Heat energy recovery system for oil way of screw air compressor
By installing a temperature-controlled three-way valve in the oil circuit of the screw air compressor, combined with a heat exchange module and a cooling module, the problems of heat energy waste and unstable lubricating oil temperature in the screw air compressor are solved, achieving efficient and stable heat energy recovery and lubricating oil temperature control.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520754623.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-10
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-04-21
AI Technical Summary
During operation, existing screw air compressors lose heat generated by compressed air through lubricating oil, resulting in energy waste. Furthermore, existing heat recovery solutions are complex in structure, inefficient, or conflict with the operation of the air compressor, making it difficult to balance the heat recovery effect with the safety of lubricating oil temperature.
A temperature-controlled three-way valve is installed in the oil circuit of the screw air compressor, connecting the heat exchange module and the cooling module. When the lubricating oil temperature reaches 65℃, the high-temperature oil enters both modules simultaneously for cooling; when it is below 65℃, all the oil enters the cooling module for cooling, ensuring that the lubricating oil temperature is within a safe range.
It achieves rapid cooling of high-temperature lubricating oil, has a simple structure, and a small temperature difference in lubricating oil, avoiding malfunctions caused by temperature differences and improving heat recovery efficiency and system stability.
Smart Images

Figure CN223894409U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of screw air compressor technology, specifically relating to a screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system. Background Technology
[0002] During operation, approximately 70%-80% of the heat generated by the compressed air in a screw air compressor is dissipated into the environment as heat energy through the lubricating oil circulation system. Traditional air compressors directly dissipate heat through air-cooled or water-cooled oil coolers, resulting in energy waste. In existing technologies, some heat recovery solutions suffer from complex structures, low recovery efficiency, or conflicts with the operation of the air compressor. Furthermore, it is necessary to balance the heat recovery effect to ensure that the oil temperature remains within a safe range while recovering heat, thus preventing the screw air compressor from malfunctioning due to excessive temperature differences in the returning lubricating oil. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system. A temperature-controlled three-way valve is installed on the oil circuit at the screw air compressor's oil outlet. A heat exchange module is connected to the first port of the temperature-controlled three-way valve, and a cooling module is connected to the second port. When the lubricating oil temperature is greater than or equal to 65°C, both the first and second ports open simultaneously, allowing the high-temperature lubricating oil to flow into both the heat exchange and cooling modules for heat exchange and cooling. After cooling, the oil flows back to the screw air compressor. When the lubricating oil temperature flowing into the temperature-controlled three-way valve is less than 65°C, the second port opens and the first port automatically closes, allowing all the lubricating oil to flow into the cooling module for rapid cooling before flowing back into the screw air compressor. The entire system has a relatively simple structure, enables rapid cooling of high-temperature lubricating oil, and has a small temperature difference between the lubricating oil flowing back into the screw air compressor from the two modules.
[0004] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0005] A screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system includes a screw air compressor, a temperature-controlled three-way valve, a heat exchange module, and a cooling module. The temperature-controlled three-way valve is connected to the oil circuit at the oil outlet of the screw air compressor and includes a first port and a second port. The heat exchange module is connected to the first port, and the cooling module is connected to the second port. The heat exchange module is connected to the oil return end of the screw air compressor and an external heat-using device, respectively. The heat exchange module cools the lubricating oil and uses the high temperature of the lubricating oil to heat the external heat-using device. The cooling module is connected to the oil return end of the screw air compressor and is used to cool the lubricating oil.
[0006] Preferably, when the temperature of the lubricating oil flowing into the temperature-controlled three-way valve of the screw air compressor is less than 65°C, the second port opens and the first port closes automatically; when the temperature of the lubricating oil flowing into the temperature-controlled three-way valve of the screw air compressor is greater than or equal to 65°C, both the first port and the second port open.
[0007] Preferably, the heat exchange module includes a plate heat exchanger, an oil return unit, and a heat exchange unit. Both the oil return unit and the heat exchange unit are connected to the plate heat exchanger. The other end of the oil return unit is connected to a screw air compressor, and the heat exchange unit is connected to an external heat-using device.
