Air conditioning system

Abstract

The utility model provides an air conditioning system which comprises a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor subcooler, a throttling element and an indoor subcooler, the indoor heat exchanger, the outdoor heat exchanger, the outdoor subcooler, the throttling element, the indoor subcooler and the indoor heat exchanger are sequentially connected, and the four-way valve is provided with a first valve port, a second valve port, a third valve port and a fourth valve port. The first valve port is connected to an exhaust port of the compressor, the second valve port is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, the third valve port is connected to the indoor heat exchanger, and the fourth valve port is connected to an air suction port of the compressor. According to the air-conditioning system, when the air-conditioning system is used for refrigerating or heating, the condensing process and the supercooling process are separately and independently carried out, so that the temperature and the pressure of each process can be more accurately controlled, unnecessary energy loss is reduced, the heat exchange efficiency of each process is higher due to the design of the independent heat exchanger, the overall energy efficiency of the system is improved, and the service life of the system is prolonged. The higher energy efficiency and lower energy consumption also means lower operation cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of air conditioning technology, and specifically relates to an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] Subcooling is a crucial step in air conditioning systems, involving further cooling of the saturated refrigerant liquid that has already completed the condensation process. The main purpose of subcooling is to reduce the occurrence of flash gas before throttling, ensuring the reliability of the throttling device. Additionally, subcooling increases the latent heat of the refrigerant entering the evaporator, thereby improving the cooling capacity of the air conditioning system.

[0003] Currently, the condensation and subcooling processes in air conditioning systems are usually completed in the same heat exchanger. Although this design simplifies the system structure, it leads to inaccurate temperature and pressure control during the condensation and subcooling processes, thereby reducing the system's energy efficiency ratio. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, this utility model provides an air conditioning system that can solve the technical problem that in existing air conditioning systems, the condensation and subcooling processes are usually completed in the same heat exchanger, which leads to inaccurate temperature and pressure control of the condensation and subcooling processes, thereby reducing the system's energy efficiency ratio.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides an air conditioning system comprising a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an outdoor subcooler, a throttling element, an indoor subcooler, and an indoor heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger, outdoor subcooler, throttling element, indoor subcooler, and indoor heat exchanger are connected sequentially. The four-way valve has a first valve port, a second valve port, a third valve port, and a fourth valve port. The first valve port is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor, the second valve port is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger, the third valve port is connected to the indoor heat exchanger, and the fourth valve port is connected to the intake port of the compressor.

[0006] In some embodiments, a first control valve is provided in the flow path between the throttling element and the indoor subcooler, and the flow path between the throttling element and the first control valve is connected to the flow path between the indoor subcooler and the indoor heat exchanger via a first branch.

[0007] In some embodiments, a first node is formed at the connection between the flow path between the indoor subcooler and the indoor heat exchanger and the first branch, and a second control valve is provided on the flow path between the first node and the indoor subcooler.

[0008] In some implementations, a third control valve is provided on the first branch.

[0009] In some embodiments, a fourth control valve is provided in the flow path between the outdoor subcooler and the throttling element, and the flow path between the throttling element and the fourth control valve is connected to the flow path between the outdoor heat exchanger and the outdoor subcooler through a second branch.

[0010] In some embodiments, a second node is formed at the connection between the flow path between the outdoor heat exchanger and the outdoor subcooler and the second branch, and a fifth control valve is provided on the flow path between the second node and the outdoor subcooler.

[0011] In some implementations, a sixth control valve is provided on the second branch.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air conditioning system further includes a gas-liquid separator, the inlet of which is connected to the fourth valve port, and the outlet of which is connected to the suction port of the compressor.

[0013] In some embodiments, the outdoor heat exchanger is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a finned heat exchanger; and / or, the outdoor subcooler is a shell-and-tube subcooler or a finned subcooler.

[0014] In some embodiments, the indoor heat exchanger is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a finned heat exchanger; and / or, the indoor subcooler is a shell-and-tube subcooler or a finned subcooler.

