Instrument box temperature adjusting device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of heating and refrigerating combined systems, in particular to an instrument box temperature adjusting device. The instrument box temperature adjusting device comprises a vortex tube, the upstream of the vortex tube is connected with an air filtering pressure regulator, the vortex tube comprises a cold air end and a hot air end, the cold air end is connected with a heat exchanger through a cooling pipeline, the hot air end is provided with a hot end emptying valve, and a temperature adjusting valve is arranged between the air filtering pressure regulator and the vortex tube. The temperature adjusting valve is connected with a temperature measuring device, and the temperature adjusting valve controls the amount of air entering the vortex tube through the temperature, measured by the temperature measuring device, of the instrument box body. The hot air end is connected with the heat exchanger through a heating pipeline, and the cold air end is provided with a cold end emptying valve. According to the instrument box temperature adjusting device, heat exchange is carried out between cold and hot air generated by the vortex tube and the heat exchanger, so that the instrument box can be heated or cooled, and the use requirement of an anti-explosion area is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of combined heating and cooling systems, and in particular to a temperature regulating device for an instrument box. Background Technology

[0002] Instrument boxes in hazardous locations of chemical plants are subject to extremely strict temperature requirements for their operating environment. Both excessively high and low temperatures can reduce instrument accuracy, thus affecting the precision of measurement results. Specifically, high temperatures may damage or cause malfunctions in internal instrument components, thereby affecting the instrument's accuracy and stability; low temperatures may cause the lubricating oil or grease inside the instrument to solidify, affecting the instrument's flexibility and accuracy.

[0003] To address the issue of excessively low temperatures in winter, current technologies commonly employ electric or steam heat tracing to heat instrument boxes. Electric heat tracing systems convert electrical energy into heat energy, which is then generated by heating elements within the heating cable and transferred to the instruments or equipment requiring heating to maintain a specific temperature. Steam heat tracing systems utilize steam as a heat source, transferring heat to the instruments or equipment through steam tracing pipes. However, electric heating cables are prone to damage and are expensive, while steam tracing pipes are susceptible to corrosion and perforation, resulting in a high failure rate. Furthermore, the use of electric heat tracing in explosion-proof areas poses certain risks.

[0004] To address the issue of excessively high temperatures in summer, existing technologies often employ instrument airflow or factory airflow for ventilation and heat dissipation of instrument boxes. These systems introduce fresh air or recirculated air from within the factory to ventilate and cool the instruments or equipment, thereby lowering their operating temperature. However, ventilation and heat dissipation primarily rely on airflow to remove heat, and their effectiveness is relatively limited. In high-temperature environments, they may not meet the temperature requirements of the instruments. In hazardous locations containing explosives, using instrument airflow or factory airflow for ventilation and heat dissipation may increase the risk of explosion, as ventilation may introduce or disperse explosive gases, thus exacerbating safety risks.

[0005] Chinese utility model patent CN215011278U, with an authorization announcement date of December 3, 2021, discloses a refrigeration device for an explosion-proof control cabinet. This refrigeration device includes an instrument air compressor for compressing and drawing air into a pipeline for delivery, an air filter for filtering the air delivered into the pipeline, a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of the compressed air in the pipeline, a pressure gauge for detecting the air pressure in the pipeline, a vortex tube for converting compressed air into cold air and a heat exchanger, with the heat exchanger installed inside the explosion-proof control cabinet and connected to the cold air end of the vortex tube. This refrigeration device reduces the temperature inside the cabinet by exchanging heat between the cold air generated by the vortex tube and the heat exchanger, overcoming the shortcomings of existing technologies and solving the problem of high ambient temperatures affecting the accuracy and stability of instruments. However, it does not solve the problem of low ambient temperatures affecting the accuracy and stability of instruments. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an instrument box temperature regulation device to solve the problem that existing purely physical devices using instrument air can only cool the instrument box but cannot solve the problem that low ambient temperatures affect the accuracy and stability of the instrument.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the instrument box temperature regulation device of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] An instrument box temperature control device includes a vortex tube, an air filter regulator connected upstream of the vortex tube, the vortex tube having a cold air end and a hot air end, the cold air end being connected to a heat exchanger via a cooling pipeline, the hot air end being equipped with a hot-end vent valve, a temperature regulating valve being provided between the air filter regulator and the vortex tube, the temperature regulating valve being connected to a temperature measuring device, the temperature regulating valve being used to control the amount of air entering the vortex tube based on the temperature of the instrument box measured by the temperature measuring device; the hot air end being connected to the heat exchanger via a heating pipeline, and the cold air end being equipped with a cold-end vent valve.

