Water curtain air conditioning system for cooling and dehumidifying by cold water

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water curtain air-conditioning system for cooling and dehumidifying by cold water, which comprises a refrigerating system and at least one water curtain device connected with the refrigerating system through a pipeline, each water curtain device is connected with a water curtain control system, and the refrigerating system is used for cooling liquid water conveyed into the water curtain device; the water curtain device is provided with a water screen, and liquid water forms a water flow surface in direct contact with air on the water screen; each water curtain device is provided with an air monitoring device and a water temperature monitoring device, the air monitoring devices and the water temperature monitoring devices are connected with the water curtain control system, the air monitoring devices are used for monitoring the temperature and humidity of air near the water curtain devices, and the water temperature monitoring devices are used for monitoring the water temperature of water at the water flow surface positions on the water curtain devices; and when the difference between the water temperature of the water flow surface and the dew point temperature of the air reaches a set threshold value, the water curtain device stops running. The water vapor is condensed on the surface of the low-temperature water flow surface, cooling and dehumidification can be achieved at the same time, a control system is additionally arranged, intelligent control is achieved, and energy consumption of a building is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of building heating, ventilation and air conditioning system technology, and in particular to a water curtain air conditioning system for cooling and dehumidifying with cold water. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of technology and productivity, various air conditioning systems are frequently used to adjust and control the temperature and humidity of the environment in order to improve the quality of life and ensure that the environmental temperature and humidity parameters in the target space are within a set range. Common air conditioning systems include convection air conditioners and radiant air conditioners. While convection air conditioners can cool and dehumidify the air, they have drawbacks such as outdoor unit noise, discomfort caused by cold air blowing, and high auxiliary energy consumption. Furthermore, they can easily lead to hygiene problems if not cleaned and maintained properly. Unlike traditional convection air conditioners, radiant air conditioners, also known as radiant heating and cooling systems, utilize the principle of radiation to directly transfer heating and cooling energy to people and objects, thereby achieving the purpose of regulating indoor temperature.

[0003] Radiant air conditioning does not rely on airflow to transfer energy; instead, it uses radiant heat exchange through building surfaces such as walls, floors, or ceilings, thus providing a more uniform and comfortable indoor environment. Floor radiant, ceiling radiant, capillary radiation from ceilings or walls, and metal radiant ceilings are common terminal forms of radiant air conditioning systems. Because radiant air conditioning primarily relies on radiant heat exchange, it can provide sufficient heat at lower temperatures (like underfloor heating) or sufficient cooling at higher temperatures, thereby reducing energy consumption. Secondly, it transfers heat through large surfaces. This method more closely resembles the heat exchange patterns of the natural environment, avoiding direct exposure to cold or hot air, resulting in greater comfort.

[0004] However, all of the aforementioned radiant air conditioning terminal configurations require the HVAC system to employ independent temperature and humidity control. This means that radiation only addresses temperature, while humidity is handled by the fresh air system (also known as an air handling unit) or a dehumidifier. Common fresh air system configurations include air handling units with dehumidification functions and dual-source fresh air systems. Airflow can be organized using floor-mounted or skirting board air supply methods, with bottom supply and top return. Since it does not dehumidify while controlling temperature, condensation is prone to occur. Condensation or excessive humidity can easily lead to mold growth, and the risks of condensation and mold limit the surface temperature and cooling performance of the radiant air conditioning terminal units.

[0005] Therefore, the issues of temperature and humidity control in radiant air conditioning systems need to be addressed separately and independently, as well as the problem of condensation. Utility Model Content

[0006] The main purpose of this utility model is to provide a water curtain air conditioning system for cooling and dehumidifying with cold water, which aims to solve the technical problems of existing radiant air conditioning systems where temperature and humidity need to be controlled independently and condensation is prone to occur.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a water curtain air conditioning system for cooling and dehumidifying with cold water, including a refrigeration system and at least one water curtain device connected to the refrigeration system pipeline. Each water curtain device is connected to a water curtain control system. The refrigeration system is used to cool the liquid water delivered to the water curtain device. The water curtain device is provided with a water screen, on which the liquid water forms a water flow surface that is in direct contact with the air.

[0008] Each of the water curtain devices is equipped with an air monitoring device and a water temperature monitoring device, which are connected to the water curtain control system. The air monitoring device is used to monitor the air temperature and humidity near the water curtain device, and the water temperature monitoring device is used to monitor the water temperature at the water flow surface position on the water curtain device. When the difference between the water temperature at the water flow surface and the dew point temperature of the air reaches a set threshold, the water curtain device stops operating.