[0008] Preferably, the oil return unit includes a first temperature control valve, which is located between the plate heat exchanger and the screw air compressor. The first temperature control valve opens when the temperature of the lubricating oil flowing into the oil return unit is less than or equal to 60°C.
[0009] Preferably, the heat exchange unit includes a tap water network and a water storage tank. The tap water network is connected to the plate heat exchanger. A flow valve is provided between the tap water network and the plate heat exchanger. The flow valve is used to control the water inflow to the plate heat exchanger. The hot water heated by the plate heat exchanger flows into the water storage tank, which is connected to external heat-using equipment.
[0010] Preferably, a second temperature control valve is provided between the plate heat exchanger and the water storage tank. When the water temperature in the plate heat exchanger is greater than or equal to 70°C, the second temperature control valve opens, allowing the heated water to flow into the water storage tank.
[0011] Preferably, the water storage tank includes a first tank and a second tank, the second tank being disposed within the first tank and spaced apart from the first tank. Multiple support columns are provided at the bottom of the second tank to support the second tank inside the first tank. A water inlet pipe is provided above the second tank, passing through the first tank and protruding from its surface. A water outlet pipe is provided at the bottom of the second tank, passing through the bottom of the first tank and protruding from its bottom. Multiple legs are provided below the first tank to support it and lift it off the ground.
[0012] Preferably, the space between the first box and the second box is filled with thermal insulation cotton.
[0013] Preferably, the bottom of the second tank is configured as a funnel-shaped structure, and the water outlet pipe is located at the geometric center of the bottom of the second tank.
[0014] Preferably, the cooling module includes a cooler, on which a PLC control unit, a temperature sensor, and a flow sensor are connected; the cooler is connected to a screw air compressor.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects:
[0016] (1) In this utility model, a temperature-controlled three-way valve is installed on the oil circuit of the screw air compressor. The heat exchange module is connected to the first port of the temperature-controlled three-way valve, and the cooling module is connected to the second port of the temperature-controlled three-way valve. When the lubricating oil temperature is greater than or equal to 65°C, the first port and the second port are opened at the same time, so that the high-temperature lubricating oil can flow into the heat exchange module and the cooling module at the same time for heat exchange and cooling. After cooling, it flows back to the screw air compressor. When the lubricating oil temperature flowing into the temperature-controlled three-way valve is less than 65°C, the second port is opened and the first port is automatically closed, so that all the lubricating oil flows into the cooling module for rapid cooling and then flows back into the screw air compressor. The whole system structure is relatively simple, which can make the high-temperature lubricating oil cool down quickly, and the temperature difference of the lubricating oil flowing back into the screw air compressor from the two modules is small.
[0017] (2) In this utility model, the water storage tank has a double-layer structure, and insulation cotton is filled between the first tank and the second tank. The double-layer water storage tank structure can better store and keep the hot water flowing in, avoid the water temperature in the water storage tank from dropping rapidly due to the low ambient temperature, and ensure that the equipment using hot water at the back end can work normally. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0019] Figure 1 This is a logic block diagram of the oil circuit heat recovery system of the screw air compressor in this utility model.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial sectional view of the water storage tank in this utility model.
[0021] Wherein: 1-First box, 2-Second box, 3-Inlet pipe, 4-Outlet pipe, 5-Support column, 6-Feeding leg, 7-Insulation cotton. Detailed Implementation
[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of this utility model, but not all embodiments.