[0015] The air conditioning system provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] When the air conditioning system is cooling, the outdoor side is the condensing side. Because the outdoor heat exchanger and outdoor subcooler are set up separately, the condensation and subcooling processes on the outdoor side can be carried out separately and independently. When the air conditioning system is heating, the indoor side is the condensing side. Because the indoor heat exchanger and indoor subcooler are set up separately, the condensation and subcooling processes on the indoor side can also be carried out separately and independently. That is, in the air conditioning system of this application, the condensation and subcooling processes are carried out separately and independently during cooling or heating, so the temperature and pressure of each process can be controlled more precisely, reducing unnecessary energy loss. Moreover, the independent heat exchanger design makes the heat exchange efficiency of each process higher, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the system. Higher energy efficiency and lower energy consumption also mean lower operating costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art can derive other embodiments based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction of the air conditioning system in cooling mode according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction of the air conditioning system in heating mode according to Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction of the air conditioning system in cooling mode according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the refrigerant flow direction when the air conditioning system is in heating mode according to Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0024] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0025] 1. Compressor; 2. Four-way valve; 3. Outdoor heat exchanger; 4. Outdoor subcooler; 5. Throttling element; 6. Indoor subcooler; 7. Indoor heat exchanger; 8. First control valve; 9. Second control valve; 10. Third control valve; 11. Fourth control valve; 12. Fifth control valve; 13. Sixth control valve; 14. Gas-liquid separator. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present utility model or its application or use. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms 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 the scope of protection of this utility model. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours of each component itself.

[0028] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0030] See also Figures 1 to 6 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, an air conditioning system is provided, including a compressor 1, a four-way valve 2, an outdoor heat exchanger 3, an outdoor subcooler 4, a throttling element 5, an indoor subcooler 6, and an indoor heat exchanger 7. The outdoor heat exchanger 3, the outdoor subcooler 4, the throttling element 5, the indoor subcooler 6, and the indoor heat exchanger 7 are connected in sequence. The four-way valve 2 has a first valve port, a second valve port, a third valve port, and a fourth valve port. The first valve port is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor 1, the second valve port is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 3, the third valve port is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 7, and the fourth valve port is connected to the suction port of the compressor 1.

[0031] In this technical solution, when the air conditioning system is cooling, the outdoor side is the condensing side. Since the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor subcooler 4 are set separately, the condensation and subcooling processes on the outdoor side can be carried out separately and independently. When the air conditioning system is heating, the indoor side is the condensing side. Since the indoor heat exchanger 7 and the indoor subcooler 6 are set separately, the condensation and subcooling processes on the indoor side can be carried out separately and independently. That is, in the air conditioning system of this application, the condensation and subcooling processes are carried out separately and independently during cooling or heating. Therefore, the temperature and pressure of each process can be controlled more precisely, reducing unnecessary energy loss. Moreover, the independent heat exchanger design makes the heat exchange efficiency of each process higher, thereby improving the overall energy efficiency of the system. Higher energy efficiency and lower energy consumption also mean lower operating costs. Among them, the throttling element 5 can be an electronic expansion valve.

[0032] It should be noted that the first valve port is the D port of the four-way valve 2 in each attached drawing, the second valve port is the C port of the four-way valve 2 in each attached drawing, the third valve port is the E port of the four-way valve 2 in each attached drawing, and the fourth valve port is the S port of the four-way valve 2 in each attached drawing.

