Flash tank for air source heat pump

Abstract

The utility model discloses a flash tank for an air source heat pump. The flash tank comprises a tank body, a liquid inlet pipe, a liquid outlet pipe and an air outlet pipe, the tank is of a hollow structure, an upper end cover is arranged at the upper end of the tank, a lower end cover is arranged at the lower end of the tank, and the upper end cover and the lower end cover are used for sealing the tank to form a closed container. The liquid inlet pipe is arranged at the lower part of the side wall of the tank body, is connected with an external throttle valve and is used for introducing a refrigerant into the tank body; the liquid outlet pipe penetrates through the lower end cover to the interior of the tank body, is connected with an external throttling capillary tube and is used for leading out a liquid refrigerant from the interior of the tank body; the air outlet pipe penetrates through the upper end cover into the tank body, is connected with an enthalpy spraying opening of an external compressor and is used for leading out a gaseous refrigerant from the tank body; the liquid inlet pipe, the liquid outlet pipe and the gas outlet pipe are fixedly connected with the tank body respectively and are provided with pipe sections inserted into the tank body. Through the arrangement, the flash tank is reasonable in structural arrangement, the separation efficiency of refrigerants can be improved, and the operation stability of the heat pump is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of refrigeration and heat pump system technology, and in particular to a flash tank for an air source heat pump. Background Technology

[0002] An air source heat pump is an energy-saving device that transfers heat from the ambient air to a target space for heating, and is widely used in building heating and hot water systems. To improve the heating performance of air source heat pumps in low-temperature environments, vapor injection enthalpy enhancement technology is introduced into the refrigeration cycle. The flash tank, as a key component, is used to achieve refrigerant flash depressurization and gas-liquid separation. Specifically, the condensed high-pressure refrigerant enters the flash tank, where it forms a gas-liquid two-phase system through flash evaporation. The liquid portion enters the evaporator for further heat exchange, while the gaseous portion is delivered to the compressor's enthalpy injection port to increase the system's enthalpy value and heat output capacity.

[0003] However, existing flash tank structures have certain shortcomings in terms of gas-liquid separation efficiency, pipeline layout rationality, and compatibility with various system components. On the one hand, the arrangement of the inlet, outlet, and outlet pipes in some flash tanks is unreasonable, failing to fully consider the refrigerant flow direction and gravity separation path, which can easily lead to low separation efficiency or even liquid being accidentally drawn into the compressor, affecting system stability. On the other hand, the lack of precise design for the insertion structure and installation position of each interface results in restricted gas-liquid flow paths, increased system resistance, and affects the overall heat pump efficiency. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the purpose of this invention is to provide a flash tank for air-source heat pumps. This flash tank has a rationally designed structure, which improves refrigerant separation efficiency and enhances the stability of heat pump operation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A flash tank for an air source heat pump includes: a tank body, an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a gas outlet pipe; the tank body is a hollow structure with an upper end cover and a lower end cover, which are used to seal the tank body to form a closed container; the inlet pipe is located on the lower part of the side wall of the tank body and is connected to an external throttling valve for introducing refrigerant into the tank body; the outlet pipe passes through the lower end cover to the inside of the tank body and is connected to an external throttling capillary tube for drawing liquid refrigerant out of the tank body; the gas outlet pipe passes through the upper end cover to the inside of the tank body and is connected to the enthalpy nozzle of an external compressor for drawing gaseous refrigerant out of the tank body; the inlet pipe, outlet pipe, and gas outlet pipe are fixedly connected to the tank body and each has a section inserted into the inside of the tank body.

[0007] Furthermore, the diameter of the tank, R1, is equal to (560 × V / π). 1 / 2Where V is the compressor displacement, in cm³. 3 / rev; The height of the tank L1 = 4.5 × R1.

[0008] Furthermore, the length of the horizontal section of the inlet pipe from the bottom surface of the lower end cap is L3 = 0.4 × L1; the inner diameter of the inlet pipe is R2 = 0.08 × R1, and the length inserted into the tank is L4 = 0.042 × L1.

[0009] Furthermore, the length of the horizontal section of the inlet pipe is a1 = 5 × R2, and the length of the vertical section is a2 = 4 × R2.

[0010] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the outlet pipe is R4 = 0.08 × R1, and its insertion length into the tank is L2 = 0.048 × L1, and the pipe length of the outlet pipe is a3 = 7 × R4.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the vent pipe is R3 = 0.1 × R1, and its insertion length into the tank is L5 = 0.048 × L1, and the pipe length of the vent pipe is a4 = 9 × R3.