[0009] Optionally, in one embodiment, the water curtain device is provided with a heat exchange component and a return water pump. The heat exchange component is disposed on the pipeline of the refrigeration system that transports liquid water to the water curtain, and the return water pump is used to pump out the liquid water in the water curtain device.

[0010] Optionally, in one embodiment, the water screen has an inclined angle with the horizontal plane, the inclined angle being greater than 0, and the liquid water extends on the surface of the water screen to form the water flow surface.

[0011] Optionally, in one embodiment, the tilt angle is 90°.

[0012] Optionally, in one embodiment, liquid water is transported to the top of the water screen after passing through the heat exchange component and flows downward along the water screen. The liquid water is collected at the lower end of the water screen and pumped out of the water curtain device by the return water pump.

[0013] Optionally, in one embodiment, the water curtain device includes a plurality of the hydrophobic glass panels, with a landscape wall between adjacent hydrophobic glass panels.

[0014] Optionally, in one embodiment, the water curtain device has a water supply tank at the top and a return water tank at the bottom, and a top cover at the top of the water supply tank to prevent the evaporation of liquid water in the water supply tank.

[0015] Optionally, in one embodiment, the water curtain device includes a drain pipe in the return water tank to discharge the liquid water in the return water tank.

[0016] Optionally, in one embodiment, the surface of the water screen is curved or flat.

[0017] Optionally, in one embodiment, the water screen is a hydrophobic glass plate.

[0018] In the technical solution provided by this utility model, the refrigeration system is the cold source, and the water curtain device is the cooling terminal. The refrigeration system cools and delivers liquid water to each water curtain device connected to it, ensuring that the liquid water input into the water curtain device is at a set temperature. The refrigeration system can be connected to multiple water curtain devices. The liquid water on the surface of the water curtain device is cold water, forming a water flow surface that directly contacts the air. The water flow surface directly contacts the air, thereby radiating heat exchange to lower the air temperature. Using cold water as the radiating surface, water vapor in the air condenses on the lower-temperature water flow surface, removing excess moisture from the air. While cooling, it also dehumidifies. The condensed water dissolves in the cold water, preventing condensation. Thus, cooling and dehumidification can be performed simultaneously. Air and water temperature monitoring devices are used to monitor the air and water temperatures respectively. The system operation is controlled based on the temperature difference between the air dew point temperature and the water surface temperature, achieving intelligent and automated system shutdown. Attached Figure Description

[0019] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are denoted as similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings are not to be limited by scale.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure of an embodiment of the water curtain air conditioning system for cooling and dehumidifying cold water according to this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the water curtain device of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the water curtain device of this utility model.

[0023] In the diagram, 1 is a water screen; 2 is a water supply tank; 3 is a return water tank; and 4 is a landscape wall. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "fixed to" another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and similar expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only. Thus, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. The term "comprising" and any variations thereof mean non-exclusive inclusion, where one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, units, components, and / or combinations thereof may be present or added.

[0025] Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections via an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two components. All technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0027] In regions with hot summers and mild winters, the air is mostly in a state of high temperature and high humidity. High temperature and humidity are not only unfavorable for the work and life of people gathering together, but also easily induce the growth and reproduction of mold, leading to the damage or decay of goods. In order to improve people's satisfaction with the environment, cooling and dehumidifying the air is a necessary environmental treatment method.

[0028] Reference Figure 1This application provides an embodiment of a water curtain air conditioning system for cooling and dehumidifying with cold water. The water curtain air conditioning system for cooling and dehumidifying with cold water in this embodiment includes a refrigeration system and at least one water curtain device connected to the refrigeration system piping. Each water curtain device is connected to a water curtain control system. The refrigeration system is used to cool the liquid water delivered to the water curtain device. The water curtain device is equipped with a water screen, on which the liquid water forms a water flow surface that is in direct contact with the air. Each water curtain device is equipped with an air monitoring device and a water temperature monitoring device. The air monitoring device is used to monitor the air temperature and humidity near the water curtain device, and the water temperature monitoring device is used to monitor the water temperature at the water flow surface position on the water curtain device. When the difference between the water temperature of the water flow surface and the dew point temperature of the air reaches a set threshold, the water curtain device stops operating.

[0029] In this embodiment, the refrigeration system serves as the cold source for the water curtain device, ensuring that the liquid water input into the water curtain device maintains a low and stable temperature. The water curtain device acts as the terminal for cooling and dehumidification. One refrigeration system can connect to one or more water curtain devices, and a single refrigeration system can supply chilled water at a set temperature to multiple terminals. This chilled water is ordinary water; the refrigeration system acts as the cold source to lower the temperature of the liquid water flowing through it, typically reducing it to 7-8°C. Simultaneously, since the refrigeration system and the water curtain device are used independently and controlled separately, while providing chilled water to the water curtain device and meeting the power requirements for cooling and dehumidification, the refrigeration system can also simultaneously serve as a cold source for other cooling needs, such as a cold source for central air conditioning.