[0009] Furthermore, the cold air end is provided with a cold end tee, and the three ports of the cold end tee are respectively connected to the cold air end, the cold end vent valve and the cooling pipeline.

[0010] Furthermore, the hot gas end is provided with a hot end tee, and the three ports of the hot end tee are respectively connected to the hot gas end, the hot end vent valve and the heating pipeline.

[0011] Furthermore, the cooling pipeline and the heating pipeline are connected by a connecting tee, and the connecting tee is connected to the heat exchanger through a connecting pipeline. The cooling pipeline is equipped with a cold end valve, and the heating pipeline is equipped with a hot end valve.

[0012] Furthermore, multiple heat exchangers are provided, and the heat exchangers are connected in series.

[0013] Furthermore, both the cold-end valve and the hot-end valve are ball valves.

[0014] Furthermore, both the hot-end vent valve and the cold-end vent valve are ball valves.

[0015] Furthermore, the temperature regulating valve is a self-operated temperature regulating valve.

[0016] Furthermore, the temperature measuring device is a temperature probe.

[0017] Furthermore, the heat exchanger is equipped with thermal insulation cotton in the parts that do not participate in heat exchange to reduce heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the external environment.

[0018] Beneficial Effects: This utility model's instrument box temperature regulation device is an improved invention. Through this design, a vortex tube is installed, and the air entering the vortex tube is separated into cold and hot air to heat or cool the instrument box. An air filter pressure regulator is used to filter and adjust the air entering the vortex tube, and a temperature regulating valve is used to regulate the amount of air entering the vortex tube, thus achieving more precise temperature regulation. Different valves are set to control the heat exchanger to heat or cool the instrument box. This utility model's instrument box temperature regulation device heats or cools the instrument box by exchanging heat between the cold and hot air generated by the vortex tube and the heat exchanger, meeting the requirements for use in explosion-proof areas. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the instrument box temperature regulation device of this utility model.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Vortex tube; 2. Air filter regulator; 3. Temperature control valve; 4. Cooling pipeline; 5. Heat exchanger; 6. Heating pipeline; 7. Hot end vent valve; 8. Cold end vent valve; 9. Instrument box; 10. Cold end tee; 11. Hot end tee; 12. Connecting tee; 13. Connecting pipeline; 14. Cold end valve; 15. Hot end valve; 16. Temperature probe; 17. Thermal insulation cotton. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The features and performance of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0022] This utility model's instrument box temperature regulation device uses a vortex tube. Based on centrifugal force and energy conversion, in the vortex tube, there is viscous friction between the high-speed rotating airflow layers, leading to energy transfer and temperature separation. When high-pressure air enters the vortex tube, it enters the vortex chamber tangentially through the nozzle, forming a high-speed rotating vortex and generating centrifugal force, causing the air to be separated into an inner and outer layer. The inner layer gas loses energy, resulting in a decrease in kinetic energy and a drop in temperature, and is drawn out from one end of the vortex tube for cooling. The outer layer gas, through friction with the tube wall, converts its kinetic energy into heat energy, causing a temperature increase, and is drawn out from the other end of the vortex tube for heating.

