Cold storage type refrigerating system and kitchen air conditioner

Abstract

The utility model discloses a cold accumulation type refrigerating system and a kitchen air conditioner, the cold accumulation type refrigerating system comprises a compressor, a first heat exchange device, a throttling device and a second heat exchange device, and the compressor, the first heat exchange device, the throttling device and the second heat exchange device are sequentially connected through pipelines to form a circulation loop capable of enabling refrigerants to flow; the second heat exchange device comprises a refrigerant pipe and a phase change module, the refrigerant pipe is arranged in the phase change module and connected with the pipeline, the phase change module is filled with a phase change material in a closed mode, and the phase change material is located on the outer side of the refrigerant pipe; in the cold storage state, the circulation loop is conducted, and a refrigerant releases heat to air at the first heat exchange device and absorbs heat from the phase change material at the second heat exchange device; in a refrigeration state, the phase change material absorbs heat from air. The cold accumulation type refrigerating system has the advantages of being integrated, small in size and low in power, production cost is low, noise is small, and the installation position is not limited.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning technology, and in particular to a cold storage refrigeration system and a kitchen air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] Nowadays, air conditioners have become an indispensable household appliance in people's daily lives, especially in the hot summer when their usage rate is very high. Most families install air conditioners in the living room and / or bedroom, but do not install air conditioners in the kitchen, where the temperature is even higher due to cooking.

[0003] Installing a common air conditioner designed for living rooms and bedrooms in the kitchen presents several drawbacks: First, these are split-type units, consisting of an outdoor unit mounted on the exterior wall and an indoor unit installed inside. However, the exterior walls near kitchens typically lack designated mounting locations for outdoor units, increasing installation difficulty. Second, these air conditioners are relatively large and require exhaust ducts to expel the hot air after heat exchange, while kitchens have limited space and restricted installation locations. Third, these high-powered air conditioners are designed for rapid cooling in large spaces like living rooms and bedrooms, but the small kitchen makes installing such a high-powered unit wasteful and also results in higher costs and noise levels. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome at least one of the defects of the prior art, the present invention provides a cold storage refrigeration system, which is characterized by being integrated, miniaturized, and low-power, and has low production cost, low noise, and no restriction on installation location.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its problem is:

[0006] A cold storage refrigeration system includes: a compressor, a first heat exchange device, a throttling device, and a second heat exchange device, wherein the compressor, the first heat exchange device, the throttling device, and the second heat exchange device are sequentially connected by pipelines to form a circulation loop that allows refrigerant to flow.

[0007] The second heat exchange device includes a refrigerant pipe and a phase change module. The refrigerant pipe is located inside the phase change module and connected to the pipeline. The phase change module is filled with a phase change material, and the phase change material is located outside the refrigerant pipe.

[0008] In the cold storage state, the circulation loop is open, the refrigerant releases heat to the air in the first heat exchange device, and absorbs heat from the phase change material in the second heat exchange device;

[0009] In a cooled state, the phase change material absorbs heat from the air.

[0010] Furthermore, the phase change module includes a shell with an internal cavity, a refrigerant pipe located in the cavity and connected to the pipeline, and a phase change material filling a closed cavity formed by the inner wall of the shell and the outer wall of the refrigerant pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, the casing has an inlet and an outlet, and the two ends of the refrigerant pipe are connected to the corresponding pipelines through the inlet and outlet, respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, a refrigerant pipe is provided, which is located in the middle area of ​​the cavity, with the inlet and outlet respectively corresponding to the two ends of the refrigerant pipe.

[0013] Furthermore, there are at least two refrigerant pipes, which are evenly distributed in the cavity, and both ends of the at least two refrigerant pipes are correspondingly arranged. The corresponding ends of the at least two refrigerant pipes are integrated and connected to the corresponding inlet and outlet. The inlet and outlet are respectively arranged at the two ends of the integrated at least two refrigerant pipes.

[0014] Furthermore, the refrigerant pipe can be a straight pipe, a coil, a corrugated pipe, a finned pipe, or a spiral pipe.

[0015] Furthermore, the first heat exchange device is provided with a first fan for exchanging heat with air in the cold storage state, and the second heat exchange device is provided with a second fan for exchanging heat with air in the cooling state.

[0016] This utility model also provides a kitchen air conditioner, including: a shell and a cold storage refrigeration system, the cold storage refrigeration system is installed inside the shell, and the shell is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet for exchanging heat with the air.