[0033] See also Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, a first control valve 8 is provided in the flow path between the throttling element 5 and the indoor subcooler 6. The flow path between the throttling element 5 and the first control valve 8 is connected to the flow path between the indoor subcooler 6 and the indoor heat exchanger 7 through a first branch.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the air conditioning system is cooling, the CD and ES ports of the four-way valve 2 are connected. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 after being diverted by the four-way valve 2, condensing into a saturated liquid. The saturated liquid then enters the outdoor subcooler 4 for further cooling, achieving the subcooling process. The subcooled refrigerant liquid flows through the throttling element 5 for throttling. When the first control valve 8 cuts off the flow from the throttling element 5 to the indoor subcooler 6, the throttled refrigerant liquid flows directly into the indoor heat exchanger 7 through the first branch for evaporation. The evaporated refrigerant gas is then diverted by the four-way valve 2 and re-intake into the compressor 1 for compression, thus completing the cycle. By setting the first control valve 8 and the first branch, the throttled refrigerant liquid can be prevented from flowing into the non-working indoor subcooler 6, thereby ensuring that the throttled refrigerant liquid directly enters the indoor heat exchanger 7 for evaporation. The first control valve 8 can be a solenoid valve or a check valve. When the first control valve 8 is a check valve, the check valve cuts off the flow from the throttling element 5 to the indoor subcooler 6 and opens the flow from the indoor subcooler 6 to the throttling element 5.

[0035] See also Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the connection between the flow path between the indoor subcooler 6 and the indoor heat exchanger 7 and the first branch forms a first node, and a second control valve 9 is provided on the flow path between the first node and the indoor subcooler 6.

[0036] In this technical solution, when the air conditioning system is cooling, the CD and ES ports of the four-way valve 2 are connected, and the first control valve 8 cuts off the flow from the throttling element 5 to the indoor subcooler 6, the refrigerant flowing through the first branch can be prevented from flowing back into the non-working indoor subcooler 6 by setting the second control valve 9 to cut off the flow from the first node to the indoor subcooler 6. The second control valve 9 can be a solenoid valve or a check valve. When the second control valve 9 is a check valve, it cuts off the flow from the indoor subcooler 6 to the first node and allows flow from the first node to the indoor subcooler 6.

[0037] See also Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, a third control valve 10 is installed on the first branch.

[0038] In this embodiment, when the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the DE and CS ports of the four-way valve 2 are connected. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7 and condenses into a saturated liquid after being diverted by the four-way valve 2. When the third control valve 10 cuts off the flow in the first branch, the saturated liquid completely enters the indoor subcooler 6 for further cooling, achieving the subcooling process. The subcooled refrigerant liquid is throttled by the throttling element 5 and then enters the outdoor side for evaporation. The evaporated refrigerant gas is diverted by the four-way valve 2 and then drawn back into the compressor 1 for compression, thus completing the cycle. By setting the third control valve 10, the saturated liquid condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 7 can be prevented from flowing through the first branch, thus ensuring that the condensed saturated liquid can completely enter the indoor subcooler 6 for subcooling. The third control valve 10 can be a solenoid valve or a check valve. When the third control valve 10 is a check valve, it cuts off the flow from the first node to the other end of the first branch and opens the flow from the other end of the first branch back to the first node.

[0039] See also Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, a fourth control valve 11 is provided in the flow path between the outdoor subcooler 4 and the throttling element 5. The flow path between the throttling element 5 and the fourth control valve 11 is connected to the flow path between the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor subcooler 4 through a second branch.

[0040] In this technical solution, when the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the DE and CS ports of the four-way valve 2 are connected. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7 after being redirected by the four-way valve 2, condensing into a saturated liquid. The saturated liquid then enters the indoor subcooler 6 for further cooling, achieving the subcooling process. The subcooled refrigerant liquid then flows through the throttling element 5 for throttling. When the fourth control valve 11 cuts off the flow from the throttling element 5 to the outdoor subcooler 4, the throttled refrigerant liquid flows directly into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 via the second branch for evaporation. The evaporated refrigerant gas is then redirected by the four-way valve 2 and re-intake into the compressor 1 for compression, thus completing the cycle. By setting the fourth control valve 11 and the second branch, the throttled refrigerant liquid can be prevented from flowing into the non-working outdoor subcooler 4, ensuring that the throttled refrigerant liquid directly enters the outdoor heat exchanger 3 for evaporation. The fourth control valve 11 can be a solenoid valve or a check valve. When the fourth control valve 11 is a check valve, the check valve cuts off the flow from the throttling element 5 to the outdoor subcooler 4 and opens the flow from the outdoor subcooler 4 to the throttling element 5.