[0023] As a basic solution, the instrument box temperature regulation device of this utility model is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the instrument box temperature regulation device of this utility model mainly includes a vortex tube 1, an air filter regulator 2, a temperature regulating valve 3, and a temperature measuring device. The vortex tube 1 is the core component of this device, outputting cold air and hot air through its cold air end and hot air end respectively for instrument box temperature regulation. An air filter regulator 2 is set upstream of the vortex tube 1 to filter and regulate the air entering the vortex tube 1, ensuring air quality and stability. The temperature regulating valve 3 is connected to the temperature measuring device, which measures the temperature of the instrument box in real time and controls the amount of air entering the vortex tube 1 based on the temperature data to achieve precise temperature regulation (temperature regulation through air distribution is a mature technology and will not be elaborated here). The cold air end is connected to the heat exchanger 5 through a cooling pipeline 4, and the hot air end is connected to the heat exchanger 5 through a heating pipeline 6, forming a heat exchange system for transferring energy to the instrument box. A hot end vent valve 7 is provided at the hot air end, and a cold end vent valve 8 is provided at the cold air end, for releasing excess air when needed. When cooling of the instrument box is required, the hot-end vent valve 7 is opened and the cold-end vent valve 8 is closed. The hot air in the vortex tube 1 is discharged through the hot-end vent valve 7, and the cold air reaches the heat exchanger 5 through the cooling pipeline 4 to cool the instrument box. When heating of the instrument box 9 is required, the cold-end vent valve 8 is opened and the hot-end vent valve 7 is closed. The cold air in the vortex tube 1 is discharged through the cold-end vent valve 8, and the hot air reaches the heat exchanger 5 through the heating pipeline 6 to heat the instrument box 9. Through the linkage between the temperature regulating valve 3 and the temperature measuring device, the temperature inside the instrument box 9 can be adjusted in real time and accurately to meet the needs of various working environments. A stable temperature environment helps to improve the stability of the electronic components inside the instrument box 9 and extend their service life, reducing the failure rate caused by temperature changes. This device outputs cold and hot air through the hot and cold ends of the vortex tube 1, realizing efficient energy utilization. At the same time, through precise temperature control, unnecessary energy waste is avoided.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the cold air end is provided with a cold air end tee 10, the three ports of which are respectively connected to the cold air end, the cold air end vent valve 8, and the cooling pipeline 4. The cold air end tee 10 is a three-way pipe fitting with three openings for connecting the cold air end, the cold air end vent valve 8, and the cooling pipeline 4. This design allows the cold air to choose its flow direction according to actual needs after reaching the cold air end. The cold air end is the direct output end of the cold air. After flowing out from here, the cold air can enter the heat exchanger 5 through the cooling pipeline 4. When the system needs to heat the instrument box 9, the cold air end vent valve 8 can be opened to allow the cold air to be discharged into the atmosphere through this valve, which helps to vent the cold air end and prevent condensate from accumulating or freezing. The cold air enters the heat exchanger 5 through the cooling pipeline 4 to exchange heat with the heat medium, thereby reducing the temperature of the heat medium. The connection of the cooling pipeline 4 allows the cold air to be effectively used for the cooling process. The three-way design allows for more efficient use of cold air. When cooling is needed, cold air enters the heat exchanger 5 through the cooling line 4; when cooling is not needed or the system is shut down, the cold air is discharged through the cold end vent valve 8, avoiding unnecessary energy waste. The cold end tee 10 improves the system's flexibility, ease of maintenance, efficiency, and safety, allowing the output of the cold air to be flexibly allocated as needed, meeting the temperature regulation requirements of different working environments.