[0017] Furthermore, the kitchen air conditioner also includes a control system, and the cold storage refrigeration system is electrically connected to the control system.

[0018] Furthermore, the kitchen air conditioner also includes a flow sensor and / or a temperature sensor, both of which are electrically connected to the control system.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the cold storage refrigeration system and kitchen air conditioner provided by this utility model are as follows:

[0020] By incorporating a phase change module with a refrigerant pipe, the system can switch between cold storage and cooling modes. This allows the cold storage refrigeration system to be integrated into the air conditioner, eliminating the need for exhaust ducts during cooling and resulting in low power consumption, low noise, and direct usability. Installation is not limited by location, and the system also achieves miniaturization, reducing production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the circulation loop of the cold storage refrigeration system of this utility model.

[0022] The meanings of the reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0023] 1. Compressor; 2. First heat exchanger; 3. Throttling device; 4. Second heat exchanger; 41. Refrigerant pipe; 42. Phase change module; 5. Piping; 6. First fan; 7. Second fan. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To better understand and implement this invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0026] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[0027] See Figure 1 This utility model provides a cold storage refrigeration system, including a compressor 1, a first heat exchange device 2, a throttling device 3, and a second heat exchange device 4. The compressor 1, the first heat exchange device 2, the throttling device 3, and the second heat exchange device 4 are connected in sequence through a pipeline 5 to form a circulation loop that allows refrigerant to flow.

[0028] The second heat exchange device 4 includes a refrigerant pipe 41 and a phase change module 42. The refrigerant pipe 41 is located inside the phase change module 42 and connected to the pipeline 5. The phase change module 42 is enclosed and filled with a phase change material, which is located outside the refrigerant pipe 41. The cold storage refrigeration system of this invention includes two operating states: In the cold storage state, the circulation loop is open, the refrigerant releases heat to the air in the first heat exchange device 2, and absorbs heat from the phase change material at the second heat exchange device 4. In the refrigeration state, the phase change material absorbs heat from the air.

[0029] The working principle of the cold storage refrigeration system of this utility model is as follows:

[0030] When no ambient cooling is required and the phase change material (PCM) is in a liquid state, compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, the throttling device 3, and the second heat exchanger 4 are activated to open the circulation loop, allowing the refrigerant to circulate within it. Compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous state. This high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous refrigerant then flows through pipe 5 to the first heat exchanger 2, where it exchanges heat with air, cooling the refrigerant. The heated air is then blown into the environment as hot air. The cooled refrigerant then flows through pipe 5, passing through the throttling device 3 for depressurization and cooling before flowing to the second heat exchanger 4. In the second heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the PCM, absorbing heat and gradually cooling the PCM. The refrigerant then flows back through pipe 5 to compressor 1 for compression. This cycle continues until the PCM completely solidifies, completing the cold storage process.

[0031] When cooling is required, the phase change material (PCM) releases its cold energy after being stored in a completely solid state. At this time, the circulation loop is disconnected, meaning compressor 1, the first heat exchanger 2, and the throttling device 3 are shut down, leaving only the second heat exchanger 4 open. In the second heat exchanger 4, the PCM exchanges heat with the air, gradually changing to a liquid phase. This allows the heated air to be blown into the environment as cool air, achieving cooling. Of course, the circulation loop can remain open during the cooling process. Since the cold energy of the PCM is continuously consumed during cooling, keeping the circulation loop open replenishes the cold energy to extend the cooling time and improve cooling efficiency. It is important to note that during the process of storing cold energy in the PCM, hot air is blown out. The temperature of this hot air needs to be controlled to avoid affecting the cooling temperature of the kitchen environment and thus the cooling effect.

[0032] This invention's cold storage refrigeration system is applied to kitchen air conditioning. Since kitchen air conditioning doesn't need to be on for extended periods, but only briefly during cooking, the system utilizes the time difference between when cooking is not in the kitchen. During this idle time, the phase change material stores cold energy. Then, during cooking, the stored cold energy is released by the phase change material exchanging heat with the air, resulting in cool air being blown out, thus achieving the purpose of cooling the environment. Furthermore, because cold energy is stored during idle time, a low-power compressor can be used to achieve slow cold storage, achieving miniaturization and low power consumption, while also reducing noise.