[0023] Example 1:
[0024] A screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system, such as Figure 1As shown, the system includes a screw air compressor, a temperature-controlled three-way valve, a heat exchange module, and a cooling module. The temperature-controlled three-way valve is connected to the oil line at the oil outlet of the screw air compressor. The valve includes a first port and a second port. The heat exchange module is connected to the first port, and the cooling module is connected to the second port. When the temperature of the lubricating oil flowing into the temperature-controlled three-way valve is less than 65°C, the second port opens and the first port automatically closes, allowing all the high-temperature lubricating oil to flow into the cooling module for cooling. When the temperature of the lubricating oil flowing into the temperature-controlled three-way valve is greater than or equal to 65°C, both the first and second ports open, allowing the high-temperature lubricating oil to simultaneously flow into both the heat exchange module and the cooling module for heat exchange and cooling. The heat exchange module is connected to the oil return end of the screw air compressor and external heat-using equipment. The high-temperature lubricating oil converts some of its heat through the heat exchange module for use in heating the external heat-using equipment. The cooled lubricating oil flows back into the screw air compressor through the oil return end. The cooling module is connected to the screw air compressor. The cooling module includes a cooler, which is connected to a PLC control unit, a temperature sensor, and a flow sensor. The cooler is also connected to the oil return end of the screw air compressor. When the temperature of the lubricating oil flowing into the temperature-controlled three-way valve is less than 65°C, the lubricating oil cannot flow into the heat exchange module. At this time, all the lubricating oil will flow into the cooling module. The cooler in the cooling module cools the lubricating oil and controls the temperature and flow rate of the lubricating oil flowing through the cooler through the PLC control unit, temperature sensor, and flow sensor, so that the lubricating oil temperature drops to 60°C before flowing into the screw air compressor. When the temperature of the lubricating oil flowing into the temperature-controlled three-way valve of the screw air compressor is greater than or equal to 65°C, part of the lubricating oil returns to the screw air compressor through the heat exchange module, and part of the lubricating oil enters the cooler for cooling. The temperature difference of the lubricating oil flowing back from the cooling module and the heat exchange module is small, so that the return temperature of the lubricating oil is kept within a safe range of about 60°C.
[0025] Example 2:
[0026] This embodiment further defines the heat exchange module based on the above embodiments, such as... Figure 1As shown, the heat exchange module includes a plate heat exchanger, an oil return unit, and a heat exchange unit. Both the oil return unit and the heat exchange unit are connected to the plate heat exchanger. The other end of the oil return unit is connected to the oil return end of the screw air compressor, and the heat exchange unit is connected to external heat-using equipment. The oil return unit includes a first temperature control valve, which is located between the plate heat exchanger and the screw air compressor. When the temperature of the lubricating oil flowing into the oil return unit is less than or equal to 60°C, the first temperature control valve opens. When hydraulic oil flows into the plate heat exchanger, some heat is dissipated through the plate heat exchanger, and some heat is consumed through the heat exchange unit, which can quickly cool the high-temperature lubricating oil to 60°C before it flows into the screw air compressor. Excess lubricating oil flows into the cooling module, is cooled by the cooling module, and then flows back to the screw air compressor. The heat exchange unit includes a tap water network and a water storage tank. The ambient water temperature in the incoming water network is 10℃-20℃. The incoming water network is connected to the plate heat exchanger, and a flow valve is installed between the incoming water network and the plate heat exchanger. The flow valve controls the water flow into the plate heat exchanger, ensuring that the water in the plate heat exchanger is heated within an appropriate range. The heated water from the ambient water flows into a storage tank, which is connected to external heat-using equipment. A second temperature control valve is installed between the plate heat exchanger and the storage tank. When the water temperature in the plate heat exchanger is greater than or equal to 70℃, the second temperature control valve opens, allowing the heated water to flow into the storage tank for use by the downstream heat-using equipment. The lubricating oil flowing back from the cooling module and the lubricating oil flowing back from the heat exchange module maintain the same temperature, preventing related malfunctions in the screw air compressor due to excessive temperature differences in the lubricating oil after cooling. Other parts of this embodiment are the same as those in the above embodiment and will not be repeated here.
