Heat energy utilization system and kitchen equipment integration system
By combining an air source heat pump and a heat exchanger, the problem of heat accumulation in the kitchen is solved, achieving cooling and heat energy recovery and utilization, providing hot water supply, reducing energy waste and improving energy efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-13
AI Technical Summary
During cooking, the heat accumulated in the kitchen can easily cause the temperature to rise and be directly released into the external environment, resulting in energy waste.
The heat recovery unit, consisting of an air source heat pump and a heat exchanger, absorbs heat from the kitchen and transfers it to a hot water tank, achieving cooling and heat recovery.
It effectively lowers kitchen temperature, provides hot water, reduces energy waste, improves energy efficiency, reduces carbon emissions, and decreases dependence on fossil fuels.
Smart Images

Figure CN223992272U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of thermal energy utilization technology, specifically a thermal energy utilization system and a kitchen equipment integration system. Background Technology
[0002] When users cook using stoves or ovens, a lot of heat easily accumulates in the kitchen, causing the kitchen temperature to rise. Using fans or air conditioners to dissipate this accumulated heat into the outside environment can effectively lower the kitchen temperature and create a comfortable environment for users. However, directly dissipating the accumulated heat into the outside environment can easily lead to energy waste. Utility Model Content
[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides a thermal energy utilization system and a kitchen equipment integration system.
[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application disclose a thermal energy utilization system, including a control device, a thermal energy recovery unit, and a thermal energy utilization unit;
[0005] The heat recovery unit includes an air source heat pump and a heat exchanger; the air source heat pump is connected to the heat exchanger.
[0006] The thermal energy utilization unit includes a hot water tank; the hot water tank is connected to a heat exchanger;
[0007] The control device is electrically connected to the air source heat pump; the control device is used to control the air source heat pump to start the cooling mode and release heat to the heat exchanger.
[0008] In some possible embodiments,
[0009] An air source heat pump consists of an indoor heat pump unit and an outdoor heat pump unit; the indoor heat pump unit is connected to the outdoor heat pump unit.
[0010] The outdoor unit of the heat pump is connected to a heat exchanger.
[0011] In some possible embodiments,
[0012] The heat exchanger is installed inside the kitchen, near the kitchen's exhaust vents and stove.
[0013] In some possible embodiments,
[0014] An air source heat pump includes an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve; the evaporator is located in the indoor unit of the heat pump, the compressor and condenser are located in the outdoor unit of the heat pump, and the expansion valve is located in either the indoor or outdoor unit of the heat pump.
[0015] In cooling mode, the evaporator absorbs heat and evaporates the liquid refrigerant into a gaseous refrigerant, the compressor compresses the gaseous refrigerant and turns it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, the condenser turns the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and releases heat to the heat exchanger, and the expansion valve controls the flow rate and pressure of the liquid refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit of the heat pump to the indoor unit of the heat pump.
[0016] In some possible embodiments,
[0017] The air source heat pump includes a pressure sensor and a flow meter; the control device is electrically connected to the pressure sensor and the flow meter.
[0018] Pressure sensors are used to measure the pressure of liquid refrigerant, and flow meters are used to measure the flow rate of liquid refrigerant.
[0019] In some possible embodiments,
[0020] The thermal energy utilization unit includes a circulating pump;
[0021] The two ends of the circulating pump are connected to a hot water tank and a faucet, respectively;
[0022] The control device is electrically connected to the circulating pump.
[0023] In some possible embodiments,
[0024] The hot water tank is equipped with a temperature measuring device inside;
[0025] The temperature measuring device is electrically connected to the control device.
[0026] In some possible embodiments,
[0027] The hot water tank is equipped with an internal heating device;
[0028] The heating device is electrically connected to the control device.
[0029] In some possible embodiments,
[0030] The air source heat pump is a variable frequency air source heat pump.
[0031] Secondly, embodiments of this application disclose a kitchen equipment integration system, including the thermal energy utilization system and the air purification system mentioned above.