[0033] This invention, by incorporating a phase change module 42 with a refrigerant pipe 41 within it, allows for switching between cold storage and cooling modes. Consequently, the cold storage refrigeration system can be integrated into the air conditioner, eliminating the need for exhaust ducts during cooling and resulting in low power consumption, low noise, and direct usability. Installation is not restricted by location, and the system also achieves miniaturization, reducing production costs.

[0034] It is worth noting that, firstly, although kitchen cooking time is relatively short and the integrated refrigeration system will not be used for extended periods, the duration of most kitchen cooking still needs to be considered to determine the appropriate type and amount of phase change material to fill the phase change module 42. This ensures that the phase change material can release cooling capacity throughout the entire cooking process. Phase change materials can be hydrated salts, such as CaCl₂·6H₂O, Na₂CrO₄·10H₂O, trifluoroethane hydrate, etc., or waxy materials, such as paraffin wax. In practical applications, the type and amount of phase change material are selected according to design requirements and are not specifically limited here.

[0035] Secondly, although the phase change material (PCM) blows hot air into the environment during the cold storage process, the impact on ambient temperature is negligible since the kitchen is not in use at this time. The temperature of this hot air dissipates gradually after the PCM cold storage is complete. However, it is important to note that the temperature of the continuously blown hot air into the environment by the cold storage refrigeration system should not be too high, and the duration should not be too long, to avoid affecting the lifespan of compressor 1. Excessive temperature can also affect the temperature of other rooms and hinder heat dissipation, leading to a poor user experience. Therefore, when storing cold air with the PCM, cold storage can be stopped after a certain period of operation and when the ambient temperature is high, and then resumed after the temperature drops to a certain level. This intermittent cold storage method is used until the PCM completely solidifies.

[0036] In this invention, compressor 1 is a commercially available compressor commonly used in air conditioning heat exchange systems. Its purpose is to compress the refrigerant into a high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous state and provide power for the circulation loop. The first heat exchange device 2 is a commercially available condenser, which exchanges heat between the refrigerant and air, causing the refrigerant to release heat to cool down and transfer heat to the air to blow out hot air. The throttling device 3 is a commercially available expansion valve, installed between the condenser (first heat exchange device 2) and the evaporator (second heat exchange device 4). It throttles the refrigerant to cool and depressurize it before transferring it to the evaporator. The flow rate of the refrigerant can be adjusted by controlling the valve flow rate to ensure that the refrigerant is fully utilized during heat exchange in the evaporator. The second heat exchange device 4 is an improvement on commercially available evaporators. It places the refrigerant pipe 41 inside the phase change module 42. Through heat exchange between the refrigerant and the phase change material, the refrigerant absorbs heat and rises in temperature, while the phase change material releases heat and gradually changes from a liquid to a solid state to store cold. Furthermore, the phase change material after storing cold can also exchange heat with the air, releasing cold energy to the air to blow out cool air and achieve refrigeration.

[0037] Based on this, the first heat exchange device 2 is equipped with a first fan 6 for exchanging heat with air in the cold storage state, and the second heat exchange device 4 is equipped with a second fan 7 for exchanging heat with air in the cooling state. That is, when the circulation loop is open, the first fan 6 is turned on, so that when the refrigerant flows to the first heat exchange device 2, the first fan 6 draws in or blows out air into the first heat exchange device 2, allowing the refrigerant to exchange heat with the air passing through the first heat exchange device 2, thereby cooling the refrigerant and blowing out hot air. This hot air then flows to the second heat exchange device 4 and absorbs heat from the phase change material, causing the phase change material to gradually become solid and achieve cold storage. When the circulation loop is closed and the second heat exchange device 4 is open, the second fan 7 draws in or blows out air into the second heat exchange device 4, allowing the phase change material to exchange heat with the air passing through the second heat exchange device 4, thereby releasing the cold energy from the phase change material and blowing out cold air to achieve the purpose of cooling. The first fan 6 and / or the second fan 7 are exhaust fans or blowers.

[0038] As for the structure of the second heat exchange device 4, the refrigerant pipe 41 is located inside the phase change module 42, and the phase change material can surround the outside of the refrigerant pipe 41 to improve the heat exchange efficiency between the refrigerant and the phase change material.