[0027] Example 3:
[0028] This embodiment further defines the water storage tank based on the above embodiments, such as... Figure 2As shown, the water storage tank includes a first tank 1 and a second tank 2. The second tank 2 is disposed inside the first tank 1, with the second tank 2 spaced apart from the first tank 1. Four support columns 5 are provided at the bottom of the second tank 2, and the support columns 5 are welded to both the second tank 2 and the first tank 1. The support columns 5 are used to support the second tank 2 inside the first tank 1, maintaining a certain distance between the second tank 2 and the first tank 1. A water inlet pipe 3 is provided above the second tank 2, passing through the first tank 1 and protruding from its surface. A water outlet pipe 4 is provided at the bottom of the first housing 1, passing through the bottom of the first housing 1 and protruding from the bottom of the first housing 1; four support legs 6 are provided below the first housing 1, which are used to support the first housing 1 and lift it off the ground, and at the same time facilitate the connection of external heating equipment to the water outlet pipe 4; insulation cotton 7 is filled between the first housing 1 and the second housing 2; the bottom of the second housing 2 is designed with a funnel-shaped structure, and the water outlet pipe 4 is located at the geometric center of the bottom of the second housing 2. The funnel-shaped bottom surface of the second housing 2 facilitates the outward discharge of water. The other parts of this embodiment are the same as those of the above embodiment, and will not be repeated here.
[0029] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", and "outer" used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the utility model product is usually placed in during use. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and are not intended to 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.
[0030] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal" or "vertical" in the description of this utility model does not imply that the component is required to be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.
[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0032] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model in any way. Any simple modifications or equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system, characterized in that, The system includes a screw air compressor, a temperature-controlled three-way valve, a heat exchange module, and a cooling module. The temperature-controlled three-way valve is connected to the oil line at the oil outlet of the screw air compressor. The temperature-controlled three-way valve includes a first port and a second port. The heat exchange module is connected to the first port, and the cooling module is connected to the second port. The heat exchange module is connected to the oil return end of the screw air compressor and an external heat-using device, respectively. The heat exchange module cools the lubricating oil and uses the high temperature of the lubricating oil to heat the external heat-using device. The cooling module is connected to the oil return end of the screw air compressor and is used to cool the lubricating oil.
2. The screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the temperature of the lubricating oil flowing into the temperature-controlled three-way valve of the screw air compressor is less than 65°C, the second port opens and the first port closes automatically; when the temperature of the lubricating oil flowing into the temperature-controlled three-way valve of the screw air compressor is greater than or equal to 65°C, both the first port and the second port open.
3. The screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange module includes a plate heat exchanger, an oil return unit, and a heat exchange unit. Both the oil return unit and the heat exchange unit are connected to the plate heat exchanger. The other end of the oil return unit is connected to a screw air compressor, and the heat exchange unit is connected to external heat-using equipment.
4. The screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The oil return unit includes a first temperature control valve, which is located between the plate heat exchanger and the screw air compressor. The first temperature control valve opens when the temperature of the lubricating oil flowing into the oil return unit is less than or equal to 60°C.
5. The screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The heat exchange unit includes a tap water network and a water storage tank. The tap water network is connected to the plate heat exchanger. A flow valve is installed between the tap water network and the plate heat exchanger. The flow valve is used to control the water flow into the plate heat exchanger. The hot water heated by the plate heat exchanger flows into the water storage tank, which is connected to external heat-using equipment.
6. The screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system as described in claim 5, characterized in that, A second temperature control valve is installed between the plate heat exchanger and the water storage tank. When the water temperature in the plate heat exchanger is greater than or equal to 70°C, the second temperature control valve opens, allowing the heated water to flow into the water storage tank.
7. The screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The water storage tank includes a first tank and a second tank, with the second tank disposed within the first tank and spaced apart from it. Multiple support columns are provided at the bottom of the second tank to support the second tank inside the first tank. A water inlet pipe is provided above the second tank, passing through the first tank and protruding from its surface. A water outlet pipe is provided at the bottom of the second tank, passing through the bottom of the first tank and protruding from its bottom. Multiple legs are provided below the first tank to support it and lift it off the ground.
8. The screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The space between the first box and the second box is filled with thermal insulation cotton.
9. The screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom of the second tank is configured as a funnel-shaped structure, and the water outlet pipe is located at the geometric center of the bottom of the second tank.
10. The screw air compressor oil circuit heat recovery system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The cooling module includes a cooler, on which a PLC control unit, a temperature sensor, and a flow sensor are connected; the cooler is connected to a screw air compressor.