[0032] The technical solution provided in this application has the following technical effects:
[0033] The thermal energy utilization system of this application embodiment includes a control device, a heat energy recovery unit, and a heat energy utilization unit. The heat energy recovery unit includes an air source heat pump and a heat exchanger; the air source heat pump is connected to the heat exchanger. The heat energy utilization unit includes a hot water tank; the hot water tank is connected to the heat exchanger. The control device is electrically connected to the air source heat pump; the control device is used to control the air source heat pump to start the cooling mode and release heat to the heat exchanger. In this application embodiment, by absorbing heat through the air source heat pump and transferring the heat to the hot water tank through the heat exchanger, the purpose of cooling, hot water supply, and heat energy recovery and utilization are achieved, reducing energy waste. Attached Figure Description
[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and advantages in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a thermal energy utilization system provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working process of a thermal energy utilization system provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation layout of a thermal energy utilization system provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0039] It should be noted that the term "an embodiment" or "embodiment" in the specification of the embodiments of this application refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that can be included in at least one implementation of this application. It should be understood that in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this application, the terms "upper," "lower," "top," "bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. Moreover, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, in the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Additionally, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, or product that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or devices.
[0040] It should be understood that when a device or component is referred to as being "on," "adjacent to," or "connected to" other devices or components, it may be directly on, adjacent to, or connected to other devices or components, or there may be intervening devices or components. Conversely, when a device or component is referred to as being "directly on," "directly adjacent to," or "directly connected to" other devices or components, there are no intervening devices or components. It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various components, areas, layers, and / or parts, these components, areas, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component, area, layer, or part from another component, area, layer, or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this application, the first component, area, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as the second component, area, layer, or part. And the discussion of the second component, area, layer, or part does not imply that the first component, area, layer, or part necessarily exists in this application.
[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages disclosed in the embodiments of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this application.
[0042] This application provides a thermal energy utilization system. This system is installed in spaces prone to heat generation, such as kitchens. The system can lower indoor temperatures and utilize indoor heat to heat domestic or industrial water.
[0043] The heat utilization system in this application is installed in the kitchen to reduce the kitchen temperature and provide hot water supply.
[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a thermal energy utilization system provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the heat energy utilization system includes a control device 1, a heat energy recovery unit, and a heat energy utilization unit. The heat energy recovery unit includes an air source heat pump 2 and a heat exchanger 3, with the air source heat pump 2 connected to the heat exchanger 3. The heat energy utilization unit includes a hot water tank 4, which is connected to the heat exchanger 3. The control device 1 is electrically connected to the air source heat pump 2 and is used to control the air source heat pump 2 to start the cooling mode and release heat to the heat exchanger 3.
[0045] In this embodiment, heat is absorbed by the air source heat pump 2 and transferred to the hot water tank 4 through the heat exchanger 3, thereby achieving the purpose of cooling, hot water supply and heat energy recovery and utilization, and reducing energy waste.
[0046] In this embodiment, the air source heat pump 2 includes an indoor heat pump unit and an outdoor heat pump unit. The indoor heat pump unit is installed inside the kitchen, and the outdoor heat pump unit is installed outside the kitchen. The indoor and outdoor heat pump units are connected by pipes. The outdoor heat pump unit is connected to a heat exchanger 3, and the heat generated by the air source heat pump 2 can be released into the heat exchanger 3.
[0047] In this embodiment, the indoor and outdoor units of the heat pump work together to achieve either a cooling or heating effect. In heating mode, the air source heat pump 2 absorbs heat energy from the outdoor air and then releases it into the room to provide heating. In cooling mode, the air source heat pump 2 absorbs heat energy from the room and then releases it to the outside to achieve a cooling effect.
[0048] In this embodiment, the purpose of reducing indoor temperature is achieved by using the cooling mode of the air source heat pump 2. Therefore, the purpose of each component in the air source heat pump 2 and the cooling principle of the air source heat pump 2 are explained here using the cooling mode of the air source heat pump 2.
