15) is used to control the on-off connection between the cold plate (5) and the air intake port (102) of the compressor (1).
6. The fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The cold plate (5) is arranged in close contact with the heat-generating component to directly cool the heat-generating component.
7. The fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: At least one second temperature detection element (16) is also provided on the cold plate (5), and the second temperature detection element (16) is used to detect the temperature of the heating component.
8. The fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The fiber laser thermal management system for low-temperature environments further comprises a liquid storage tank (17). Along the flow direction of the refrigerant, the liquid storage tank (17) is located between the refrigerant heating device (6) and the expansion valve (3).
9. The fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The thermal management system for fiber lasers in low temperature environments is suitable for fiber lasers with an operating power greater than 6KW.
10. The fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environment according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The fiber laser thermal management system for low temperature environments is suitable for ambient temperatures below 10°C.