[0039] Specifically, the phase change module 42 includes a shell with an internal cavity, a refrigerant pipe 41 disposed within the cavity and connected to a pipe 5, and a phase change material filling the closed cavity formed by the inner wall of the shell and the outer wall of the refrigerant pipe 41. That is, the refrigerant pipe 41 is entirely disposed within the cavity of the shell, and the inlet and outlet ends of the refrigerant pipe 41 are respectively connected to the corresponding pipes 5 through the shell. Thus, the refrigerant can continuously exchange heat with the phase change material as it flows through the refrigerant pipe 41, resulting in high heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, in cooling mode, the phase change material can directly exchange heat with the air through the shell. Since there are no other components besides the shell between the phase change material and the air, the heat exchange efficiency is even higher, which is beneficial for efficient cooling.

[0040] More specifically, the casing has an inlet and an outlet, and the two ends of the refrigerant pipe 41 are connected to the corresponding pipes 5 via the inlet and outlet, respectively. That is, the inlet end of the refrigerant pipe 41 is connected to the corresponding pipe 5 via the inlet, and the outlet end of the refrigerant pipe 41 is connected to the corresponding pipe 5 via the outlet. It is worth noting that after the two ends of the refrigerant pipe 41 are connected to the corresponding inlet and outlet, a closed cavity is still formed between the outer wall of the refrigerant pipe 41 and the inner wall of the casing to enclose the phase change material inside the casing.

[0041] In this invention, a single refrigerant tube 41 may be provided, located in the central region of the cavity, with the inlet and outlet corresponding to the two ends of the refrigerant tube 41, respectively. Alternatively, at least two refrigerant tubes 41 may be provided, evenly distributed within the cavity, with both ends of the at least two refrigerant tubes 41 corresponding to each other. The corresponding ends of the at least two refrigerant tubes 41 are integrated and connected to the corresponding inlet and outlet, respectively corresponding to the integrated ends of the at least two refrigerant tubes 41. Regardless of the number of refrigerant tubes 41, it is necessary to ensure that the refrigerant tubes 41 are evenly distributed from the central region of the cavity outwards, so that the refrigerant tubes 41 have more contact with the phase change material and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0042] The refrigerant pipe 41 of this utility model can be a straight pipe, a coiled pipe, a corrugated pipe, a finned pipe, or a spiral pipe, etc. Along the flow direction of the refrigerant, the diameter of the refrigerant pipe 41 can be completely or partially the same, as long as its two ends can be connected to the pipe 5 and are evenly distributed in the cavity. Based on meeting this condition, the shape and number of refrigerant pipes 41 are not specifically limited.

[0043] In addition to the aforementioned cold storage refrigeration system, this utility model also provides a kitchen air conditioner, which includes a housing, a cold storage refrigeration system installed inside the housing, and an air inlet and an air outlet for exchanging heat with the air.

[0044] In this invention, the cold storage refrigeration system is integrated into the outer casing of the kitchen air conditioner. In the phase change material cold storage mode, air is directly drawn in from the air inlet by the first fan 6, and after heat exchange with the first heat exchange device 2, hot air is discharged into the kitchen from the air outlet. In cooling mode, air is directly drawn in from the air inlet by the second fan 7, and after heat exchange with the phase change material, cold air is discharged into the kitchen from the air outlet; no hot air is discharged during this process. Therefore, the air inlet and outlet of this kitchen air conditioner are both connected to the air in the kitchen, eliminating the need for an outdoor unit, exhaust pipes, and vent pipes. This not only achieves integrated and miniaturized air conditioning but also allows for direct use without the need for specific installation location selection. The air conditioner's installation location is unrestricted and can be placed in any available space in the kitchen. Furthermore, casters can be installed for easy movement, allowing for convenient relocation based on the user's location and improving user comfort.

[0045] For the air outlet and air inlet of the kitchen air conditioner of this utility model, the air inlet is located on the back of the casing, i.e., the side facing away from the user, and the air outlet is located on the front of the casing, i.e., the side facing the user, so that the cold air can be blown directly to the user. One air inlet and one air outlet can be provided, and the positions of the first fan 6, the second fan 7, the first heat exchange device 2, and the second heat exchange device 4 correspond to the positions of the air inlet and air outlet. Alternatively, two air inlets and two air outlets can be provided, with one set of air inlets and outlets corresponding to the first fan 6 and the first heat exchange device 2, and the other set of air outlets and inlets corresponding to the second fan 7 and the second heat exchange device 4. In practical applications, the selection is based on design requirements.

[0046] In addition, the kitchen air conditioner of this utility model also includes a control system, and the cold storage refrigeration system is electrically connected to the control system.