[0049] In this embodiment, the air source heat pump 2 includes an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion valve. The evaporator is located in the indoor unit of the heat pump, the compressor and condenser are located in the outdoor unit, and the expansion valve is located in either the indoor or outdoor unit. In cooling mode, the evaporator absorbs heat and evaporates the liquid refrigerant into a gaseous refrigerant; the compressor compresses the gaseous refrigerant and converts it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant; the condenser converts the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant into a liquid refrigerant and releases heat to the heat exchanger 3; and the expansion valve controls the flow rate and pressure of the liquid refrigerant flowing from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit.
[0050] When the cooling mode is activated, the evaporator absorbs heat from the indoor air in the kitchen, causing the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant to evaporate, thus cooling the room. Then, the gaseous refrigerant enters the compressor. Through compression, the temperature and pressure of the gaseous refrigerant increase. Subsequently, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant enters the condenser and is condensed into a liquid state, releasing heat to the heat exchanger 3. Finally, the liquid refrigerant enters the expansion valve, where its pressure and temperature decrease, and it then re-enters the evaporator, completing the cycle.
[0051] In some possible embodiments, the air source heat pump 2 includes a pressure sensor and a flow meter. The control device 1 is electrically connected to the pressure sensor and the flow meter. The pressure sensor measures the pressure of the liquid refrigerant and transmits the pressure data to the control device 1, while the flow meter measures the flow velocity of the liquid refrigerant and transmits the flow velocity data to the control device 1. The control device 1 adjusts the expansion valve in the air source heat pump 2 based on the acquired pressure and flow velocity data.
[0052] In some possible embodiments, the air source heat pump 2 is a variable frequency air source heat pump. The variable frequency air source heat pump 2 employs advanced variable frequency technology, enabling it to automatically adjust its operating frequency and power according to the actual needs of the indoor environment, achieving precise energy regulation. Compared to traditional fixed-frequency heat pump systems, the variable frequency air source heat pump 2 intelligently regulates its operation based on changes in indoor and outdoor temperatures, avoiding energy waste and thus achieving energy efficiency.
[0053] In this embodiment, the air source heat pump 2 automatically adjusts its operating state according to the set temperature to achieve optimal cooling. Compared to traditional air conditioners, the air source heat pump 2 consumes less electricity, achieves higher cooling efficiency, and reduces carbon emissions. Furthermore, the air source heat pump 2 operates with low noise, minimizing disruption to kitchen use.
[0054] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 3 is installed inside the kitchen, near the kitchen's exhaust vent and stove. Heat generated by the stove during cooking is released into the heat exchanger 3, and heat generated by the air source heat pump 2 is also released into the heat exchanger 3. By placing the heat exchanger 3 near the stove and connected to the air source heat pump 2, heat recovery is achieved.
[0055] In some possible embodiments, in cooling mode, the outdoor unit of the heat pump releases heat to the heat exchanger 3; in heating mode, the indoor unit of the heat pump releases heat to the heat exchanger 3.
[0056] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 3 is connected to the hot water tank 4. Heat collected by the heat exchanger 3 from the air source heat pump 2 or the air is transferred to the hot water tank 4, where the domestic water absorbs heat and its temperature rises. By setting up the hot water tank 4 connected to the heat exchanger 3, hot water can be provided to users, realizing the reuse of recovered heat energy and reducing energy waste.
[0057] In some possible embodiments, a temperature measuring device is installed inside the hot water tank 4, and the temperature measuring device is electrically connected to the control device 1. The temperature measuring device can measure the temperature of the water in the hot water tank 4 and transmit the water temperature value to the control device 1.
[0058] In some possible embodiments, a heating device is installed inside the hot water tank 4, and the heating device is electrically connected to the control device 1. The heating device uses water from the hot water tank 4. When the heat transferred to the hot water tank 4 by the heat exchanger 3 is insufficient to heat the domestic water in the hot water tank 4 to a preset temperature, the heating device in the hot water tank 4 can be activated by the control device 1, thereby heating the water to the preset temperature for user use.