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the hot gas end is provided with a hot-end tee 11, the three ports of which are respectively connected to the hot gas end, the hot-end vent valve 7, and the heating pipeline 6. The hot-end tee 11 is a three-way pipe fitting with three openings for connecting the hot gas end, the hot-end vent valve 7, and the heating pipeline 6. This design allows the hot gas to choose its flow direction according to actual needs after reaching the hot gas end. The hot gas end is the direct output end of the hot gas; after flowing out from here, the hot gas can enter the heat exchanger 5 through the heating pipeline 6. When the system needs to cool the instrument box 9, the hot-end vent valve 7 can be opened, allowing the hot gas to be discharged into the atmosphere through this valve, preventing the accumulation of hot gas or the generation of unnecessary heat. The hot gas enters the heat exchanger 5 through the heating pipeline 6, exchanging heat with the heat medium, thereby heating the temperature of the heat medium. The connection of the heating pipeline 6 allows the hot gas to be effectively used in the heating process. The tee design allows for more efficient use of hot air. When heating is needed, hot air enters the heat exchanger 5 through the heating pipeline 6; when cooling is not needed or the system is shut down, hot air is discharged through the hot-end vent valve 7, avoiding unnecessary energy waste. The hot-end tee 11 improves the system's flexibility, ease of maintenance, efficiency, and safety, allowing the output of the hot air end to be flexibly allocated as needed, meeting the temperature regulation requirements under different working environments.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the cooling pipeline 4 and the heating pipeline 6 are connected by a connecting tee 12. The connecting tee 12 is connected to the heat exchanger 5 via a connecting pipeline. The cooling pipeline 4 is equipped with a cold-end valve 14, and the heating pipeline 6 is equipped with a hot-end valve 15. The connecting tee 12 is a special pipe fitting that allows the three pipelines to be interconnected, thereby realizing the splitting or merging of fluids. In this instrument temperature regulating device, the cooling pipeline 4 and the heating pipeline 6 are connected by the connecting tee 12, allowing the fluid to be flexibly switched between the two. When cooling is required, the gas from the cooling pipeline 4 reaches the heat exchanger 5 through the connecting pipeline; when heating is required, the gas from the heating pipeline 6 reaches the heat exchanger 5 through the connecting pipeline. By using the connecting tee 12, the cooling pipeline 4 and the heating pipeline 6 can be integrated into one system, thereby simplifying the system structure, reducing the number of pipelines and valves, and lowering the system complexity and cost. The connecting tee 12 is connected to the heat exchanger 5 via a connecting pipeline, ensuring that the fluid can smoothly enter the heat exchanger 5 for heat exchange. This design helps reduce fluid resistance and energy loss in the pipeline, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, multiple heat exchangers 5 are provided, and the heat exchangers 5 are connected in series. When multiple heat exchangers 5 are connected in series, cold or hot air will sequentially exchange heat through each heat exchanger 5. Each heat exchanger 5 will heat or cool the instrument box 9 to a certain extent. By connecting multiple heat exchangers 5 in series, the fluid temperature can be efficiently regulated to reach the desired temperature range. Connecting multiple heat exchangers 5 in series can fully utilize the heat source and improve heat exchange efficiency. In each heat exchanger 5, the fluid will exchange heat with the heat source or cold source, thereby gradually approaching the target temperature. Even if one heat exchanger 5 fails, the other heat exchangers 5 can continue to operate, ensuring the continuity and stability of the system. This reduces the risk of the entire system shutting down due to the failure of a single device.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, both the cold-end valve 14 and the hot-end valve 15 are ball valves. A ball valve is a commonly used fluid control valve, its structure mainly consisting of a valve body, a ball, a valve stem, and seals. When the valve stem rotates, the ball rotates accordingly, thereby changing the open or closed state of the fluid passage. Ball valves have a fully open or fully closed characteristic; that is, when the ball rotates 90 degrees, the fluid passage is fully open or closed. The ball valve's passage design results in less resistance to fluid flow, which helps reduce energy loss and fluid pressure drop. In the temperature control device of the instrument box 9, cold or hot air can pass through the valve more smoothly and enter the heat exchanger 5 for heat exchange.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, both the hot-end vent valve 7 and the cold-end vent valve 8 are ball valves. Ball valves open and close rapidly, requiring only a 90-degree rotation to achieve full opening or closing. This allows for a quick response when rapid venting of hot or cold air is needed, reducing waiting time. In the temperature control device of the instrument box 9, the main function of the hot-end vent valve 7 and the cold-end vent valve 8 is to vent the hot and cold air ends when the instrument box 9 is individually heated or cooled. Using ball valves as vent valves ensures that hot or cold air can be quickly and safely discharged into the atmosphere during the venting process, while avoiding leakage and safety hazards.