[0030] In the water curtain device, cold water spreads out on the water screen, forming a water flow surface that directly contacts the air. This direct contact allows for radiative heat exchange, lowering the air temperature. Using the cold water as a radiating surface, water vapor in the air condenses on the cooler water surface, removing excess moisture. This cooling and dehumidifying process simultaneously prevents condensation as the condensed water dissolves in the cold water. The device achieves both cooling and dehumidification at the same time, resulting in a comfortable, noiseless, and energy-efficient experience. The experience of being near a water curtain device is similar to that of being near a rockery or waterfall in a garden, where the rockery acts as a large heat storage body providing cooling to the air, and the waterfall functions as the flowing water surface of the water curtain device.

[0031] The water screen provides support for the water flow surface, and the unit volume of cold water has a large contact area with the air per unit time, which helps to accelerate the cooling rate and reduce the space temperature as quickly as possible.

[0032] Each water curtain device has an air monitoring unit to monitor the air temperature and humidity within its placement space, and a water temperature monitoring unit to monitor the water temperature on the water surface of the water curtain. The monitoring results are transmitted to the water curtain control system. When the difference between the water temperature on the water surface and the dew point temperature of the air reaches a set threshold, the control system stops the operation of both the water circulation device and the water curtain device. When the difference between the air dew point temperature and the cold water temperature is less than 4K, the cooling and dehumidification capacity of the water curtain device becomes very small, failing to achieve effective cooling and dehumidification. To prevent energy waste, the operation of the water curtain device needs to be stopped; therefore, the set threshold is set to 4K. By using air and water temperature monitoring devices to monitor the air and water temperatures respectively, and controlling the system operation based on the temperature difference between the air dew point temperature and the water surface temperature, intelligent and automated system shutdown is achieved. Furthermore, the control method is simple.

[0033] The water curtain device in this embodiment is suitable for installation in large spaces such as open offices, conference rooms, and lobbies in public buildings. It is only used in the summer when the cooling load is high. During the off-season, the liquid water in the water curtain device is drained; when summer arrives, it can be refilled and restarted.

[0034] In one embodiment, the water curtain device includes a heat exchange component and a return water pump. The heat exchange component is installed on the pipeline that supplies liquid water from the refrigeration system to the water screen, and the return water pump is used to pump the liquid water out of the water curtain device. After heat exchange, the plate heat exchanger in the heat exchange component generates approximately 2K of temperature increase, raising the temperature of the cold water supplied to the water screen from 7-8°C (output from the refrigeration system) to 9-10°C. When the cold water temperature on the water screen is maintained at 9-10°C, the water curtain device provides good cooling and dehumidification with low energy consumption. The return water pump controls the continuous emptying of the liquid water from the water curtain device, preventing liquid water from stagnating and ensuring a continuous flow of liquid water on the water screen, thus preventing long-term stagnation.

[0035] refer to Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the water screen 11 in the water curtain device has an inclined angle with the horizontal plane. To minimize the space occupied by the water curtain device, the inclined angle is greater than 0°, and in this embodiment, the inclined angle is 90°. The inclined water screen 1 provides support for the surface spreading of cold water, allowing a small amount of cold water to have a large radiation area, increasing the contact area between the cold water and the air per unit volume, and accelerating the cooling rate of the space while keeping the water temperature constant. The vertically arranged water screen 1 allows the cold water to flow from top to bottom under the action of gravity. Both the front and back of the water screen 1 can form a flowing water surface for radiative heat exchange, making full use of the surface layer of the hydrophobic glass plate, increasing the contact area between the flowing water surface and the air per unit volume of space, and accelerating the cooling rate. Utilizing gravity to allow the cold water to flow naturally on the water screen 1 further reduces energy consumption.

[0036] In one embodiment, the water screen 1 is a hydrophobic glass plate. The hydrophobic surface of the glass plate reduces the adhesion resistance of water, allowing cold water to flow smoothly across its surface. Furthermore, the custom shape of the glass plate is inexpensive, which helps reduce the production cost of the water curtain device in a water curtain air conditioning system for cooling and dehumidification.