[0059] In some possible embodiments, a level gauge is installed inside the hot water tank 4, and the level gauge is electrically connected to the control device 1. The level gauge can obtain the water level in the hot water tank 4 and transmit the water level to the control device 1. When the water level is lower than a first preset height, the control device 1 controls the water inlet device connected to the hot water tank 4 to replenish the hot water tank 4; when the water level is higher than a second preset height, the control device 1 controls the water inlet device connected to the hot water tank 4 to stop replenishing the hot water tank 4.
[0060] In this embodiment of the application, the heat collected by the heat exchanger 3 to heat domestic water has the following advantages: effectively utilizing kitchen waste heat, reducing energy waste, and improving energy efficiency; using waste heat to heat domestic water, reducing hot water costs; reducing dependence on fossil fuels, reducing carbon emissions, and making it more environmentally friendly and energy-saving.
[0061] In this embodiment, the thermal energy utilization unit includes a circulation pump. The two ends of the circulation pump are connected to a hot water tank 4 and a faucet, respectively, and the circulation pump is used to circulate hot water from the hot water tank 4 to the faucet. A control device 1 is electrically connected to the circulation pump and is used to regulate the operation of the circulation pump.
[0062] In some possible embodiments, the circulation pump can be connected to multiple faucets located in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms via pipes.
[0063] In some possible embodiments, the user can activate the circulation pump via control device 1 when hot water is needed to obtain hot water. The user can also configure control device 1 to automatically activate the circulation pump when the hot water temperature in hot water tank 4 exceeds a preset temperature.
[0064] In this embodiment, the control device 1 is electrically connected to both the hot water tank 4 and the air source heat pump 2. The control device 1 sends a water temperature monitoring request to the hot water tank 4, and the hot water tank 4 returns the current water temperature data to the control device 1. The control device 1 sends a cooling command to the air source heat pump 2, which receives the command and begins cooling operation. During cooling, the air source heat pump 2 absorbs indoor heat, lowering the indoor temperature. The control device 1 continuously monitors the cooling status of the air source heat pump 2, which returns cooling status data to the control device 1. The control device 1 then adjusts the cooling operation of the air source heat pump 2 based on the received cooling status data. During cooling, the air source heat pump 2 transfers heat to the heat exchanger 3 while cooling the water. The heat exchanger 3 transfers the received heat to the hot water tank 4, raising the water temperature in the tank. If the water temperature in the hot water tank 4 is lower than the required temperature, the control device 1 sends a heating command to the tank. The hot water tank 4 receives the command and activates its heating device to heat the water.
[0065] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working process of a thermal energy utilization system provided in an embodiment of this application, such as... Figure 2As shown, the workflow of the heat energy utilization system is as follows: The user sets the desired temperature in the control device 1 according to their needs. When the desired temperature is lower than the actual indoor temperature, the control device 1 controls the air source heat pump 2 to start the cooling mode according to the set desired temperature. Under the action of the air source heat pump 2, the indoor temperature begins to decrease until it reaches the user's set desired temperature. At the same time, the heat generated by the air source heat pump 2 in the cooling mode is transferred to the heat exchanger 3. The heat exchanger 3 transfers the received heat to the hot water tank 4, and the water in the hot water tank 4 absorbs heat and its temperature rises. When the control device 1 controls the circulation pump to start, the circulation pump can transport the hot water in the hot water tank 4 to the faucet through pipes. The user can then obtain hot water by turning on the faucet. The control device 1 can automatically adjust the operation of the air source heat pump 2 by monitoring the indoor temperature and the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant in the air source heat pump 2. Through the above workflow, the heat energy utilization system can achieve optimal cooling effect and hot water supply.
[0066] In this embodiment, a modular design is adopted, with components such as the air source heat pump 2, heat exchanger 3, and hot water tank 4 installed independently. This modular design simplifies the installation process, allowing users to either seek professional assistance or install the components themselves. Furthermore, the independent installation of each component facilitates regular maintenance and upkeep.