[0012] Furthermore, the inlet pipe, outlet pipe, and vent pipe are all made of oxygen-free copper, and the thickness of each pipe is greater than or equal to 0.6 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0013] Furthermore, both the upper and lower end caps are made of cold-rolled carbon steel plates, and the thickness of the upper and lower end caps is greater than or equal to 1.2 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm.

[0014] The aforementioned flash tank for air source heat pumps features a vertically arranged inlet, outlet, and outlet pipes. Combined with gravity, this effectively achieves gas-liquid separation. Gaseous refrigerant is drawn from the top to the compressor for vapor injection and enthalpy enhancement, while liquid refrigerant is drawn from the bottom and sent to the evaporator for further heat exchange. All piping uses an insertion structure, improving connection stability and fluid guidance, thus enhancing overall heating efficiency and reducing operating energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the flash tank provided by this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the flash tank provided by this utility model;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid inlet pipe provided by this utility model;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid outlet pipe provided by this utility model;

[0019] Figure 5This is a structural schematic diagram of the air outlet pipe provided by this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0021] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application provides a flash tank for an air source heat pump, including: a tank body 1, an inlet pipe 4, an outlet pipe 5, and an outlet pipe 6.

[0022] Specifically, the tank 1 has a hollow structure with an upper end cover 2 at the top and a lower end cover 3 at the bottom. The upper end cover 2 and the lower end cover 3 are used to seal the tank 1 to form a closed container. The liquid inlet pipe 4 is located on the lower part of the side wall of the tank 1 and is connected to an external throttling valve to introduce refrigerant into the tank 1. The liquid outlet pipe 5 passes through the lower end cover 3 to the inside of the tank 1 and is connected to an external throttling capillary tube to draw liquid refrigerant out of the tank 1. The gas outlet pipe 6 passes through the upper end cover 2 to the inside of the tank 1 and is connected to the enthalpy nozzle of an external compressor to draw gaseous refrigerant out of the tank 1. The liquid inlet pipe 4, the liquid outlet pipe 5, and the gas outlet pipe 6 are fixedly connected to the tank 1 and each has a pipe section that is inserted into the inside of the tank 1.

[0023] The above setup achieves efficient flash evaporation and gas-liquid separation of the refrigerant within the flash tank. The gaseous refrigerant is directly fed into the compressor to improve heating efficiency, while the liquid refrigerant is used in the subsequent evaporation process, enhancing the overall heat exchange performance of the system. Furthermore, the insertion-type structure of each connecting pipe helps optimize the refrigerant flow path, avoiding localized turbulence or short circuits and improving system operational stability. The entire device is compact, easy to install, and convenient for subsequent maintenance.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the diameter R1 of tank 1 is (560 × V / π). 1 / 2 Where V is the compressor displacement, in cm³. 3 / rev; The height of tank 1, L1 = 4.5 × R1. By setting this parameter, the flash tank can automatically adapt its volume to different compressor models, improving equipment versatility and system compatibility. The optimized ratio between height and cylinder diameter enhances the directionality and layering of refrigerant flow within tank 1, contributing to a stronger gas-liquid separation process.

[0025] More specifically, the horizontal section of the inlet pipe 4 is 0.4 × L1 in length from the bottom of the lower end cover 3; the inner diameter of the inlet pipe 4 is 0.08 × R1, and its insertion length into the tank 1 is 0.042 × L1. These design parameters help improve the flow field during the initial flash evaporation of the refrigerant. By scientifically setting the inlet height and pipe diameter, uniform gas-liquid distribution and clear phase separation are achieved. This layout not only improves the system's thermal efficiency but also reduces energy consumption and noise levels.

[0026] like Figure 3 As shown, the horizontal section length of the inlet pipe 4 is a1 = 5 × R2, and the vertical section length is a2 = 4 × R2. This pipe design not only achieves flow regulation during the liquid inlet process but also significantly improves the gas-liquid separation performance inside the flash tank. By rationally matching the length parameters, violent liquid fluctuations and splashing are avoided, thus improving the system's heat exchange stability and operational safety.