[0037] refer to Figure 3 In one embodiment, the water curtain device includes multiple water screens 1, i.e., multiple hydrophobic glass panels, with a landscape wall 4 between adjacent hydrophobic glass panels. The landscape wall 4 can be green plants, ornaments, etc., and is designed as an indoor landscape. This allows the water curtain device to remain a landscape feature even when it is not in use.

[0038] refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment, the water curtain device has a water supply tank 2 at the top of the water screen 1. The water supply tank 2 collects cold water supplied to the water curtain device from the supply end of the circulation pipe, allowing the cold water to form a uniform water layer on the water screen 1. A return water tank 3 is located at the bottom of the water screen 1. The return water tank 3 collects the liquid water that has absorbed heat and heated up after flowing through the water screen 1. A return water pump pumps the liquid water from the tank out of the water curtain device. Generally, the pumped liquid water is returned to the refrigeration system for recooling and recycling. This reuse of liquid water by the return water pump is beneficial for water resource conservation. A top cover is provided on the top of the water supply tank 2 to prevent the evaporation of the liquid water. The cover also prevents dust and debris from falling into the water supply tank 2, keeping the cold water flowing through the water screen 1 clean.

[0039] In one embodiment, the water curtain device has a drain pipe in the return water tank 3 to drain the liquid water inside. Prolonged repeated dehumidification increases the total amount of liquid water in the entire water circulation device; timely drainage prevents overflow. It also facilitates the removal of liquid water from the water circulation device and water curtain device during unsuitable seasons.

[0040] In one embodiment, the surface of the water screen 1 is curved or flat. The water screen 1 can be plate-shaped with a flat surface, or it can be a hollow column with an arc-shaped curved surface, allowing cold water to flow and spread across its surface.

[0041] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Under the concept of this utility model, the technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can also be combined, the steps can be implemented in any order, and there are many other variations of different aspects of this utility model as described above. For the sake of brevity, they are not provided in detail. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. These modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A cold water cooling and dehumidifying water curtain air conditioning system, characterized in that, The water curtain device comprises a refrigeration system and at least one water curtain device connected with the refrigeration system, each of the water curtain devices is connected with a water curtain control system, the refrigeration system is used to cool liquid water delivered into the water curtain device, and the water curtain device is provided with a water screen on which a water flow surface directly contacts with air. Each of the water curtain devices is provided with an air monitoring device and a water temperature monitoring device, the air monitoring device and the water temperature monitoring device are connected with the water curtain control system, the air monitoring device is used to monitor air temperature and humidity near the water curtain device, the water temperature monitoring device is used to monitor water temperature of water at a water flow surface position of the water curtain device, and the water curtain device stops running when a difference between the water temperature of the water flow surface and a dew point temperature of air reaches a set threshold value.

2. The chilled water cooling and dehumidifying waterfall air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein, The water curtain device is provided with a heat exchange assembly and a water return pump, the heat exchange assembly is arranged on a pipeline through which the refrigeration system delivers liquid water to the water screen, and the water return pump is used to pump out liquid water in the water curtain device.

3. The chilled water cooling and dehumidifying waterfall air conditioning system of claim 2, wherein, The water screen has an inclined angle with a horizontal plane, the inclined angle is greater than 0, and liquid water spreads on a surface of the water screen to form the water flow surface.

4. The chilled water cooling and dehumidifying waterfall air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein, The inclined angle is 90°.

5. The chilled water cooling and dehumidifying waterfall air conditioning system of claim 4, wherein, Liquid water is delivered to a top end of the water screen along the water screen after passing through the heat exchange assembly, and the liquid water flows downward along the water screen and is collected at a lower end of the water screen and then pumped out of the water curtain device by the water return pump.

6. The chilled water cooling and dehumidifying waterfall air conditioning system of claim 5, wherein, The water curtain device comprises a plurality of hydrophobic glass plates, and adjacent two of the hydrophobic glass plates have a landscape wall therebetween.

7. The chilled water cooling dehumidifying waterfall air conditioning system of claim 5, wherein, On the water curtain device, the top end of the water screen is provided with a water supply groove, the bottom end of the water screen is provided with a water return groove, the water supply groove is provided with a top cover at a top portion of the water supply groove, and the top cover is used to prevent evaporation of liquid water in the water supply groove.

8. The chilled water cooling and dehumidifying waterfall air conditioning system of claim 7, wherein, On the water curtain device, the water return groove is provided with a drain pipe to drain liquid water in the water return groove.

9. The chilled water cooling and dehumidifying waterfall air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein, The surface of the water screen is a curved surface or a flat surface.

10. The chilled water cooling and dehumidifying water- screen air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein, The water screen is a hydrophobic glass plate.

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