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature regulating valve 3 is a self-regulating temperature regulating valve 3. The self-regulating temperature regulating valve 3 utilizes the principle of thermal expansion and contraction of the temperature-sensing liquid and the incompressibility of liquids to achieve automatic regulation. When the temperature of the controlled medium changes, the volume of the temperature-sensing liquid inside the sensor expands or contracts accordingly. When the temperature of the controlled medium is higher than the set value, the temperature-sensing liquid expands, pushing the valve core downwards to close the valve and reduce the flow of the heating medium; conversely, when the temperature of the controlled medium is lower than the set value, the temperature-sensing liquid contracts, and the return spring pushes the valve core open, increasing the flow of the heating medium. This proportional regulation method allows the controlled temperature to be maintained within the set temperature range. The self-regulating temperature regulating valve 3 does not require an external power source or additional power such as compressed air; it relies solely on the temperature change of the medium itself for automatic regulation, thereby reducing energy consumption and operating costs. Because it does not require an external power source, the self-regulating temperature regulating valve 3 offers higher safety when used in hazardous locations containing explosives, avoiding safety hazards caused by power failures or electromagnetic interference. The self-operated temperature regulating valve 3 uses the principle of thermal expansion and contraction of the temperature-sensing liquid to make proportional adjustments, which can achieve precise temperature control and meet the high requirements of the instrument box 9 for temperature stability.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature measuring device is a temperature probe 16. The temperature probe 16, as a temperature measuring device, primarily operates based on the thermoelectric effect, the resistance temperature detector (RTD) effect, or the temperature characteristics of semiconductor materials. The temperature probe 16 possesses high-precision temperature measurement capabilities, accurately reflecting temperature changes within the instrument box 9 and providing accurate control signals to the temperature regulating valve 3. The temperature probe 16 has a fast response speed, quickly capturing temperature changes and promptly adjusting the temperature within the instrument box 9 to ensure temperature stability. The temperature probe 16 has strong anti-interference capabilities, resisting the influence of external factors such as electromagnetic interference and vibration, ensuring the accuracy of the temperature measurement results. Common types of temperature probes 16 include thermocouple probes, RTD probes, and semiconductor probes. These probes have different characteristics and applications. For example, thermocouple probes have a wide measurement range, fast response speed, and high accuracy; RTD probes have high measurement accuracy, good stability, and strong anti-interference capabilities; while semiconductor probes have advantages such as small size, light weight, and low power consumption.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the non-heat-exchange portions of the heat exchanger 5 are provided with thermal insulation cotton 17 to reduce heat exchange between the heat exchanger 5 and the external environment. Thermal insulation cotton 17 is a highly efficient insulation material used to wrap the heat exchanger 5 to reduce heat transfer to the external environment or cold infiltration from the external environment. Thermal insulation cotton 17 effectively blocks heat loss to the surrounding environment through conduction, convection, and radiation, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the heat exchanger. Thermal insulation cotton 17 helps maintain a stable internal temperature of the heat exchanger 5, ensuring that the instrument temperature control device can accurately control the temperature. In the instrument temperature control device, thermal insulation cotton 17 is tightly wrapped around the outside of the heat exchanger 5 to ensure its insulation effect. Depending on the shape and size of the heat exchanger 5, thermal insulation cotton 17 can be cut into a suitable shape to fit the surface of the heat exchanger 5. Furthermore, thermal insulation cotton 17 should also possess good corrosion resistance, fire resistance, and mechanical strength to ensure its long-term use in harsh environments.