[0027] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the inner diameter of the outlet pipe 5 is R4 = 0.08 × R1, and its insertion length into the tank 1 is L2 = 0.048 × L1. The pipe length of the outlet pipe 5 is a3 = 7 × R4. This configuration significantly improves the extraction efficiency and separation quality of the liquid refrigerant. The appropriate insertion length ensures that only the pure liquid phase is exported, enhancing system stability and reducing the risk of compressor overload.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the inner diameter of the outlet pipe 6 is R3 = 0.1 × R1, and its insertion length into the tank 1 is L5 = 0.048 × L1. The pipe length of the outlet pipe 6 is a4 = 9 × R3. This structural design significantly improves the efficiency of gaseous refrigerant discharge and the reliability of the jet enthalpy enhancement system. The large cross-section and precisely positioned outlet channel avoids gas-liquid mixing, reduces system energy loss, and improves the overall heating performance of the heat pump.

[0029] Furthermore, the inlet pipe 4, outlet pipe 5, and outlet pipe 6 are all made of oxygen-free copper, with a thickness greater than or equal to 0.6 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm. By using oxygen-free copper, the inlet pipe 4, outlet pipe 5, and outlet pipe 6 exhibit excellent corrosion resistance during long-term operation, reducing maintenance frequency and replacement costs, and extending the overall service life of the unit. The reasonable control of pipe thickness not only improves the structural stability of the system but also optimizes the energy transfer process, further enhancing the overall heat exchange efficiency of the system.

[0030] Furthermore, both the upper end cover 2 and the lower end cover 3 are made of cold-rolled carbon steel plate, with a thickness of greater than or equal to 1.2 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm. By selecting cold-rolled carbon steel plate as the end cover material, the overall sealing performance and mechanical strength of the tank body 1 are ensured; its standard thickness range takes into account both pressure resistance and manufacturing cost, making it suitable for mass production and ensuring a uniform and stable structure.

[0031] The above description of embodiments of the present invention, through which those skilled in the art are able to implement or use the present invention, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelty disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An air source heat pump flash tank characterized by, include: The tank (1) is a hollow structure with an upper end cap (2) at the top and a lower end cap (3) at the bottom. The upper end cap (2) and the lower end cap (3) are used to seal the tank (1) to form a closed container. Liquid inlet pipe (4), the liquid inlet pipe (4) is located on the lower part of the side wall of the tank (1) and is connected to an external throttle valve for introducing refrigerant into the tank (1); The liquid outlet pipe (5) passes through the lower end cap (3) to the inside of the tank body (1) and is connected to the external throttling capillary tube for drawing out liquid refrigerant from the tank body (1); The outlet pipe (6) passes through the upper end cover (2) to the inside of the tank (1) and is connected to the enthalpy injection port of the external compressor for drawing out gaseous refrigerant from the tank (1); The inlet pipe (4), outlet pipe (5) and outlet pipe (6) are fixedly connected to the tank body (1) respectively, and each has a pipe section inserted into the tank body (1).

2. The flash tank for an air source heat pump according to claim 1, characterized by, The diameter of the tank (1) is R1 = (560 × V / π). 1 / 2 Where V is the compressor displacement, in cm³. 3 / rev; The height of the tank (1) is L1=4.5×R1.

3. The flash tank for an air source heat pump according to claim 2, characterized by, The length L3 of the horizontal section of the inlet pipe (4) from the bottom surface of the lower end cap (3) is 0.4×L1; the inner diameter R2 of the inlet pipe (4) is 0.08×R1, and the length L4 inserted into the tank (1) is 0.042×L1.

4. The flash tank for an air source heat pump according to claim 3, characterized by, The horizontal section length of the inlet pipe (4) is a1=5×R2, and the vertical section length is a2=4×R2.

5. The flash tank for an air source heat pump of claim 2, wherein, The inner diameter of the outlet pipe (5) is R4=0.08×R1, and its length inserted into the tank (1) is L2=0.048×L1. The length of the outlet pipe (5) is a3=7×R4.

6. The flash tank for an air source heat pump of claim 2, wherein, The inner diameter of the vent pipe (6) is R3=0.1×R1, and its length inserted into the tank (1) is L5=0.048×L1. The length of the vent pipe (6) is a4=9×R3.

7. The flash tank for an air source heat pump of claim 1, wherein, The inlet pipe (4), outlet pipe (5) and outlet pipe (6) are all made of oxygen-free copper. The thickness of the inlet pipe (4), outlet pipe (5) and outlet pipe (6) is greater than or equal to 0.6 mm and less than or equal to 1 mm.

8. The flash tank for an air source heat pump of claim 1, wherein, The upper end cover (2) and the lower end cover (3) are both made of cold-rolled carbon steel plate, and the thickness of the upper end cover (2) and the lower end cover (3) is greater than or equal to 1.2 mm and less than or equal to 2 mm.

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