[0041] See also Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the connection between the flow path between the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the outdoor subcooler 4 and the second branch forms a second node, and a fifth control valve 12 is installed on the flow path between the second node and the outdoor subcooler 4.

[0042] In this embodiment, when the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the DE and CS ports of the four-way valve 2 are connected, and the fourth control valve 11 cuts off the flow from the throttling element 5 to the outdoor subcooler 4, the refrigerant flowing through the second branch can be prevented from flowing back into the non-working outdoor subcooler 4 by setting the fifth control valve 12 to cut off the flow from the second node to the outdoor subcooler 4. The fifth control valve 12 can be a solenoid valve or a check valve. When the fifth control valve 12 is a check valve, it cuts off the flow from the outdoor subcooler 4 to the second node and allows flow from the second node to the outdoor subcooler 4.

[0043] See also Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, a sixth control valve 13 is installed on the second branch.

[0044] In this technical solution, when the air conditioning system is cooling, the CD and ES ports of the four-way valve 2 are connected. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and condenses into a saturated liquid after being diverted by the four-way valve 2. When the sixth control valve 13 cuts off the flow of the second branch, the saturated liquid will completely enter the outdoor subcooler 4 for further cooling, thus achieving the subcooling process. The subcooled refrigerant liquid is throttled by the throttling element 5 and enters the indoor side for evaporation. The evaporated refrigerant gas is diverted by the four-way valve 2 and is drawn back into the compressor 1 for compression, thereby completing the cycle. By setting the sixth control valve 13, the saturated liquid condensed by the outdoor heat exchanger 3 can be prevented from flowing through the second branch, thus ensuring that the condensed saturated liquid can completely enter the outdoor subcooler 4 for subcooling. The sixth control valve 13 can be a solenoid valve or a check valve. When the sixth control valve 13 is a check valve, it cuts off the flow from the second node to the other end of the second branch and opens the flow from the other end of the second branch to the second node.

[0045] See also Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the air conditioning system also includes a gas-liquid separator 14, the inlet of which is connected to a fourth valve port, and the outlet of which is connected to the suction port of the compressor 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the gas-liquid separator 14 can be provided to prevent the compressor 1 from drawing in liquid.

[0047] It is understandable that when an air conditioning system includes a first control valve 8, a second control valve 9, a third control valve 10, a fourth control valve 11, a fifth control valve 12, and a sixth control valve 13, if the air conditioning system is cooling, the refrigerant flow in the system is as follows: compressor 1 - four-way valve 2 - outdoor heat exchanger 3 - fifth control valve 12 - outdoor subcooler 4 - fourth control valve 11 - throttling element 5 - third control valve 10 - indoor heat exchanger 7 - four-way valve 2 - gas-liquid separator 14 - compressor 1, as shown below. Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown; if the air conditioning system is in heating mode, the refrigerant flow in the system is: compressor 1 - four-way valve 2 - indoor heat exchanger 7 - second control valve 9 - indoor subcooler 6 - first control valve 8 - throttling element 5 - sixth control valve 13 - outdoor heat exchanger 3 - four-way valve 2 - gas-liquid separator 14 - compressor 1, as shown. Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown.