[0033] The specific implementation process of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1As shown, factory instrument air or factory air enters the air filter regulator 2. After filtration and pressure reduction, it enters the self-regulating temperature control valve 3. The temperature probe installed in the instrument box 9 automatically adjusts the airflow through the self-regulating temperature control valve 3 by detecting the temperature of the instrument box 9. The regulated air enters the vortex tube 1. When the airflow rotates at high speed in the vortex tube 1, it is separated into two airflows with different total temperatures after vortex transformation. Different cooling and heating capacities are obtained according to the changes in airflow and pressure. When a cold medium is needed to cool the equipment, the cold end vent valve 8 and the hot end valve 15 are closed, and the cold end valve 14 and the hot end vent valve 7 are opened, allowing cold air to enter the heat exchanger 5. The heat exchanger 5 is attached to the metal surface of the instrument box 9 and cabinet, controlling the temperature inside the instrument box 9 and cabinet within the required range. When a heat medium is needed to heat the equipment, open the cold end vent valve 8 and the hot end valve 15, and close the cold end valve 14 and the hot end vent valve 7 to allow hot air to enter the heat exchanger 5. The heat exchanger 5 is attached to the metal surface of the instrument box 9 and cabinet to control the temperature inside the instrument box 9 and cabinet within the required range.

[0034] This device has no electrical equipment. The self-regulating temperature control valve 3 automatically adjusts the flow rate by physically stretching and deforming the spring due to temperature changes. The vortex tube 1 causes the airflow to rotate at high speed, generating cold air at a minimum of -46℃ and hot air at a maximum of 127℃. The pressure is adjusted by the air filter pressure regulator 2, which can control the maximum and minimum temperatures and fully meet the requirements for use in explosion-proof areas.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. The patent protection scope of the present utility model shall be determined by the claims. Similarly, any equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present utility model shall also be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A temperature regulating device for an instrument box, comprising a vortex tube, an air filter pressure regulator connected upstream of the vortex tube, the vortex tube comprising a cold air end and a hot air end, the cold air end being connected to a heat exchanger via a cooling pipeline, and the hot air end being provided with a hot-end vent valve, characterized in that, A temperature regulating valve is provided between the air filter regulator and the vortex tube. A temperature measuring device is connected to the temperature regulating valve. The temperature regulating valve is used to control the amount of air entering the vortex tube according to the temperature of the instrument box measured by the temperature measuring device. The hot air end is connected to the heat exchanger through a heating pipeline, and the cold air end is provided with a cold end vent valve.

2. The instrument box temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cold air end is provided with a cold end tee, and the three ports of the cold end tee are respectively connected to the cold air end, the cold end vent valve and the cooling pipeline.

3. The instrument box temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot gas end is provided with a hot gas end tee, and the three ports of the hot gas end tee are respectively connected to the hot gas end, the hot gas end vent valve and the heating pipeline.

4. The instrument box temperature regulating device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The cooling pipeline and the heating pipeline are connected by a connecting tee, and the connecting tee is connected to the heat exchanger through a connecting pipeline. The cooling pipeline is equipped with a cold end valve, and the heating pipeline is equipped with a hot end valve.

5. The instrument box temperature regulating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Multiple heat exchangers are provided, and the heat exchangers are connected in series.

6. The instrument box temperature regulating device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both the cold-end valve and the hot-end valve are ball valves.

7. The instrument box temperature regulating device according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, Both the hot-end vent valve and the cold-end vent valve are ball valves.

8. The instrument box temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature regulating valve is a self-operated temperature regulating valve.

9. The instrument box temperature regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature measuring device is a temperature probe.

10. The instrument box temperature regulating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat exchanger is equipped with thermal insulation cotton in the parts that do not participate in heat exchange to reduce heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the external environment.

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