[0047] Therefore, without the need for environmental cooling and with the phase change material in a liquid state, the control system can activate the cold storage mode to open the circulation loop, allowing the refrigerant to circulate within it. Compressor 1 compresses the refrigerant into a high-pressure, high-temperature gaseous state. This gaseous refrigerant then flows through pipe 5 to the first heat exchanger 2, where it exchanges heat with air via the first fan 6, cooling the refrigerant. The heated air is then blown into the environment as hot air. The cooled refrigerant then flows through pipe 5, passing through the throttling device 3 for depressurization and cooling before flowing to the second heat exchanger 4. In the second heat exchanger 4, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the phase change material, absorbing heat and gradually cooling the material. The refrigerant then flows back to compressor 1 through pipe 5 for compression. This cycle continues until the phase change material completely solidifies, completing the cold storage process.

[0048] When cooling is required, the phase change material, which is completely solid after being stored in cold water, releases its cooling capacity. At this time, the cooling mode is activated by the control system. In the second heat exchange device 4, the phase change material exchanges heat with the air through the second fan 7. The phase change material absorbs heat and gradually changes to a liquid phase, so that the air that has been heated is blown out into the environment in the form of cold air, thereby achieving cooling of the environment.

[0049] Based on this, the kitchen air conditioner of this utility model also includes a flow sensor and / or a temperature sensor, both of which are electrically connected to the control system.

[0050] The flow sensor is installed in the airflow channels of the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 4, while the temperature sensor is installed in the compressor 1 and near the environment. Thus, the flow sensor can monitor the flow rate of the air used for heat exchange in the first heat exchanger 2 and the second heat exchanger 4 in real time and transmit this data to the control system, allowing the control system to adjust the airflow as needed. The temperature sensor can be used to monitor the compressor 1 and the ambient temperature in real time to prevent the compressor 1 and / or the ambient temperature from becoming too high during the phase change material cold storage process.

[0051] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cold storage refrigeration system, characterized in that, include: The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the throttling device, and the second heat exchanger are sequentially connected by pipelines to form a circulation loop that allows refrigerant to flow. The second heat exchange device includes a refrigerant pipe and a phase change module. The refrigerant pipe is disposed inside the phase change module and connected to the pipeline. The phase change module is enclosed and filled with a phase change material, and the phase change material is located outside the refrigerant pipe. In the cold storage state, the circulation loop is open, the refrigerant releases heat to the air in the first heat exchange device, and absorbs heat from the phase change material at the second heat exchange device; In a cooled state, the phase change material absorbs heat from the air.

2. The cold storage refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The phase change module includes a housing with an internal cavity, a refrigerant pipe disposed in the cavity and connected to the pipeline, and a phase change material filling a closed cavity formed by the inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the refrigerant pipe.

3. The cold storage refrigeration system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The housing has an inlet and an outlet, and the two ends of the refrigerant pipe are connected to the corresponding pipelines via the inlet and the outlet, respectively.

4. The cold storage refrigeration system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The refrigerant pipe is provided, and the refrigerant pipe is located in the middle area of ​​the cavity. The inlet and the outlet are respectively provided at the two ends of the refrigerant pipe.

5. The cold storage refrigeration system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The refrigerant tube is provided with at least two tubes, which are evenly distributed in the cavity. Both ends of the at least two refrigerant tubes are correspondingly arranged. The corresponding ends of the at least two refrigerant tubes are integrated and connected to the corresponding inlet and outlet. The inlet and outlet are respectively arranged at the two ends of the integrated at least two refrigerant tubes.

6. The cold storage refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerant pipe can be a straight pipe, a coil, a corrugated pipe, a finned pipe, or a spiral pipe.

7. The cold storage refrigeration system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first heat exchange device is provided with a first fan for exchanging heat with air in the cold storage state, and the second heat exchange device is provided with a second fan for exchanging heat with air in the cooling state.

8. A kitchen air conditioner, characterized in that, include: The housing and the cold storage refrigeration system according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the cold storage refrigeration system is installed inside the housing, and the housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet for heat exchange with air.

9. The kitchen air conditioner according to claim 8, characterized in that: The kitchen air conditioner also includes a control system, and the cold storage refrigeration system is electrically connected to the control system.

10. The kitchen air conditioner according to claim 9, characterized in that: The kitchen air conditioner also includes a flow sensor and / or a temperature sensor, both of which are electrically connected to the control system.

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