[0067] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation layout of a thermal energy utilization system provided in an embodiment of this application, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the interior of the kitchen is represented by a box. The various components of the heat energy utilization system are independently installed inside and outside the kitchen, but are interconnected. A kitchen sink and faucet are installed in one corner of the kitchen. A kitchen exhaust vent is located in another corner, below which a heat exchanger 3 is installed and connected to the exhaust vent. An indoor and outdoor heat pump unit are installed near the heat exchanger 3, with the indoor unit inside the kitchen and the outdoor unit outside, connected to the heat exchanger 3. A hot water tank 4 is installed inside the kitchen and connected to the heat exchanger 3. A circulation pump is installed near the hot water tank 4 and connected to it. The circulation pump is connected to the kitchen faucet. A control system is located on the right side of the kitchen, electrically connected to the air source heat pump 2 and the hot water tank 4.
[0068] This application also provides a kitchen equipment integration system, including the aforementioned heat energy utilization system and air purification system. This air purification system can detect the air quality inside the kitchen and purify the air when the indoor air quality is substandard.
[0069] It should be noted that the order of the embodiments described above is merely for descriptive purposes and does not represent the superiority or inferiority of the embodiments. Furthermore, specific embodiments have been described above. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions or steps described in the claims can be performed in a different order than that shown in the embodiments and still achieve the desired result. Additionally, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require a specific or sequential order to achieve the desired result. In some embodiments, multitasking and parallel processing are also possible or may be advantageous.
[0070] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the device embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.
[0071] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above embodiments can be implemented by hardware or by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a read-only memory, a disk, or an optical disk.
[0072] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A thermal energy utilization system, characterized by, The system comprises a control device, a heat energy recovery unit and a heat energy utilization unit. The heat energy recovery unit comprises an air source heat pump and a heat exchanger; the air source heat pump is connected to the heat exchanger. The heat energy utilization unit comprises a hot water tank; the hot water tank is connected to the heat exchanger. The control device is electrically connected to the air source heat pump; the control device is used to control the air source heat pump to start a refrigeration mode and release heat to the heat exchanger.
2. The thermal energy utilization system of claim 1, wherein, The air source heat pump comprises a heat pump indoor unit and a heat pump outdoor unit; the heat pump indoor unit is connected to the heat pump outdoor unit. The heat pump outdoor unit is connected to the heat exchanger.
3. The thermal energy utilization system of claim 2, wherein, The heat exchanger is installed inside a kitchen, and the heat exchanger is adjacent to an exhaust port and a cooking appliance in the kitchen.
4. The thermal energy utilization system of claim 2, wherein The air source heat pump comprises an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser and an expansion valve; the evaporator is located in the heat pump indoor unit, the compressor and the condenser are located in the heat pump outdoor unit, and the expansion valve is located in the heat pump indoor unit or the heat pump outdoor unit. In the refrigeration mode, the evaporator is used to absorb heat and evaporate liquid refrigerant into gaseous refrigerant, the compressor is used to compress the gaseous refrigerant and make the gaseous refrigerant become high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, the condenser is used to make the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant become liquid refrigerant and release heat to the heat exchanger, and the expansion valve is used to control the flow speed and pressure of the liquid refrigerant flowing from the heat pump outdoor unit to the heat pump indoor unit.
5. The thermal energy utilization system of claim 4, wherein, The air source heat pump comprises a pressure sensor and a flow meter; the control device is electrically connected to the pressure sensor and the flow meter. The pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, and the flow meter is used to measure the flow speed of the liquid refrigerant.
6. The thermal energy utilization system of claim 1, wherein The heat energy utilization unit comprises a circulating pump. Two ends of the circulating pump are respectively connected to the hot water tank and a faucet. The control device is electrically connected to the circulating pump.
7. The thermal energy utilization system of claim 1, wherein A temperature measuring device is arranged inside the hot water tank. The temperature measuring device is electrically connected to the control device.
8. The thermal energy utilization system of claim 7, wherein, A heating device is arranged inside the hot water tank. The heating device is electrically connected to the control device.
9. The thermal energy utilization system of claim 2, wherein, The air source heat pump is a variable frequency air source heat pump.
10. A kitchen equipment integration system characterized by, The system comprises a heat energy utilization system and an air purification system. The system comprises a heat energy utilization system and an air purification system.