[0048] It should be noted that the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the indoor heat exchanger 7 can be shell-and-tube heat exchangers or finned heat exchangers, and the outdoor subcooler 4 and the indoor subcooler 6 can be shell-and-tube subcoolers or finned subcoolers. Figures 1 to 3In the air conditioning system shown, both the outdoor heat exchanger 3 and the indoor heat exchanger 7 are shell-and-tube heat exchangers, and both the outdoor subcooler 4 and the indoor subcooler 6 are shell-and-tube subcoolers. One heat exchange channel of each of the outdoor and indoor shell-and-tube heat exchangers and subcoolers is connected to a cooling tower, while the other channel participates in the refrigerant circulation within the system. The cooling water in the cooling tower exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the system in the outdoor and indoor shell-and-tube heat exchangers and subcoolers, respectively, to achieve condensation and subcooling. Similarly, one heat exchange channel of each of the indoor shell-and-tube heat exchangers and subcoolers is connected to the user side, while the other channel participates in the refrigerant circulation within the system. The water on the user side exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the system in the indoor shell-and-tube heat exchangers and subcoolers, respectively. The cooled or hot water after heat exchange is then driven to the terminal for user cooling or heating. Figures 4 to 6 In the air conditioning system shown, the outdoor heat exchanger 3 is a finned heat exchanger, the indoor heat exchanger 7 is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, the outdoor subcooler 4 is a finned subcooler, and the indoor subcooler 6 is a finned subcooler. Fans are installed next to both the outdoor finned heat exchanger and the outdoor finned subcooler; the fans achieve condensation and subcooling during operation. One heat exchange channel of the indoor shell-and-tube heat exchanger and the indoor shell-and-tube subcooler is connected to the user side, while the other heat exchange channel participates in the refrigerant circulation within the system. The water on the user side exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the system in the indoor shell-and-tube heat exchanger and the indoor shell-and-tube subcooler, respectively. The cooled or hot water after heat exchange is then driven to the terminal for user cooling or heating.

[0049] Finally, it should be noted that the air conditioning system of this application adopts a series condenser and subcooler mode to form a multi-stage cooling system. The condenser initially condenses the refrigerant into a two-phase fluid with low dryness or a liquid fluid with zero dryness. The subsequent subcooler is used to further cool the refrigerant, reducing its temperature below the saturation temperature to achieve subcooling.

[0050] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that, without conflict, the advantageous technical features of the above-mentioned methods can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0051] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. The above are only preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, characterized in that, The system includes a compressor (1), a four-way valve (2), an outdoor heat exchanger (3), an outdoor subcooler (4), a throttling element (5), an indoor subcooler (6), and an indoor heat exchanger (7). The outdoor heat exchanger (3), the outdoor subcooler (4), the throttling element (5), the indoor subcooler (6), and the indoor heat exchanger (7) are connected in sequence. The four-way valve (2) has a first valve port, a second valve port, a third valve port, and a fourth valve port. The first valve port is connected to the exhaust port of the compressor (1), the second valve port is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger (3), the third valve port is connected to the indoor heat exchanger (7), and the fourth valve port is connected to the suction port of the compressor (1).

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first control valve (8) is provided in the flow path between the throttling element (5) and the indoor subcooler (6), and the flow path between the throttling element (5) and the first control valve (8) is connected to the flow path between the indoor subcooler (6) and the indoor heat exchanger (7) through a first branch.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow path between the indoor subcooler (6) and the indoor heat exchanger (7) forms a first node at the connection with the first branch, and a second control valve (9) is provided on the flow path between the first node and the indoor subcooler (6).

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, A third control valve (10) is installed on the first branch.

5. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A fourth control valve (11) is provided in the flow path between the outdoor subcooler (4) and the throttling element (5). The flow path between the throttling element (5) and the fourth control valve (11) is connected to the flow path between the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and the outdoor subcooler (4) through a second branch.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The connection between the flow path of the outdoor heat exchanger (3) and the outdoor subcooler (4) and the second branch forms a second node, and a fifth control valve (12) is provided on the flow path between the second node and the outdoor subcooler (4).

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, characterized in that, A sixth control valve (13) is installed on the second branch.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a gas-liquid separator (14), the inlet of which is connected to the fourth valve port, and the outlet of which is connected to the suction port of the compressor (1).

9. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outdoor heat exchanger (3) is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a finned heat exchanger; and / or, the outdoor subcooler (4) is a shell-and-tube subcooler or a finned subcooler.

10. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The indoor heat exchanger (7) is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a finned heat exchanger; and / or, the indoor subcooler (6) is a shell-and-tube subcooler or a finned subcooler.

Images